Easetrade Launched to Expand African SME Financing
The digital platform offers supply chain financing and credit-scoring tools to reach underserved micro-enterprises.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in International Trade
Live Poll
Do you believe data-driven credit scoring is a reliable way to expand financing for small businesses?
Africa-focused organizations have launched Easetrade, a new digital platform providing supply chain financing and credit-scoring tools to MSMEs. The initiative recently executed a $9.2 million financing agreement with Faulu Microfinance Bank.
Why it matters
The platform addresses a critical $330 billion financing gap for African small businesses, which often struggle to secure credit through traditional banking channels. By leveraging data-driven credit assessment, it aims to help enterprises that currently lack access to formal capital.
The African Development Bank reports that 80% of African SMEs lack formal financing, contributing to a total regional gap of approximately $330 billion. Easetrade aims to mitigate this by disbursing $150 million in loans to 5,000 businesses over three years.
The players
Mastercard Foundation
This global organization works to advance education and financial inclusion to catalyze prosperity in Africa.
Faulu Microfinance Bank
Based in Kenya, this financial institution specializes in providing banking services to small and medium enterprises.
Solv Kenya
This company provides digital marketplace and credit-scoring solutions to support the growth of small businesses.
African Development Bank
This multilateral development finance institution promotes economic growth and social progress across the African continent.
The details
Easetrade uses credit-scoring tools from Solv Kenya and Kaleidofin to assess business viability and cash flow instead of relying on traditional collateral. In addition to capital through dealer finance and invoice discounting, the program provides training in financial literacy and digital record-keeping.
Timeline
The Easetrade platform was launched in October 2026.
The financing of 5,000 businesses is planned over the next 3 years.
Market Landscape
The launch of Easetrade reflects a broader industry movement toward fintech solutions that bypass traditional collateral-based lending barriers. This initiative positions the platform to capture significant market share by addressing the specific credit-scoring gaps identified by the African Development Bank.
Small business owners in the region may see increased access to working capital and invoice discounting services that were previously unavailable. These enterprises will also gain access to training programs focused on improving financial literacy and digital operational skills.
The takeaway
The success of this platform hinges on the accuracy of its alternative credit-scoring models for businesses without formal banking histories. Entrepreneurs looking to participate should prioritize building clean digital transaction records to qualify for these new financing channels.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of global capital movement, visit the International Trade section.
Live Poll
Do you believe data-driven credit scoring is a reliable way to expand financing for small businesses?
