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Afreximbank sweeps 2025 Bloomberg Africa loans rankings, cementing its role as continent’s top arranger

by Jacky Muraba
written by Jacky Muraba

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has reinforced its standing as Africa’s foremost capital markets institution, claiming the top position in two of the most closely watched categories in the 2025 Bloomberg Africa Borrower Loans League Tables. The Cairo-headquartered lender ranked Number 1 as both Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner, and took the Number 3 spot as Administrative Agent — a sweep that reflects the bank’s deepening footprint in arranging and structuring large-scale debt transactions across the continent.

The Bloomberg Africa Borrower Loans League Tables, a subset of Bloomberg’s broader Capital Markets League Tables, track the leading arrangers, bookrunners, and advisers across deal types including loans, bonds, equity, and mergers and acquisitions. They serve as a critical benchmark for investment bankers and analysts assessing market share and competitive positioning.

Commanding Market Share

As Bookrunner, Afreximbank held a 21.66% market share across 14 deals. Its lead arranger performance was even more pronounced: as Mandated Lead Arranger, the bank accounted for 23.65% of the market across 20 transactions. The Administrative Agent ranking — at Number 3 with a 13.92% share across 13 deals — adds further weight to a result that places Afreximbank at or near the top across all three categories.

A significant proportion of the bank’s activity was concentrated in the oil and gas sector, reflecting its deliberate strategy of bridging a material financing gap in that industry on the continent. Both the lead arranger and administrative agent deal counts were heavily weighted towards energy-sector syndications.

A Sustained Run at the Top

The 2025 results extend what has become a consistent pattern for Afreximbank at the summit of Bloomberg’s Africa rankings. The bank has maintained a leading position in the league tables over multiple years — a track record that speaks to its ability to attract capital from a diverse range of domestic and international investors and channel it into high-impact African projects.

Haytham Elmaayergi, Executive Vice President of Global Trade Bank at Afreximbank, attributed the result to the dedication of the bank’s teams. “I am delighted that the stellar performance of our colleagues has been reflected in Bloomberg’s prestigious league tables, which is a real testament to their assiduous determination and capability,” he said. Elmaayergi added that the bank intends to leverage its position to promote high-impact investments and address financing shortfalls across Africa’s most critical sectors.

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Karura Community Sacco
Awards & Recognition

From disruption to discipline: How Karura Community Sacco Limited crossed the half-billion mark

by Staff Writer
written by Staff Writer

In Kenya’s fast-evolving cooperative movement, scale is no longer defined merely by size, but by governance strength, digital agility, and social relevance. For Karura Community Savings and Credit Co-operative Society Limited (KCS SACCO), 2025 marked the year those elements converged.

At its 8th Annual General Meeting, Karura Community SACCO announced it had surpassed KSh 501.2 million in total assets, up from KSh 351.9 million the previous year, a 42 percent growth that signals institutional maturity rather than short-term expansion.

“This milestone represents more than financial growth,” said Epainito Chahale, Chairman. “It reflects institutional credibility, strengthened capital adequacy, prudent financial management, and improved operational resilience. We have entered a new phase of scale and responsibility.”

Member deposits rose 37 percent to KSh 374.4 million, while the loan portfolio expanded 49 percent to KSh 446.5 million, outlining a strong credit demand and growing member confidence. Core capital surged 61 percent to KSh 68.5 million, pushing key prudential ratios comfortably above regulatory thresholds.

For members, performance translated into tangible returns: a 15 percent dividend on share capital and 8 percent interest on deposits.

“We achieved this growth without external borrowing,” noted CEO Gedeon Gitonga. “That demonstrates financial independence and disciplined stewardship of member resources.”

Karura Community Sacco

CEO Karura Community Sacco Gedeon Gitonga

Crisis as catalyst for digital reinvention

Behind the impressive balance sheet was a defining operational test. In 2025, the SACCO’s core banking system unexpectedly failed, triggering service disruption and reputational risk.

“One of the most critical events of the year was the unexpected failure of our previous core banking system,” Gitonga said. “It came with pressure and urgency, but we protected member funds and upheld institutional confidence.”

The crisis accelerated a transition to Microsoft Business Central, significantly upgrading internal controls, reporting capabilities, and regulatory alignment. The SACCO also rolled out a fully branded mobile application, enhanced USSD services, and a member portal, resulting in a 162 percent year-on-year increase in digital adoption.

