Kenyan fintech startup Leja has processed over $2 billion in business-to-business (B2B) payments since its launch, reflecting a 30 percent month-over-month growth rate and a cumulative 300 percent increase within a year.

The achievement highlights its growing impact on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Leja’s co-founder and CEO, Tekwane Mwendwa, emphasised the transformative impact the platform has had on small businesses and noted the urgency of addressing the financial challenges MSMEs face.

“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,” Mwendwa said.

According to Mwendwa, a key feature of the Leja App is its ability to create comprehensive financial profiles for MSMEs, allowing them to overcome barriers like a lack of credit history.

The Leja App enables MSMEs to transition from traditional pen-and-paper recordkeeping to a streamlined digital system. By integrating seamlessly with mobile money platforms, the app simplifies financial management, reduces supplier payment fees, tracks sales, and facilitates access to high-value, long-term loans.

Mwendwa underscored the potential of the app’s B2B payment and lending features, which are still in their early stages of adoption.

“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 said.

This functionality has opened the door for small businesses to access affordable credit.

Leja’s clientele includes over 1.4 million MSMEs, with 60 percent being women- and youth-led businesses. These groups, often marginalised in access to affordable credit, are now benefiting from Leja’s tailored financial tools.

By the second quarter of the fiscal year 2025, the fintech plans to enter two additional East African markets, leveraging its innovative data-driven credit-scoring and payment solutions to enhance 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.

Leja’s growth trajectory, coupled with its regional expansion plans, positions it as a key player in shaping the future of MSME financing, offering solutions that prioritise sustainability, efficiency, and accessibility.