1st-Mar-2026 • Alice Wambui • Crossborder Payments
In today's interconnected world, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya are no longer confined to local markets. The digital age has opened up a plethora of opportunities for SMEs to expand their reach across borders. However, one significant challenge that persists is cross-border payments.
Cross-border payments involve transferring funds internationally, typically between businesses and banks in different countries. For many SMEs in Kenya, this process can be time-consuming, costly, and fraught with uncertainties. But it doesn't have to be this way.
According to a report by the World Bank, Kenya ranked 32nd out of 190 countries in terms of ease of making cross-border payments. While this may seem satisfactory, there's still room for improvement, particularly for SMEs that often bear the brunt of high transaction costs.
Inefficient cross-border payments can lead to several issues for SMEs. For instance, delayed payments can disrupt cash flow and hinder business operations. Additionally, high transaction fees can eat into profit margins, making it difficult for businesses to thrive.
Enter Lipabiz Technologies Ltd, a leading business management platform and payments platform in Kenya. Lipabiz offers a solution tailored specifically for SMEs looking to streamline their cross-border payment processes.
Consider the case of Mwanzo Ltd, a Kenyan SME that exported goods to Tanzania. Before partnering with Lipabiz, they faced numerous challenges with cross-border payments, including long wait times and high fees. After switching to Lipabiz, they experienced significant improvements, with transaction times reduced by 70% and fees slashed by more than half.
In today's dynamic business landscape, SMEs in Kenya can no longer afford to overlook the importance of efficient cross-border payments. By embracing solutions like Lipabiz, they can seize opportunities beyond their borders and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.