Digital transactions now account for 57.7 percent of applications, reducing manual paperwork by 33 percent and advancing the SACCO’s environmental sustainability agenda.

“What began as a crisis positioned us with a stronger technological backbone,” Gitonga added. “Technology will not be an accessory for us; it is our backbone.”

To strengthen service delivery, KCS SACCO also launched an AI-powered Integrated Call Centre in partnership with Safaricom, with plans to roll out 24-hour service.

karura community sacco

Governance, growth, and community impact

As financial indicators improved, governance structures were reinforced. The SACCO maintained compliance with all 14 prudential guidelines under the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA). At the same time, its Supervisory Committee confirmed that the financial statements present a true and fair view under IFRS standards.

“Our governance framework is anchored on integrity, transparency, and member-centricity,” Epainito Chahale said. “Crossing the half-billion threshold demands greater accountability, stronger systems, and sustained strategic focus.”

Membership grew 18 percent to 5,416 members across more than 10 countries, reflecting expanded reach beyond its immediate community base.

Yet KCS SACCO’s strategy extends beyond financial intermediation.

Its structured Scholarship Programme, aligned with global education goals, expanded significantly in 2025, increasing funding by 484 percent year-on-year. The SACCO has committed KSh 1.2 million in 2026 to support 22 students, positioning education sponsorship as a flagship social responsibility pillar.

“Financial inclusion must extend beyond savings and credit into generational empowerment,” Epainito Chahale said.

The SACCO also strengthened its Benevolence Fund and introduced a Last Expense Scheme with a 48-hour payout turnaround time, reinforcing its role as a cooperative safety net for members during difficult times.

Karura Community Sacco

Chairman Epainito Chahale gifts the guest of honor

The road to a billion

With a strengthened balance sheet, improved operational efficiency, reflected in a drop in the expense-to-revenue ratio from 36 percent to 31.34 percent, and renewed member trust, KCS SACCO now shifts focus from recovery to consolidation.

“We have transitioned from disruption to disciplined growth,” Gitonga said. “The foundation is strong, the systems are in place, and our ambition is clear.”

Chairman Epainito Chahale offered a measured reminder: “Milestones are not destinations. They are reminders of responsibility.”

From five founding members to over 5,400 today, and from under a million shillings in its early days to more than half a billion in assets, KCS SACCO’s trajectory mirrors the modernization of Kenya’s cooperative movement.

If 2025 was the year of institutional maturity, 2026 may well be the year the SACCO begins its march toward the billion-shilling milestone, with discipline, technology, and community at its core.

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Awards & Recognition

Nairobi to host Africa Media Festival 2026

by Brian Yatich
written by Brian Yatich

Africa’s leading gathering of media leaders, journalists, creators, policymakers and innovators, the Africa Media Festival (AMF), will return to Nairobi on 25–26 February 2026.

The event will bring together voices from across the continent at a critical moment for media freedom, sustainability and innovation.

Organised by Baraza Media Lab, AMF 2026 is designed as a solutions-driven forum aimed at confronting the realities reshaping journalism and storytelling in Africa.

These include declining revenues, political pressure, the growing influence of artificial intelligence and the rapid expansion of the creator economy.

Held under the theme “Resilient Storytelling: Reimagining Media Freedom,” the festival will focus on practical strategies to ensure African media remains independent, resilient and relevant within a rapidly evolving global information ecosystem.

“AMF is not a ceremonial conference. It is a space where Africa’s media leaders come together to confront hard truths, test ideas, and co-create solutions that can sustain journalism and storytelling for the next generation,” said Martie Mtange, curator at Baraza Media Lab.

A key highlight of AMF 2026 will be the Africa Media Awards (AMA), an independent, continent-wide initiative recognising excellence in journalism and creative impact.

The 2026 edition will introduce the Creator for Good Award, reflecting the growing influence of digital creators who are driving positive social change across Africa.

The Africa Media Awards are a partnership between Baraza Media Lab, the Africa Editors Forum and Journalists for Human Rights, and aim to honour courageous reporting and sustained dedication to journalism. The awards reinforce AMF’s position as a leading media convention by celebrating work that challenges power, defends human rights and reimagines the role of media on the continent.

More than 20 speakers have already been confirmed for AMF 2026, which is expected to host over 300 participants from across Africa. Confirmed speakers include Will Church, Director of Media Freedom at Thomson Reuters (UK); Joy Lusige, video journalist and producer at ZDF German Television (Kenya); and Francesca Ekondaho, programme coordinator for outreach in Africa at the Pulitzer Center (Rwanda).

