Kenyan fintech startup Leja has achieved a significant milestone by processing US$2 billion in B2B payments since launching its B2B payments service earlier this year. This remarkable achievement underscores Leja’s commitment to bridging the gap between micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and financial institutions, empowering small businesses by streamlining payment management and providing tools to improve efficiency, thereby setting the stage for growth and better access to formal financial resources.
Leja’s innovative app helps businesses transition from traditional pen-and-paper methods to digital recordkeeping, integrating seamlessly with mobile money platforms. Since its inception three years ago, Leja has onboarded over 1.4 million MSMEs. The company’s 2024 milestone reflects a 30 percent month-over-month growth rate and a cumulative 300 percent increase in B2B transactions within a year.
“The rapid adoption of the Leja app over the past year highlights the power of local solutions tailored to underserved markets. We’re proud to address the challenges MSMEs face, including limited access to affordable payment options and working capital financing. Many MSMEs previously relied on costly and inconvenient methods like cash, which impacted their operations,” said Tekwane Mwendwa, co-founder and CEO of Leja.
Currently, only 10 percent of Leja’s users utilize the B2B payment feature, but the company aims to grow this to 50 percent, unlocking significant transaction volume and revenue potential. On the lending side, Leja plans to expand its reach from five percent to 20 percent by partnering with financial institutions and NGOs to bridge the MSME credit gap.
Leja also has ambitious plans to expand into two additional East African markets by Q2 2025. By leveraging its innovative data-driven credit scoring and payment solutions, Leja aims to drive revenue growth while advancing financial inclusion.
“Our mission is to close the substantial credit gap that hinders MSME growth, enabling micro-SMEs across Africa to thrive,” Mwendwa said. “We’re committed to delivering accessible and scalable solutions while providing strong returns for our investors.”
Leja’s strategic focus on empowering MSMEs through digital transformation and financial inclusion is poised to make a lasting impact on the economic landscape of East Africa. By providing MSMEs with the tools they need to manage payments efficiently and access credit, Leja is helping to create a more inclusive and dynamic financial ecosystem.
As Leja continues to expand its services and reach, the company remains dedicated to its core mission of empowering small businesses and driving economic growth across the region. With its innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, Leja is well-positioned to lead the way in transforming the financial landscape for MSMEs in Africa.
