10th-Nov-2025 • Alice Wambui • Business Payments Platforms
In today's digital world, embracing technology is essential for small businesses to thrive. One of the critical areas where this transformation is evident is business payments. For Kenyan SMEs, the right payment platform can streamline financial operations and promote growth. This article presents top payment platforms designed specifically for small businesses across Kenya and Africa.
LipaNaTill by Equity Bank is a mobile-based Point of Sale (POS) solution that allows SMEs to accept payments using MPESA, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. It's user-friendly, secure, and offers real-time transaction tracking.
M-Shwari is a mobile banking service by Safaricom and National Bank of Kenya that provides digital loans and savings accounts to SMEs. It also allows customers to make payments via MPESA, making it a versatile solution for small businesses.
Tala is a mobile lending app that offers quick loans to SMEs with minimal documentation. The platform uses AI and machine learning to assess creditworthiness based on phone usage data, making it accessible for businesses that may not qualify for traditional loans.
Pesapal is an online payment gateway allowing SMEs to accept payments securely via various methods including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile money. It provides real-time transaction monitoring and reporting features, making it ideal for businesses with an e-commerce presence.
When choosing a payment platform for your SME, consider factors such as security, ease of use, integration capabilities, and customer support. Trial multiple platforms to find the one that best aligns with your business needs. By leveraging these technologies, you can focus on growing your enterprise while leaving the payments hassle behind.
According to a report by FSD Kenya, digital payment adoption in Kenya increased by 17% between June 2019 and June 2020. This growth underscores the importance of embracing digital payment solutions for SMEs looking to thrive in today's fast-paced market.