Kenyan fintech startup Leja has achieved remarkable growth, processing $2 billion (about Ksh250) in payments since launching its B2B payments service in Kenya earlier this year, through its Leja App. This milestone reflects a 30% month-over-month growth rate and a cumulative 300% increase in B2B transactions within a year.
Mr Tekwane Mwendwa, Co-Founder and CEO of Leja, said the Leja App helps businesses move from pen-and-paper to digital record-keeping, integrating seamlessly with mobile money platforms. This enables MSMEs to streamline their operations by reducing supplier payment fees, tracking sales, and, for the first time, accessing high-value, long-term loans.
By building comprehensive data profiles, MSMEs can overcome barriers like a lack of credit history and demonstrate their financial health to lenders. Since its inception three years ago, Leja has onboarded over 1.4 million MSMEs, with nearly 60% of its clients being women and youth-led businesses. These sectors have traditionally faced challenges accessing affordable credit and managing high transaction fees that cut into profit margins.
“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 Mr Mwendwa.
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Currently, he said, only 10% of Leja users utilise the B2B payment feature, but they aim to grow this to 50%, unlocking significant transaction volume and revenue potential,” Mr Tekwane said. “On the lending side, we plan to expand our reach from 5% to 20% by partnering with financial institutions and NGOs to bridge the MSME credit gap.”
Leja 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,” Tekwane concluded. “We’re committed to delivering accessible and scalable solutions while providing strong returns for our investors.”
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