Additional discussions on media freedom, sustainability, innovation, policy and the future of creators will be led by Anita Eboigbe, Chief Operations Officer at Big Cabal Media (Nigeria), and Dr Zippy Okoth, Chair of the Department of Performing Arts, Film and Media Studies at KCA University, as well as an award-winning film producer and gender consultant.

Launched as a regional experiment in 2023, the Africa Media Festival has grown into one of the continent’s most influential gatherings for media and creative practitioners. The 2025 edition hosted participants from more than 26 countries and featured 200 speakers.

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farmer's choice
Awards & Recognitionfood

Farmer’s Choice Strengthens Consumer Trust with FSSC 22000 Food Safety Certification

by Staff Writer
written by Staff Writer

Farmer’s Choice Limited, one of Africa’s leading producers of fresh and value-added meat products, has achieved FSSC 22000 Version 6 certification, a globally recognised standard for food safety management systems.

This achievement affirms the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, traceable, safe, and sustainable meat products while meeting the highest international food safety benchmarks.

The FSSC certification is based on ISO standards and recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). It provides a rigorous framework for managing food safety risks across the entire value chain, from sourcing raw materials to production, packaging, and distribution.

This milestone strengthens Farmer’s Choice’s reputation as a responsible food producer and positions the company to access new local and international markets. It also reinforces a culture of continuous improvement through end-to-end monitoring, auditing, and process control.

“Food safety is not an add-on for us; it is foundational to who we are and how we operate,” said Felisters Gitau Mutugu, Chief Executive Officer of Farmer’s Choice Limited.

farmer's choice

Photo Caption: From left: Cyprian Kabbis, Country Chair, Bureau Veritas Group Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, presents the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 Version 6 to Felisters Gitau Mutugu, CEO, Farmer’s Choice Limited, during a handover ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Kahawa West.

“Achieving FSSC certification is a powerful validation of the systems, people, and discipline behind our integrated farm-to-table model. It reinforces our promise to consumers and partners that every Farmer’s Choice product meets the highest global food safety standards.”

The certification was issued by Bureau Veritas, a global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) services. “FSSC certification is one of the most comprehensive food safety schemes globally, requiring strong governance, risk-based controls, and continuous improvement,” said Cyprian Kabbis, Country Chair for Bureau Veritas in Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda.

“Farmer’s Choice has demonstrated a high level of responsibility in its food safety management systems, reflecting a genuine commitment to protecting consumers and building long-term trust.”

Beyond strengthening consumer confidence, the certification underscores Farmer’s Choice’s leadership in food safety excellence within Africa’s meat production sector.

It also aligns with the company’s broader sustainability agenda by ensuring responsible sourcing, ethical production, and transparency across its integrated operations.

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Awards & RecognitionBusiness

Safaricom Earns Global Recognition for Climate Transparency

by Jacky Muraba
written by Jacky Muraba

Safaricom PLC has secured a place on CDP’s prestigious “A-List” for the second year running, joining an elite group of companies leading the world in climate change transparency. With only 4% of companies globally achieving this distinction in 2025, the recognition underscores Safaricom’s commitment to rigorous environmental disclosure and action.

CDP’s framework enables organizations to measure, manage, and publicly report their environmental impacts, providing stakeholders with critical insights into corporate climate performance.

Technology Driving Better Data

Safaricom’s ability to track and forecast emissions has improved significantly through digital innovation. According to the company’s 2025 Sustainable Business Report, new greenhouse gas data management tools and AI-powered dashboards have enhanced data quality, strengthening the foundation for accurate reporting and disclosures.

“We adhere to IFRS S1 and S2 standards, along with the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures framework for our climate reporting,” said Peter Ndegwa, Chief Executive Officer of Safaricom. “We’ve introduced an internal carbon pricing mechanism and planted over 2.3 million trees to offset residual emissions. Our sustainability-linked loan supports our ESG agenda as we work toward becoming net-zero by 2050.”

Concrete Steps Toward Net-Zero

Safaricom’s path to becoming a net-zero carbon emitter by 2050 includes several ambitious initiatives. The company has already solarized 1,432 Base Transceiver Stations, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. By 2030, Safaricom aims to power 5,000 sites with solar energy, with 95% of its network running on green energy.

The telco also plans to plant 5 million trees across 5,000 hectares and is working to decarbonize its supply chain by partnering with more eco-friendly suppliers.

