Watu Credit

🌍 Flying the Watu flag high, one peak at a time! 🚩 Congratulations to Philip Ochola, our IT Infrastructure and Security Manager, who recently summited Lenana Peak, Mt. Kenya (4,985m) on the 7th of September 2024, after a challenging 3-day journey, completing the climb in just 23.5 hours! 🕒 What an amazing feat! 🏔️ Driven by personal goals and his daughters, Kyla and Taji (KyTa), Philip took on this climb with strength and purpose, raising awareness for Trisomy 13 while honouring the memory of a loved one. In his words, “I think there's no better place to scream than the top of a mountain.” Philip's journey is a powerful testament to his dedication. He spent nearly a year preparing for the climb, enduring freezing nights, unpredictable weather, and the absence of his favourite home-cooked meal of ugali and managu. Yet, he pushed through, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his goal. 🌄❄️ “The beautiful sunrise on summit day was an unforgettable sight, it felt amazing to witness nature in its purest form. The scenery was breathtaking, ‘kuwa kwa kichaka’ as I like to call it! And with zero phone network, it gave me plenty of time to connect with my guide, the porters, and other fellow hikers. It was a truly grounding experience.” Through the trek, Philip proudly carried the Watu spirit to new heights, showcasing our drive to reach the top in everything we do. His journey doesn't stop here; he's on a quest to conquer the 7 Mountains Challenge with many more summits. 💪🏾 We're incredibly proud of you, Philip! Keep soaring, and thank you for making us all proud! #Watu4Watu

We're thrilled to have participated in Glovo's #GlovoCourierWeek2024! Our interactive session with boda boda riders on #RoadSafety aligns perfectly with Watu's commitment to safer roads, exemplified by our nationwide Tujenge Msingi initiative. We also had the opportunity to showcase our financial inclusive solutions for underserved customers, highlighting our exciting EV partnership with ARC Ride. A big thank you to the Glovo team for organizing this fantastic event, empowering entrepreneurs to become safer and more environmentally conscious riders. #Watu4Watu #TujengeMsingi #Finacialinclusion #EMobility

What an incredible experience being part of the 12th Africa Fintech Summit in Nairobi! We are thrilled to have joined the conversation led by Erick Massawe and Proud D. about the future of fintech on the continent. Innovation, collaboration, and digital transformation are paving the way for a new era of financial services. We’re proud to be part of a vibrant community that’s pushing boundaries and empowering millions across Africa. From connecting the unconnected to enabling entrepreneurs, we’re excited about the future of fintech and our role in making it happen! A huge thank you to the event organizers for bringing together such brilliant minds and sparking important discussions that will shape the future of financial inclusion in Africa. 🙌 #Watu4Watu #AFTSNairobi2024 #FintechAfrica #FinancialInclusion

Proud D., Group Head of Product, led an engaging panel discussion on Open Banking, AI & Emerging Technologies in Financial Services Delivery at the 12th Africa Fintech Summit. 🚀 As Africa grows as a ‘mobile-first’ continent, the demand for seamless, tech-driven financial solutions is rising. Proud and the panel delved into how AI and emerging technologies are shaping the future of financial services delivery across the continent. Key highlights from the session: Physical touchpoints still matter: Despite the digital shift, the importance of having physical locations cannot be overlooked. Open platforms are key: There's immense potential for open platforms to create revolutionary products in the fintech space. Contactless technology: While promising, the infrastructure and trust needed for widespread adoption in Africa are still developing. AI in financial services: AI is more than just a buzzword—banks and fintechs are already leveraging it for credit scoring, customer service, and beyond. Real-time data analysis and automation are key to providing a personalized and efficient customer experience. Regulation & privacy: As AI grows in the financial world, it’s crucial to work closely with regulators to ensure privacy and data security. The conversation hit on these crucial issues and more, offering valuable insights into how incumbent banks and neobanks address consumer demands, leveraging AI to transform financial services, and exploring the future for Africa's digital banking ecosystem. “Let’s adapt, let’s learn, and let’s play to apply and conceptualize AI in ways that truly transform financial services delivery.” The future of finance in Africa is bright, and Watu is proud to be part of the conversation! #Watu4Watu #AFTSNairobi2024 #Fintech #AI #DigitalBanking

During the panel discussion at the 12th Africa Fintech Summit on 'Laying the Bedrocks of Financial Inclusion—Data, Infrastructure & Connectivity,' Erick Massawe, our Country Manager for Kenya, highlighted how Watu is transforming the logistics space and empowering entrepreneurs through innovative asset financing solutions. “Since our inception, Watu has financed over half a million motorcycles, with 3 out of 4 bikes on the road today being financed by Watu. This plays a vital role in supporting entrepreneurial growth across Africa.” Erick further emphasized, “We have a big mission to empower entrepreneurs by providing the means to own assets—transforming lives and contributing to sectoral transformation.” When asked how Watu, an industry operator, is committed to supporting Africa’s vision of achieving full connectivity by 2035, Erick added, “Watu’s impact extends beyond transportation. Through smartphone financing, we are enabling millions to access the digital space, empowering small businesses and students with the tools they need to thrive. By leveraging innovative channels like the Watu App and social media, we’re deepening our relationships with customers, allowing them to interact with us directly without ever needing to visit a physical branch, showcasing the positives to our customers on how being connected is beneficial.” #Watu4Watu #AFTSNairobi2024 #FinancialInclusion #LastMileConnectivity

