Safaricom’s M-PESA has joined forces with Kenyan start-up Tappi to boost the digital transformation of 650,000 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Kenya.
Tappi, a comprehensive digital commerce Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, aims to support the growth of SMEs by connecting them with customers and enhancing their online credibility through verified user reviews.
According to a joint press release, this partnership will offer digital solutions to help SMEs improve their online presence and visibility. It represents the next phase of Tappi’s rapid growth over the past year.
The collaboration also aligns with M-PESA’s strategy to expand its services for its 650,000 registered business users and over 50 million active individual users across Africa.
Tappi will be one of the first mini-apps available on M-PESA for Business, providing a subsidized package that allows merchants to build an online presence, collect verified customer reviews, and engage more effectively with a broader customer base.
Kenfield Griffith, CEO and Co-Founder of Tappi, said, “With over 35 million subscribers, M-PESA has established itself as a vital platform for local entrepreneurs to manage transactions. Many of these businesses are actively seeking new customers, and our tools will play a key role in helping them grow in the digital space.”
Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom’s CEO, added, “This partnership is designed to empower our merchants with affordable and innovative tools that can help them scale their businesses. We are committed to fostering financial inclusion by enhancing the capacity of SMEs, improving customer experiences, and contributing to Kenya’s economic growth.”