Kenyan fintech startup Leja has facilitated over $2 billion in business-to-business (B2B) payments since its inception, achieving a 30% month-over-month growth rate and a 300% cumulative increase within a year.
This milestone underscores its growing influence on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Leja’s co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tekwane Mwendwa, highlighted the platform’s transformative role in supporting small businesses and addressing critical financial challenges faced by MSMEs.
“The rapid adoption of the Leja App highlights the power of local solutions tailored to underserved markets. We are addressing challenges such as limited access to affordable payment options and working capital financing,” Mr Mwendwa stated.
A standout feature of the Leja App is its ability to generate detailed financial profiles for MSMEs, helping them navigate obstacles like a lack of credit history.
The app transitions users from traditional pen-and-paper bookkeeping to a digital system, integrating with mobile money platforms to simplify financial management, reduce supplier payment fees, track sales, and enable access to high-value, long-term loans.
The CEO expressed optimism about the app’s B2B payment and lending features, which are still gaining traction.
“Currently, only 10% of our users utilize the B2B payment feature, but we aim to grow this to 50%, unlocking significant transaction volume and revenue potential. 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,” he explained.
This functionality has paved the way for small businesses to access affordable credit.
The firm serves over 1.4 million MSMEs, 60% of which are women- and youth-led businesses—groups that often face barriers to affordable credit. By providing tailored financial tools, Leja empowers these enterprises to thrive.
By Q2 of the fiscal year 2025, the fintech intends to expand into two additional East African markets, leveraging its data-driven credit-scoring and payment solutions to advance financial inclusion across the region.
“Our mission is to close the substantial credit gap that hinders MSME growth. We are committed to delivering scalable and accessible solutions that empower micro-SMEs while providing strong returns for our investors,” Mwendwa added.
With its rapid growth and regional expansion plans, Leja is positioned as a significant force in reshaping MSME financing, offering sustainable, efficient, and accessible solutions.