“This A-List recognition reflects our commitment to both disclosure and action,” Ndegwa added. “As we pursue our vision of becoming Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company, innovation will be pivotal in accelerating our environmental agenda and creating positive impact for communities by mitigating climate change.”

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Awards & Recognition

I&M Bank sweeps multiple awards for digital innovation, agricultural finance

by Jacky Muraba
written by Jacky Muraba

I&M Bank has emerged as one of East Africa’s most decorated financial institutions this year, collecting a suite of awards that highlight its evolution from traditional banking toward digital-led services and impact-driven lending.

The Nairobi-based Tier 1 commercial bank secured three major honors from the Global Banking and Finance Awards: Best Digital Bank Kenya 2025, Fastest Growing Retail Bank Kenya 2025, and Best Multi-Currency Prepaid Card Kenya 2025.

These recognitions arrive as the bank accelerates its digital transformation strategy, positioning technology at the center of customer engagement for both individual and corporate clients.

In a notable departure from conventional banking awards, I&M was named Agri-lender of the Year by ACELI Africa, an accolade that underscores the institution’s commitment to financing agricultural small and medium enterprises. Over the evaluation period, the bank deployed $12.7 million (approximately Kshs 1.6 billion) across 264 sustainable agribusinesses, with particular attention to youth and women inclusion, climate considerations, and food security metrics.

The agricultural finance recognition carries weight in Kenya’s economic context, where agriculture remains a cornerstone sector for employment and food systems. By directing capital toward agribusinesses and value-chain actors, I&M is positioning itself as a bridge between commercial banking and development impact, a balance that few institutions manage effectively.

Beyond Kenya’s borders, the bank’s regional operations demonstrated similar momentum. I&M Bank Rwanda collected Best SME Bank and Best Retail Bank awards from Global Banking and Finance Review, while the Ugandan operation won Best Innovation of the Year at the Marketing Excellence Awards for its I&M Select Banking Sapphire Club product.

“Winning across digital innovation, retail growth, operations, and sustainability reflects our ability to deliver real impact for customers and communities,” said Kihara Maina, I&M Regional CEO and Interim CEO of I&M Bank Kenya. “Being named both Best Digital Bank and Agri-lender of the Year in the same year shows that we can innovate for the future while powering the real economy.”

The awards cap a strong year for I&M, which earlier received honors including Best Retail Bank and Best Bank in Product Innovation at the Think Business Banking Awards, as well as recognition from the Kenya Association of Travel Agents as first runner-up in the Best BSP Bank category.

The recognitions follow evaluations of operational metrics, lending volumes, and digital adoption rates conducted by regional and global industry bodies. For a bank founded in 1974, the digital transformation narrative represents a strategic pivot that many legacy institutions struggle to execute while maintaining traditional banking strengths.

I&M Bank operates as the flagship entity of I&M Group PLC, which is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The group maintains operations across five countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Mauritius, where it operates through a joint venture with CIEL Group under the Bank One brand.

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Viktoria Ventures Named Africa’s “Angel Network of the Year 2025” at AESIS Summit in Cape Town
Awards & Recognition

Viktoria Ventures named Africa’s “Angel Network of the Year 2025” at AESIS summit

by Brian Yatich
written by Brian Yatich

Viktoria Ventures has been crowned the “Angel Network of the Year 2025” at the Africa Early-Stage Investor Summit (AESIS) in Cape Town, a flagship continental forum hosted by the African Business Angel Network (ABAN) and VC4A.

The award marks a defining moment for the pan-African angel investing organization and underscores the growing maturity of Africa’s early-stage investment landscape.

The recognition caps years of work by Viktoria Ventures to professionalize angel investing across the continent—building investor capacity, establishing support structures, and strengthening the community required to fuel African innovation.

“Our belief has always been simple: if Africa’s startup ecosystem is to thrive, angel investors must be empowered with the right tools, community support, and access to deal flow,” said Stephen Gugu, CEO of Viktoria Ventures. “This award validates our mission to build the network, capacity, and community that drives African innovation forward.”

In the run-up to the summit, Viktoria Ventures co-hosted the AESIS Nairobi Investor Meetup alongside Jasiri4Africa, Von Seidels, and the Nairobi Business Angel Network. The gathering attracted leading investors and ecosystem enablers, all focused on one central question:
How can local capital be mobilized to accelerate African innovation?

