Pezesha (Kenya)

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Pezesha, whose name means “financial enabler” in Swahili, is an award-winning fintech marketplace founded in late 2016 and headquartered in Nairobi. The platform connects micro- and small enterprises (SMEs) across East Africa to working-capital loans by matching them—via embedded credit scoring based on alternative data (cash flow, transaction history)—with banks, microfinance institutions, and other lenders. In partnership with e-commerce platforms, mobile money providers, and distribution networks, Pezesha underwrites short-term loans at scale and promotes inclusive access to formal finance.

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In 2024, Pezesha served nearly 8,000 SMEs and hosted over 150 free financial literacy workshops for emerging entrepreneurs—advancing its mission to bridge the financing gap and reduce inequalities in access to financial services.