Blog - @iBizAfrica

12Mar 2025 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

Why Investors Should Be Backing Women-Led Businesses in Kenya

If you have been following Kenya’s startup scene, you have likely noticed the remarkable strides women-led businesses are making. From innovative tech solutions to social enterprises driving change in underserved communities, women entrepreneurs are proving their value. Yet, they receive less than 3% of venture capital funding in Africa. The African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that the financing gap for women entrepreneurs on the continent stands at $42 billion. So, what is holding investors back? The issue runs deeper than just lack of capital. Structural and systemic barriers continue to limit access to funding and resources for women entrepreneurs. Homophily bias in venture capital circles: Investors often fund individuals who mirror their own backgrounds, experiences, or networks. Since the majority of venture capitalists are male, this bias leads to an…

08Mar 2025 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

Cradling Innovation: How Hayah is Rocking Maternal Care with AI

SC Women in Tech

Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless questions—yet access to reliable maternal health information remains a struggle for many women. That is where Hayah Cradle to Bloom comes in. Founded by Jael Walukwe, this AI-powered health-tech startup is on a mission to make maternal care more accessible, informed, and empowering. As part of the Women in Tech Incubator Program at @iBizAfrica, Hayah Cradle to Bloom is leveraging technology to reshape maternal health in Kenya. We sat down with Jael to explore the inspiration behind the startup, their journey in the program, and what is next for them. Tell us more about your company and what inspired you to start it. Hayah Cradle to Bloom is a Fem Health Tech company focused on educating women and their support…

04Feb 2025 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

Kenya’s Startup Bill: A Launchpad or a Lockdown for Entrepreneurs?

Entrepreneurship

In the startup world, regulation is a double-edged sword. It can either fuel innovation or strangle it with red tape. Kenya’s Startup Bill, 2022, has officially landed, branding itself as a launchpad for entrepreneurs. But is it truly the lifeline the ecosystem needs—or just another bureaucratic hoop to jump through? For some, this bill signals a long-overdue commitment to structuring Kenya’s innovation economy, promising clearer pathways to funding, growth, and global competitiveness. For others, it is a potential chokehold, adding restrictions to an industry that thrives on agility. So, where does the truth lie? Is this a turning point for Kenyan startups, or will it become just another well-intended policy collecting dust? What is in the Startup Bill? Kenya’s startup ecosystem has been growing at an unprecedented pace, positioning itself…

03Feb 2025 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

When the Funding Stops: Is it a Curse or a Blessing in Disguise?

Entrepreneurship, Incubation

For years, Kenya’s startup ecosystem has thrived on international aid, with USAID funding key initiatives that have propelled innovation and business growth. Programs like the Kenya Investment Mechanism, which mobilized private capital for SMEs, the USAID Afya Uzazi program, which supported health-tech innovations, and our own Women Entrepreneurship Incubator Program (WEIP) at @iBizAfrica, which helped women-led businesses scale, have all benefited from this support. But with the sudden suspension of USAID programs, these and hundreds of other initiatives have come to a halt, leaving entrepreneurs at a crossroads. Without this financial cushion, startups that once relied on grants to survive must now rethink their strategies. The question is no longer just about sustaining businesses—it is about whether Kenya’s entrepreneurs can innovate and grow in a landscape where donor support is…

06Jan 2025 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

Startup Capital of Africa: How Kenya is Shaping the Future

Entrepreneurship

Photo Courtesy: Citizen TV Kenya Every so often, you come across a story that makes you pause and say, “This is it—this is what real resilience looks like.” And this year, Kenya has done just that. In 2024, Kenyan startups secured $638 million in funding, the highest in Africa. Yes, you read that right—despite a tougher climate for investment across the continent, Kenya stood tall. According to Africa: The Big Deal Report, the country accounted for 88% of East Africa’s total funding and more than a quarter of Africa’s total. This was not just luck—it is a result of the grit, innovation, and relentless drive that defines the Kenyan startup ecosystem. It is about impact, not just numbers. And at the heart of this success are bold entrepreneurs, visionary investors,…