Joining Proud D. at #AFTSNairobi Kenya’s Country Manager, Erick Massawe who will be representing Watu in a key panel discussion from 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM EAT on 'Laying the Bedrocks of Financial Inclusion - Data, Infrastructure & Connectivity'. Erick will be sharing insights on how Watu is playing an active role in expanding financial inclusion through our Watu Simu initiative—our phone financing solution aimed at connecting the unconnected and bringing more people into the digital world. For those attending #AFTSNairobi2024, don’t miss out on this engaging conversation. Learn how data, infrastructure, and connectivity are shaping the future of financial services across Africa and how the industry landscape is steadily evolving. #Watu4Watu #AFTSNairobi2024

Linah Momanyi is the epitome of a ‘go-getter.’ From starting out as a chemist clerk to becoming a thriving entrepreneur in Mombasa, her journey is truly inspiring. What started as a spark of inspiration from a friend driving a tuk-tuk has now grown into Linah owning a fleet of nearly 70 tuk-tuks, most of which are financed through Watu’s 3-wheeler loan solution. She also runs a service shop that repairs both her fleet and those belonging to the community. With her sights set on expansion, she’s determined to grow her fleet to 100 tuk tuks, an extraordinary journey we’re proud to support every step of the way. As Linah passionately says, “Tuk tuk is everything to my life, my blood runs tuk tuk.” Don’t miss her full interview on Royal Media Services Limited - Mwanamke Bomba Show, where Linah shares her transformative business journey, what drives her, the challenges she’s overcome, and her empowering advice for women and mothers striving to make their mark. 🔗 Watch here: bit.ly/3ZuE5GP #Watu4Watu #WomenInBusiness #FinancialEmpowerment

We’re thrilled to announce that Watu will participate in the 12th Africa Fintech Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, on September 5th! Our very own Proud Dzambukira, Group Head of Product at Watu, will be moderating a panel discussion on 'Open Banking, AI & Emerging Technologies in Financial Services Delivery’. 🗓️ Date: 5th September 🕛 Time: 12:10 PM - 12:50 PM EAT 📍 Location: J.W. Marriott, Nairobi Joining Proud on the panel are: Djiba Diallo, Senior Fintech Advisor, Ecobank Anthony Dolapo Agbaje, Director, Apis Partners Peter Kawumi, MD – East Africa, Interswitch Frank Molla, Managing Director - Africa, MDP Arthur Mukembo, Future Lab Studio Head, Innovation Village This is set to be an insightful discussion on how emerging technologies are transforming financial services across the continent. If you’re attending #AFTSNairobi2024, make sure to join us for what promises to be a powerful conversation! 🙌 See you there! #Watu4Watu #AFTSNairobi2024

Steve Onyango [Econ, CPA, CISA, MBA] walked a group of students, job seekers and industry leaders at University of Nairobi through the Watu Credit story and our EV plans across Kenya and Africa. Shout out to Ochieng Duncan Elly for arranging the event and making an inspirational speech. Shout to the Watu Brand Team for making things happen and driving our story of #EmpoweringEntpreneurs and #WatuDrivingtheEVAgenda Shout to all panelist for coming through and educating, discussing, sharing industry tips.

Last week, we joined e-mobility disruptors at the University of Nairobi, hosted by Ochieng Duncan Elly. The event focused on the key issues shaping the future of e-mobility, such as the current state of the industry, the training gap, youth engagement, and institutional collaboration. Our Head of Finance and Treasurer at the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya (EMAK), Steve Onyango [Econ, CPA, CISA, MBA], contributed to the panel on 'Current E-Mobility Landscape, Challenges, and Opportunities in Kenya.' He highlighted that electricity costs are nearly half that of petroleum, making EVs a smarter long-term choice financially and environmentally. Steve also emphasized Watu's deeper commitment to the industry, noting, "Watu is not just a financier—we're investors too, with shares in EV manufacturing companies." Some key takeaways: Training gaps: There is a significant need for upskilling and reskilling engineers to meet the evolving demands of the e-mobility sector. Supporting women: Gender equity in training must be prioritized to ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce. Youth engagement: Corporates should provide more internship opportunities to involve youth in closing the skill gap and the youth need to take a personal interest in shaping their academic and professional journey to improve their chances of entering the EV space. Government support: Greater government support is necessary to accelerate the adoption of e-mobility technologies. Institutional collaboration: Stronger partnerships between industry, academia, and government are essential for driving progress. We extend our gratitude to the University of Nairobi, Entrepreneurship Educators Foundation of Eastern Africa, AfricaNEV, and Green Global Footprint Initiative for hosting this vital conversation. We look forward to continuing our work towards advancing e-mobility across Africa and beyond. #Watu4Watu #Emobility #Sustainability