Category: Banking & Fintech

The 2024 Inua Biashara MSME Exhibition is set to be a cornerstone event for anyone committed to the growth and development of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya. Hosted by the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), the two-day exhibition on 16th and 17th October 2024 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi aims to empower businesses under the theme “Accelerating MSME Development for Sustainable Economic Growth.” It promises a dynamic platform where MSME owners, financial institutions, and government leaders can collaborate to shape the future of the sector.

Safaricom Plc, through its innovative youth platform, Safaricom Hook (S-Hook), has launched the ‘Safaricom Hook Circle,’ a nationwide series of upskilling bootcamps designed to empower young people across Kenya. These bootcamps focus on three key pillars: technology, careers, and culture, aiming to equip the youth with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in today’s dynamic environment. The inaugural event took place at Chuka University in Tharaka Nithi County, attracting over 4,000 participants eager to engage in masterclasses led by various expert partners.

Peach Payments has announced a strategic collaboration with Sukhiba, a Kenya-based CRM platform, to revolutionize WhatsApp-based sales for South African merchants. This partnership will enable merchants to leverage Sukhiba’s innovative technology to integrate their catalogues into WhatsApp, allowing for seamless sales, payments, and delivery scheduling all within the messaging platform. By utilizing WhatsApp, the most popular social media platform in South Africa, merchants will have the opportunity to engage customers more effectively.

Marion Gathoga-Mwangi has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Absa Bank Kenya, following her recent elevation to CEO of Standard Group. This dual appointment underscores her growing influence in the corporate landscape and reflects the high regard in which she is held by her peers. Absa Bank Kenya’s chairman, Charles Muchene, emphasized Gathoga-Mwangi’s distinguished career and the wealth of insights she brings to the board, marking a significant addition to Absa’s strategic direction.

Standard Chartered Bank Uganda and Prudential Uganda have embarked on a strategic partnership to drive financial inclusion through bancassurance. This collaboration aims to expand access to financial services and offer customers long-term financial security solutions, marking a significant step in Uganda’s rapidly growing bancassurance sector.

Emerging market fintech M-KOPA has proudly announced that it has surpassed 5 million customers across Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda. This milestone reflects a significant growth trajectory, with two million customers onboarded in just the past 15 months. The fintech has provided over $1.5 billion (Sh192 billion) in financing, as highlighted in its 2024 annual impact report, showcasing M-KOPA’s commitment to fostering digital and financial inclusion across Africa.

Mrs. Peace Uwase has been appointed to the Board of Directors at Ecobank Rwanda, bringing a wealth of experience in finance and economic policy. With a distinguished career at the National Bank of Rwanda, where she serves as Director General of the Financial Stability Department, she is expected to contribute her strategic expertise to Ecobank’s leadership. Her appointment reflects the bank’s commitment to strengthening its governance and fostering sustainable growth.