Kenyan fintech firm Leja has announced that its B2B payment service has processed $2 billion (approximately Sh259 billion in transactions since its launch earlier this year.

The company attributed this growth to a 30 per cent month-on-month increase in transactions, culminating in a 300 per cent rise in B2B payments over the past year.

According to Leja, its app has onboarded over 1.4 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) since its inception three years ago.

The company says nearly 60 per cent of its clients are women and youth-led businesses, sectors that traditionally face difficulties accessing affordable credit and managing high transaction fees.

Leja said its app enables MSMEs to digitise their operations, reduce supplier payment fees, improve sales tracking, and access long-term loans for the first time.

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By building detailed financial data profiles, the company says MSMEs can demonstrate creditworthiness to lenders and overcome challenges like lack of credit history.

In a statement, Leja’s Co-Founder and CEO, Tekwane Mwendwa, said the app has helped businesses transition from costly and inefficient payment methods.

“The rapid adoption of the Leja App over the past year highlights the power of local solutions tailored to underserved markets," Mwendwa said.

"We’re proud to address the challenges MSMEs face, including limited access to affordable payment options and working capital financing. Many MSMEs previously relied on costly and inconvenient methods like cash, which impacted their operations."

Leja reported that only 10 per cent of its users currently utilise the app’s B2B payment feature, but it plans to grow this figure to 50 per cent, unlocking greater transaction volumes and revenue.

The company also said it aims to increase the proportion of users accessing its lending services from 5 per cent to 20 per cent through collaborations with financial institutions and NGOs.

Looking ahead, Leja says it plans to expand into two additional East African markets by the second quarter of 2025.

The company stated that its data-driven credit scoring and payment solutions would support its goal of advancing financial inclusion and driving revenue growth in the region.

Mwendwa reaffirmed Leja's mission to close the credit gap hindering MSME growth across Africa, ensuring accessible, scalable solutions for businesses while providing strong returns for its investors.