Watu is a Kenyan productive asset finance company that is committed to improving financial inclusion and urban mobility for drivers in sub-Saharan Africa by providing affordable and flexible loans for motorbike ownership.
Countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Nigeria
Starting date: November 2022
Sector: Productive Assets
Instrument: Loan
Investment: USD 1,000,000
Watu, an East African asset-based FinTech, is revolutionising urban mobility through financial inclusion and accessibility in 6 sub-Saharan African countries.
The Kenyan-based organisation offers loans of 2- and 3-wheeled motorbikes to be used as ‘Bodas’ (motorbike taxis). At the end of the loan, the driver becomes the owner of his own productive asset, giving him labour flexibility, stable income, access to other financial assets and a significant increase in livelihood and quality of life.
There is a large percentage of the population in sub-Saharan Africa that does not have access to financial services, as a result of which many low-income people cannot afford to buy the productive assets that will enable them to improve their income and seek alternatives that in many cases worsen their economic situation. The scarcity of opportunities for uneducated people in this region is exacerbated when there is no way to generate a stable income and become financially independent.
In response to this situation, Watu is committed to transforming urban mobility and the supply of financial loans, offering opportunities for entrepreneurs to build and change the course of their lives.
By providing access to affordable and flexible financing for two- and three-wheelers, Watu has provided more than 600,000 loans in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, positively impacting the lives of more than 3.6 million people.
Watu actively promotes financial literacy and economic independence, the adoption of digital payments and increased regulatory and security compliance.
As they expand their business model to other countries, they aim to lead the way in ‘clean and sustainable mobility’ by financing new electric motorbikes.
Key SDGs supported
Global Social Impact Investments SGIIC SAU is an impact investment funds manager that helps investors achieve positive social and environmental impact together with financial returns.
GSI is part of Santa Comba Gestión SL, a family holding that brings together projects promoting freedom through knowledge.
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