Digital commerce startup tappi has announced a new partnership with Safaricom’s M-PESA, offering innovative tools to support Kenya’s vast network of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). With this collaboration, tappi becomes one of the first mini apps featured on the M-PESA For Business Super App, providing digital solutions that enhance online credibility and engagement for M-PESA’s 650,000 business account holders. The partnership reflects tappi’s rapid growth trajectory, targeting digital inclusion for Africa’s MSMEs.
Through this collaboration, M-PESA business merchants can access a specially curated package for just Ksh. 1,350 (approximately $11). The package includes a free webpage, integration of SMS and WhatsApp-based customer reviews, and 250 bulk SMS marketing credits. Additionally, M-PESA Ratiba, a new automated payment feature, will simplify monthly subscription payments directly through the app, helping business owners manage their finances more seamlessly.
Kenfield Griffith, CEO and Co-Founder of tappi, highlighted the partnership’s importance: “This collaboration is a significant milestone for tappi, signaling the value Safaricom and tappi aim to create for MSMEs across Kenya. With over 35 million subscribers, M-PESA has become the cornerstone for millions of local businesses’ transactions, and our tools will enable them to expand within the digital space.”
Expanding MSME Access to Digital Solutions
The partnership aligns with M-PESA’s drive to expand its service offerings to its extensive customer base, which includes over 50 million monthly active users across Africa. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, emphasized the initiative’s focus on financial inclusion, stating, “We are delighted to welcome tappi as our first mini-app partner on the M-PESA Business app. This collaboration aims to equip our merchants with affordable and innovative tools to grow their businesses, contributing to the Kenyan economy.”
With plans to reach at least 300,000 M-PESA For Business app users, tappi’s rollout has already attracted an initial group of 250 businesses in sectors like food, fashion, health, and beauty. The platform complements M-PESA’s existing business app functionalities, which include viewing collections, managing statements, and processing payments directly from the M-PESA till number.
tappi’s Growing Footprint in Africa’s MSME Sector
tappi’s partnership with Safaricom is the latest in a series of initiatives to support Africa’s digital economy. In May 2024, tappi joined forces with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) to drive digital services for 30,000 Kenyan MSMEs. This followed its expansion to Côte d’Ivoire in March 2024 through a partnership with MTN, marking its broader strategy to bridge the digital divide for MSMEs across Africa.
Since its inception in 2019, tappi has built a reputation for supporting MSMEs’ online presence and customer engagement. The platform has already facilitated verified reviews on over $3.4 million worth of consumer transactions and boasts a 90% retention rate with a rapid 1.5-month payback period, showcasing its commitment to digital inclusion.
Addressing Key Challenges for MSMEs in Kenya’s Digital Economy
According to USAID, MSMEs contribute nearly a third of Kenya’s GDP, yet many businesses face barriers to establishing a trusted online presence. These hurdles include complex digital tools, the need for international credit cards, and difficulties in gaining consumer trust on lesser-known platforms. By leveraging tappi’s end-to-end digital commerce stack, MSMEs can easily create online profiles, process payments, and collect verified reviews, building trust and visibility in Kenya’s digital economy.
tappi’s platform offers an intuitive chat-based experience, integrating payments, messaging, and AI to create a seamless digital journey for business owners. This approach serves as the SEO backbone for MSMEs, consolidating payments and boosting online visibility while allowing businesses to pay for ads using mobile airtime—a unique feature for African markets.
