Safaricom Rolls Out M-PESA Business Credit Options
Safaricom has unveiled new M-PESA business credit facilities aimed at empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Kenya. The move expands digital access to financing for businesses often left out of traditional banking.
The two main products—Fuliza Biashara and Taasi Till—offer overdrafts and term loans respectively, designed to fill the persistent credit gap in the informal sector.
Fuliza Biashara: Overdraft for Merchants
Fuliza Biashara allows Lipa na M-PESA users to access multiple overdrafts ranging from KES 1,000 to KES 400,000, depending on their credit limit. A key upgrade is its cash flow-based repayment, meaning funds are only recovered when the merchant receives payments—ensuring business continuity.
Taasi Pochi and Taasi Till: Flexible Business Loans
For those using Pochi la Biashara, Safaricom introduced Taasi Pochi, a loan facility offering between KES 1,000 and KES 250,000, instantly accessible via the M-PESA App or USSD 3348#.
On the other hand, Taasi Till caters to more established businesses seeking short-term credit, offering KES 1,500 to KES 250,000 depending on eligibility.
To qualify, businesses must have maintained active M-PESA tills or Pochi wallets for at least six months. Once approved, loans are disbursed directly to the user’s M-PESA account, with repayment periods of 14 to 30 days.
Seamless Access via M-PESA
The credit solutions are available through the M-PESA Business App and USSD *234#, eliminating paperwork and long approval timelines.
“Businesses play a pivotal role in Kenya’s economy. Through technology, Taasi will offer MSMEs access to credit, allowing them to focus on growth,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom Group CEO.
Financial Inclusion Through Mobile Credit
This initiative is part of Safaricom’s broader mission to use mobile infrastructure to promote financial inclusion. By digitizing access to credit, Safaricom aims to support the informal sector, which employs millions yet struggles with limited financial support.
Industry experts highlight that lack of credit remains a major barrier to small business growth in Kenya. These new products address the gap while also potentially increasing usage and revenue through M-PESA, already a flagship platform for Safaricom.
The solutions are expected to benefit traders, small-scale retailers, and service providers who often need quick access to working capital for inventory, cash flow management, and scaling operations.
As Kenya’s digital lending sector continues to evolve, M-PESA business credit tools like Fuliza Biashara and Taasi loans are setting a new benchmark for convenient, flexible financing tailored to the real-world needs of local entrepreneurs.