06Jan 2025 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

How to Register Your Business in Kenya in 2025

Entrepreneurship, How To's

So, you have got a brilliant business idea, and you are ready to take over the world (or at least Kenya, for now). But before you start making sales and stacking profits, there is one crucial step you cannot skip—registering your business. Yes, it sounds like a lot, but trust me, it is easier than you think. Let us break it down: What You Will Need to Register Your Business Before you dive into the registration process, make sure you have these key documents and information ready. It will save you a lot of back-and-forth: Your ID/PassportA clear copy of your Kenyan ID (for citizens) or passport (for foreigners) is needed to confirm your identity. KRA PINA Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN is mandatory for business registration. If you don’t…

11Dec 2024 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

Highlights from WEIP’s Selection Day

WEIP

On December 11, 2024, the Women Entrepreneurship Incubator Program (WEIP) Selection Day took place, spotlighting the potential of women entrepreneurs in Kenya. Over 100 entrepreneurs gathered to pitch their businesses, aiming for a spot in one of Kenya’s new incubation programs. The energy in the room was filled with excitement, but what stood out most was the focus on real solutions—businesses that go beyond profit to address pressing challenges in our communities. The day began with 5-minute pitches from entrepreneurs across Nairobi and Kiambu County, showcasing businesses in Agri-business & Agro-processing, Textiles & Apparel, Healthcare and Water & Sanitation. These were purpose-driven ventures tackling everyday issues with sustainable solutions like accessible healthcare and improved farming practices. The Judges’ FocusWhat set this Selection Day apart was the judges’ emphasis on scalability…

07Dec 2024 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

Best Businesses to Start in Kenya on a Budget

Entrepreneurship, How To's

Starting a business is an exciting journey, but when you are working with a tight budget, it can feel overwhelming. You may ask yourself, “Can I really do this without millions in the bank?” The truth is, you can—especially in Kenya, where small businesses are thriving. In fact, 98% of businesses in Kenya are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to a tracker by the Central Bank of Kenya. This sector is the heartbeat of our economy, creating jobs and driving innovation. So if you are thinking about starting something of your own, you are definitely not alone. The key to success lies in starting small, focusing on your skills, and tapping into what your community needs. Here are some businesses that are ideal for anyone looking to get started…

06Dec 2024 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

Surviving (and Thriving) During the Holiday Business Rush

How To's

Earlier this week in the office, the conversation naturally turned to Christmas plans. For most, it was the usual: traveling upcountry, enjoying nyama choma, and spending time with family. But Steve Njooro, founder of Soft Sage(Paid), and an incubatee here at @iBizAfrica, brought us back to the entrepreneurial reality, saying, “For me, the holiday season is a workday—just on overdrive.” His platform, which helps businesses capture client information, reward loyalty points, and send personalized communications, embodies the hustle many entrepreneurs face during this time. For entrepreneurs, the holiday season is not just another month—it is often the busiest and most important time of the year. With Black November sales, Christmas shopping chaos, and back-to-school prep right after New Year's, the pace can feel non-stop. To help you make it through,…

04Dec 2024 by @iBizAfrica No Comments

What Entrepreneurs Should Know About Kenya’s New Banking Reforms

Entrepreneurship

Let’s face it: entrepreneurship in Kenya is not for the faint-hearted. The hustle is real. Navigating unpredictable markets and chasing down payments is part of the daily grind for entrepreneurs. Now, just as we are catching our breath, here comes another curveball: proposed banking reforms that could shake up the financial landscape. The big question is, what do these changes mean for you—the entrepreneur who is out here grinding every day? Let us break it down and see how you can stay ahead of the game. The Core Capital Proposal: What is Changing? The government wants to raise the minimum core capital for banks from Ksh. 1 billion to Ksh. 10 billion over the next three years. Minimum core capital refers to the amount of money banks are required to…