Discussions emphasized the need for deeper collaboration, aligned incentives, and shared responsibility to unlock local capital for early-stage ventures. The energy generated in Nairobi set the tone for the continental summit—culminating in the Cape Town award.

At the heart of Viktoria Ventures’ impact is the Angel Leads Program, delivered under the African Angel Academy (AAA) and sponsored by UK Kenya Tech Hub.

Key elements include a six-week self-paced curriculum, live masterclasses, mentorship, and technical support in deal structuring, diligence, and portfolio building. The program has already:

  • Trained 22 angel investors,

  • Supported the formation of the Moneva Syndicate, and

  • Facilitated the syndicate’s investment in Afyalishe Wellness Ltd, a Kenyan functional foods company.

Through this program, Viktoria Ventures is strengthening localized investment networks and catalyzing community-led angel participation across Kenya and beyond.

Viktoria Ventures has steadily expanded its presence as one of Africa’s foremost angel development platforms. To date, the organization has:

  • Trained 797 angel investors,

  • Reached participants across 38 African countries,

  • Delivered a comprehensive curriculum led by seasoned ecosystem leaders, and

  • Built one of the most active early-stage investor communities on the continent.

Its alumni are increasingly shaping Africa’s investment landscape. Notably, AAA alumna Yemi Keri was elected President of ABAN, highlighting the program’s widespread influence.

To further enhance investor readiness and access to high-quality deal flow, Viktoria Ventures has also partnered with Africa: The Big Deal, giving AAA alumni priority access to curated investment opportunities.

Winning the “Angel Network of the Year” title signals a new chapter rather than a finish line. Viktoria Ventures says it remains committed to empowering bold early-stage investors who will chart the continent’s next wave of innovation.

The organization will launch AAA Cohort 13 in 2026, opening its doors to both new and experienced investors eager to join one of Africa’s most influential angel investing platforms.

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Awards & RecognitionBusiness

TUKO.co.ke announces winners of the Business Leaders Awards 2025

by Contributor
written by Contributor

TUKO.co.ke has unveiled the winners of the Business Leaders Awards 2025, a national campaign celebrating organisations and executives shaping Kenya’s economic future through innovation, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership.

Kenya’s economy is gradually stabilising, supported by easing inflation and improved access to credit. In this environment, companies and business leaders are redefining progress—moving beyond profitability to embrace sustainability, inclusivity, and community impact.

The TUKO.co.ke Business Leaders Awards 2025 highlights businesses and leaders whose strategies strengthen people, purpose, and the planet.

Nominees were selected following comprehensive internal research identifying Kenya’s most progressive and high-performing companies.

“This campaign shows that innovation and resilience are vital in uncertain times, and stories of this year’s nominees will inspire the next generation of Kenyan business visionaries,” said Jacob Otieno, Managing Editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Leaders in the Spotlight

The 2025 honourees excel across four key categories:

  • Innovation and Impact Award

  • Sustainability and Climate Resilience Award

  • Youth Empowerment & Inclusive Growth Award

  • Community Engagement Excellence Award

Innovation and Impact Award

Ashish Malhotra, CEO – Airtel Kenya

Airtel Kenya continues to invest heavily in digital infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies. The telco is also narrowing the digital divide through its Adopt a School Programme with UNICEF, which has provided more than 100,000 students with access to online learning tools and digital education content.

“We recognise that the real power of technology lies in preparing future generations to fully harness its potential,” says Ashish Malhotra.

Sustainability and Climate Resilience Award

Allan Kilavuka, CEO – Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways is leading Africa’s shift to green aviation through strategic investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The airline recently won the Best Approach to Scaling SAF award, underscoring its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

“Our goal is to use a 10% Sustainable Aviation Fuel blend by 2030. We are also working on building Kenya’s first SAF production facility,” says Allan Kilavuka.

Youth Empowerment & Inclusive Growth Award

Dr. Gamaliel Hassan, CEO – Stima Sacco

Stima Sacco has placed young people at the core of its transformation strategy, delivering financial empowerment through tailored youth products. These include accessible asset financing, mortgage solutions, and investment options offering returns of up to 16%.

“We continue to sponsor the education of young people who show exceptional potential and commitment to growth,” says Dr. Gamaliel Hassan.

Community Engagement Excellence Award

Carolyne Nekesa, Head of Marketing – Minet Kenya

Minet Kenya is redefining community-focused corporate wellness through its initiatives on maternal health and mental well-being. In 2025, the company hosted a transformative Mother’s Day wellness event, which expanded into the Blooming Mums Club, offering maternal health check-ins, financial literacy support, and mental wellness resources for families.

