Digital Platform Launched to Close African SME Finance Gap
The Easetrade platform provides supply chain financing for micro-enterprises using data-driven credit scoring.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in International Trade
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Africa-focused organizations have launched the Easetrade digital platform to provide supply chain financing, supported by a $9.2 million agreement with Faulu Microfinance Bank. The platform aims to address the estimated $330 billion financing gap for African SMEs.
Why it matters
The African Development Bank reports that 80% of African SMEs currently lack access to formal financing, limiting their ability to scale. By replacing traditional collateral requirements with data-driven credit scoring, Easetrade intends to unlock capital for underserved businesses.
Easetrade has finalized a $9.2 million financing agreement with Faulu Microfinance Bank. The initiative targets the disbursement of $150 million to 5,000 MSMEs over the next three years.
The players
Easetrade
A newly launched digital platform co-financed by the Trade and Development Fund, Trade Catalyst Africa, and the Mastercard Foundation to provide supply chain financing.
Faulu Microfinance Bank
A Kenya-based financial institution that has committed $9.2 million in capital to support Easetrade's supply chain lending efforts.
African Development Bank
A multilateral development finance institution that provides economic research and data regarding the African SME financing landscape.
The details
Easetrade utilizes credit-scoring tools provided by Solv Kenya and Kaleidofin to assess business viability, transaction history, and cash flow. Instead of traditional physical collateral, this model enables dealer financing and invoice discounting for eligible operators. Participants also receive mandatory training in financial literacy and record-keeping to improve long-term bankability.
Timeline
October 2026: The Easetrade platform launched and the Faulu Microfinance Bank agreement was executed.
Next 3 years: Planned window to finance 5,000 MSMEs, disburse $150 million, and train 6,400 enterprises.
Market Landscape
This platform launch directly targets the $330 billion financing gap for African SMEs identified by the African Development Bank. It follows a growing trend of replacing asset-based lending with data-driven credit scoring to serve businesses with limited formal banking histories.
Operators in the region should monitor whether this data-driven scoring model improves their ability to secure invoice discounting or dealer financing compared to legacy bank loans. Consider auditing internal record-keeping practices now, as digital transaction logs will serve as your primary collateral for these new funding sources.
The takeaway
The move toward cash-flow based underwriting represents a major shift away from traditional collateral requirements in African lending. Operators should prioritize digitizing their sales and transaction records, as these data points will dictate access to the $150 million in planned loan disbursements.
What happens next
Easetrade is set to roll out financing and training programs for 5,000 MSMEs and 6,400 enterprises respectively through October 2029.
Further reading
For broader insights into cross-border financial structures, visit our International Trade section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Global Trade Review (GTR).
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Do you believe data-driven credit scoring is a reliable way to expand financing for small businesses?
