Kenyan digital commerce startup Tappi has joined forces with Safaricom’s M-PESA for Business, aiming to enhance the digital presence of 650,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) within the M-PESA network. Through this partnership, M-PESA merchants will gain tools designed to build their online credibility and reach new customers.
Founded by entrepreneurs Kenfield Griffith and Louis Majanja, Tappi offers a user-friendly software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution that enables business owners to create a digital presence in just three steps. Users can customize their brand’s appearance and promote their businesses across Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads using airtime credit or mobile money.
Since launching in 2022, Tappi has experienced significant growth, capturing over $3 million in verified transactions and engaging more than 150,000 consumers. The startup recently raised $1.5 million in a pre-seed funding round and has since expanded into Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, making inroads into new African markets.
Now, as one of the first mini-apps on the M-PESA for Business platform, Tappi offers a tailored, cost-effective package to M-PESA’s merchants. For KES1,350 ($11), users gain access to a free webpage, 50 SMS/WhatsApp review messages integrated into their sites, and 250 bulk SMS marketing credits. The partnership also includes M-PESA Ratiba, a new automated payment feature that helps business owners handle their subscription payments seamlessly.
“This partnership is a significant milestone for Tappi,” said CEO Kenfield Griffith. “M-PESA has long empowered local entrepreneurs, and our tools will enable these businesses to reach new customers and thrive in a digital economy.” Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, echoed this enthusiasm, noting that Tappi’s digital tools will empower Kenyan MSMEs, helping them grow their businesses and contribute to the local economy.
With an initial cohort of over 250 M-PESA for Business app users across sectors like food, fashion, health, and beauty, the partnership is set to reach at least 300,000 MSMEs, adding digital growth capabilities to M-PESA’s existing suite of business services.
