Pesapal and Pezesha Partner to Expand Affordable Digital Credit to Ugandan SMEs

Payment solutions provider Pesapal  has announced a new strategic partnership with financial technology firm Pezesha  to pilot a data-driven credit solution in Uganda. This initiative is aimed at addressing the significant challenge of limited access to affordable financing for the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Despite the growing adoption of digital payments in Uganda, a major financial inclusion gap persists: nearly 60% of adults remain excluded from formal financing channels. This exclusion is a major barrier to SME growth, leaving these businesses without the necessary capital to thrive and expand.

The new credit solution leverages real-time transaction data to extend responsible and affordable financing to merchants. By utilizing this data, the partnership aims to mitigate risk and provide credit access to small businesses often neglected by traditional lenders. This data-driven approach is expected to enable participating SMEs to improve their cashflow and working capital management, restock and expand operations more efficiently, and ultimately build resilience for sustainable scaling.

Pesapal highlighted that the program is strategically aligned with the Bank of Uganda National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2023–2028). By promoting responsible digital lending, the partnership supports the strengthening of Uganda’s broader economic transformation agenda. Pesapal expressed its commitment to playing a vital role in building a stronger and more inclusive financial ecosystem for Ugandan businesses.