tappi’s $11 digital solutions boost growth for M-PESA’s 650,000 merchants in Kenya
On Tuesday, October 22, tappi, a digital commerce startup, has partnered with Safaricom to help M-PESA’s network of 650,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya enhance their online presence.
This exciting collaboration aims to provide businesses with tools that improve their credibility and visibility online, giving MSMEs a great chance to succeed in the digital world.
Tappi’s digital services are now part of the M-PESA For Business Super App, which is designed to expand M-PESA’s offerings for its many merchants. With over 60 million active users and connections to 900,000 businesses, M-PESA plays a crucial role in Africa’s digital payment landscape. Despite MSMEs contributing up to 40% of Africa’s GDP, many face challenges, with 80% failing within their first five years. This partnership comes at a perfect time to help address these issues.
As part of the package, tappi offers MSMEs a free webpage, SMS/WhatsApp review integration, and bulk SMS marketing credits—all for a subsidized cost of KSh 1,350 (about $11). These tools are designed to boost customer engagement and make business operations smoother.
The partnership also introduces M-PESA Ratiba, an automated payment solution that helps business owners manage recurring payments easily, minimizing the chances of service disruptions.
This collaboration is a major step in giving Kenyan MSMEs the resources they need to grow their businesses and improve customer interactions. It aims to engage at least 300,000 users of the M-PESA for Business App, launching with an initial group of over 250 users from the food, fashion, health, and beauty sectors in Kenya.
Per Kenfield Griffith, CEO and Co-Founder of tappi, “With over 35 million subscribers, M-PESA has long established itself as the engine through which millions of local entrepreneurs handle their transactions. Many of these businesses are always looking for new customers, and our tools will be a crucial springboard in helping them achieve this online.”
Tappi’s partnership with Safaricom is part of its mission to close the digital gap for Africa’s MSMEs, targeting the continent’s $20 billion market. In May 2024, tappi signed an agreement with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) to enhance digital services for 30,000 MSMEs in Kenya.
This follows their expansion into Côte d’Ivoire in March 2024 through a partnership with MTN, which also includes Nigeria. In December 2023, tappi raised $1.5 million in preseed funding.
Since its launch in 2019, tappi claims to have a 90% customer retention rate, with a payback period of just 1.5 months. The platform has facilitated $3.4 million in consumer transactions and engaged with over 180,000 consumers, highlighting its commitment to digital inclusion and support for MSMEs across Africa.
