10th-Nov-2025 โข Brendah Akinyi โข Crossborder Payments
In today's globalized economy, opportunities are no longer limited to local markets. As a small or medium enterprise (SME) owner in Kenya, you can tap into these international markets by embracing cross-border payments. This practice allows your business to send and receive money across international borders, opening doors to new customers, suppliers, and investment opportunities.
However, navigating the complexities of cross-border payments can be daunting. Currency fluctuations, high fees, and lengthy processing times are common challenges that can impact your bottom line.
According to a 2021 report by McKinsey & Company, SMEs in Africa lose an estimated $5 billion annually due to inefficiencies in cross-border transactions. To counteract this, it's crucial to partner with reliable platforms that offer transparent pricing and efficient processing.
When selecting a platform for cross-border payments, consider factors such as fee structure, speed of transactions, currency support, and user experience. A good example is Lipabiz Technologies Ltd, a Kenyan business management and payments platform, which provides businesses with a seamless solution for managing their cross-border transactions.
To maximize the benefits of cross-border payments, it's essential to streamline your process. This means automating as many steps as possible and minimizing manual intervention. By doing so, you reduce the likelihood of errors and speed up transaction times.
In addition to facilitating transactions, a good cross-border payments platform will provide you with valuable data insights. These can help you identify trends, optimize your business strategy, and make informed decisions about future investments.
For instance, by analyzing transaction data, you can gain a better understanding of your customer base, their preferred payment methods, and the markets that offer the most potential for growth. This information can inform your sales and marketing strategies, helping you to capitalize on opportunities and drive business success.
Embrace cross-border payments as a Kenyan SME and seize the opportunity to expand your reach beyond local borders. With the right platform, streamlined processes, and data-driven insights at your fingertips, you can confidently navigate the global marketplace and thrive in today's interconnected world.