A new report by the GSMA has highlighted how Safaricom PLC’s Pochi la Biashara platform is helping empower women micro-entrepreneurs in Kenya through improved access to digital financial services.
The report, titled “Pochi la Biashara and Women Micro-Entrepreneurs in Kenya: From Insight to Action,” explores findings from a multi-year collaboration between the GSMA Connected Women programme and Safaricom on the adoption and use of the merchant payment solution.
Addressing Barriers Facing Women Entrepreneurs
According to the report, women micro-entrepreneurs continue to face several barriers to adopting digital financial services, including concerns about trust, privacy, safety, and financial control, as well as limited confidence in digital services.
The study examined how these challenges affect the uptake and use of Pochi la Biashara among women-led businesses and explored approaches to improve accessibility and usability.
GSMA noted that understanding the unique experiences and needs of women entrepreneurs is critical in designing inclusive digital financial products that support both business and personal financial management.
Positive Impact on Businesses and Livelihoods
The report found that Pochi la Biashara has contributed positively to women-owned businesses by improving savings habits, strengthening financial management and supporting business growth.
Women entrepreneurs using the platform also reported greater convenience in handling transactions and separating business finances from personal funds.
The findings demonstrate how digital financial services can play a significant role in enhancing livelihoods while enabling small businesses to operate more efficiently.
Growth in Women’s Adoption and Usage
GSMA further noted that intentionally designing financial products to meet women’s needs can deliver strong commercial value for service providers.
The report revealed significant growth in women’s uptake and usage of Pochi la Biashara following efforts to address identified barriers and improve customer experiences.
The initiative also highlighted the importance of building trust and confidence among women users to increase participation in digital finance ecosystems.
Call for More Inclusive Digital Financial Solutions
The report provides actionable recommendations for digital financial service providers seeking to close gender gaps in digital and financial inclusion.
Among the key recommendations are the need for customer-centred product design, stronger user education, improved privacy and safety measures, and greater collaboration in expanding access to digital financial tools for underserved groups.
GSMA said the lessons from the Pochi la Biashara initiative can help shape more inclusive financial systems that support women entrepreneurs across Africa and other emerging markets.