Tappi, a digital commerce startup has partnered with Safaricom PLC to increase the online footprint of its M-PESA based 650,000 Kenyan micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME). With the collaboration, it plans to give these businesses the tools they need to increase their digital credibility and visibility.
Tappi's digital services are now available on the M-PESA For Business Super App, offering MSMEs a free webpage, SMS/WhatsApp review integration, and bulk SMS marketing credits for a subsidized cost of KSh 1,350 (approximately $11).
The partnership also introduces M-PESA Ratiba, an automated payment solution for managing recurring payments. This initiative addresses critical challenges faced by African MSMEs, which contribute up to 40% of the continent's GDP but have an 80% failure rate within their first five years.
The collaboration targets at least 300,000 users of the M-PESA for Business App, initially launching with over 250 users from various sectors.
Tappi's CEO, Kenfield Griffith, emphasized the importance of this partnership in helping local entrepreneurs expand their customer base in an online setting.
This move aligns with Tappi's broader mission to bridge the digital divide for Africa's MSMEs, tapping into a $20 billion market opportunity.
