Digital solutions tailored for MSMEs can empower businesses across Africa to leverage online platforms, expand their market reach, and drive economic growth by creating job opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship.

Tappi has partnered with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) to launch the Sukuma Biz initiative.

The initiative, announced on May 2, is set to provide tailored digital services to KNCCI’s 30,000 business members to enhance their online credibility and identity. This digital commerce solution for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) enables business owners to easily customize their online presence through a user-friendly app, seamlessly integrating with Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads using airtime credit or mobile money.

“KNCCI is one of Kenya’s most trusted industry bodies and with its extensive network of local businesses, they’re an ideal partner to accelerate our mission of empowering MSMEs to effectively establish strong reputations of their own in an online setting,” said Griffith.

For a monthly fee of KES500 (US$4), KNCCI members gain exclusive benefits, including a personalized business landing page on tappi’s platform adorned with the KNCCI logo. Members also receive 50 customer reviews via SMS, WhatsApp, or other channels, seamlessly integrated into their landing page, and can send 250 text marketing messages directly to their customers.

Using tappi’s SaaS solutions, KNCCI members can swiftly generate SEO-optimized websites within minutes, guided by an intuitive chat tool. Leveraging AI, machine learning, and algorithms, each website's content and design will be tailored to its target audience and industry sector. Members can also distribute Google, Facebook, and Instagram ads effortlessly and access a range of supplementary digital services.

With Kenya positioned as the 74th largest market for eCommerce, boasting a predicted revenue of US$801.4 million by 2024, according to the ECDB (European Company Database), initiatives like Sukuma Biz are well-placed to capitalize on this growing market. This statistic underscores the potential for tappi's tailored digital services to empower MSMEs in Kenya and contribute to the country's economic development and digital growth.

Hikmatu Bilali