“We understand that beyond physical wellness, mental and emotional health are vital for thriving families and workplaces, and we go beyond our core business to create experiences that affirm and uplift,” says Carolyne Nekesa.

Sustainability and Climate Resilience Award

Peter Murungi, Managing Director – Energy Kenya (Vivo Energy Kenya)

Vivo Energy Kenya is accelerating the nation’s clean energy transition through expanded LPG and solar energy solutions. Its projects have powered schools, health centres, and small enterprises in underserved off-grid communities, enabling safer and more sustainable energy consumption.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders

These distinguished leaders are setting new standards for corporate leadership in Kenya—driving economic recovery while championing social impact, environmental responsibility, and inclusive growth.

Where to Learn More

Read the full stories and leader profiles on TUKO.co.ke, or visit the TUKO.co.ke Business of the Year Awards 2025 website for important dates and submission details.

Previous editions:

About TUKO.co.ke

TUKO.co.ke is Kenya’s leading digital news platform, dedicated to telling stories that reflect the country’s heartbeat—informing, entertaining, and inspiring people across all regions. Its coverage champions socio-economic development, innovation, and resilience throughout the Kenyan economy.

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Awards & RecognitionEducation

Rural Continental Teacher Award to Debut in 2026 CTA

by Brian Yatich
written by Brian Yatich

The African Union Commission unveiled a new prize category within the African Union Continental Teacher Awards (CTA): the Rural Continental Teacher Award during  the World Teachers’ Day.

The category is slated to begin in 2026 and run for an initial three-year period.

Developed in collaboration with Humana People to People and the Humana People to People Educational and Training Foundation, the Rural Continental Teacher Award will spotlight rural educators who deliver quality education despite limited resources and ongoing challenges.

With nearly 70% of Africa’s population living in rural areas, organizers say this recognition seeks to bolster support for teachers serving the continent’s most underserved communities.

Selection criteria include demonstrated impact in rural or underserved areas, innovative low-resource teaching methods, strong community engagement, proven leadership, and a sustained commitment to inclusion and measurable student learning outcomes.

H.E. Professor Gaspard Banyankibona, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, remarked, “This special recognition will shine a spotlight on teachers in rural and hard-to-reach communities who overcome significant challenges to educate children in disadvantaged areas.”

Snorre Westgaard, Chairman of Humana People to People, commented: “Our network of teacher training colleges across Africa shows daily how teachers transform lives and strengthen communities. This partnership allows us to highlight rural teachers whose tireless work often goes unnoticed. Their dedication is the foundation of equitable education, and by amplifying their voices, we can encourage renewed investment in rural education and raise the profession’s status.”

This year’s 2025 CTA served as a soft launch for the new commitment through a Special Recognition of Rural Excellence, supported by the Humana People to People Educational and Training Foundation. Five teachers were selected from the CTA awardees for outstanding service to rural and underserved communities, with an additional $2,000 prize to support their ongoing work:

  • Jepkosgei Chemoiwa – Kenya
  • Sachitanand Ramdhonee – Mauritius
  • Ntombonzuko Mkizwana Zuki – South Africa
  • Allen A. Thomas – Liberia
  • Chaabane Naoures – Tunisia

As the CTA remains a flagship initiative under the Continental Education Strategy for Africa, it continues to recognize educators who improve learning outcomes, elevate the teaching profession, and advance Africa’s development goals, including Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By placing rural educators at the center of the awards, the new framework reinforces Africa’s commitment to closing the education gap and ensuring every child, regardless of location, has access to quality teaching.

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Awards & Recognition

NovaPLUS Named Pacesetter of the Year as It Launches E-commerce Platform in Kenya

by Brian Yatich
written by Brian Yatich

NovaPLUS, one of Kenya’s fastest-rising digital platforms, has been crowned Pacesetter of the Year in E-commerce at the 9th Annual International Pacesetters Awards held at the Swiss Lenana Mount Hotel, Nairobi.

The recognition coincided with the official launch of the company’s e-commerce platform, positioning NovaPLUS as a disruptive entrant in Kenya’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

The International Pacesetters Awards are regarded as a premier recognition of industry leadership, celebrating organizations that exemplify innovation, impact, and excellence.

NovaPLUS was recognized for its pioneering role in digital business discovery, e-commerce advertising, and verified business directory solutions—services designed to transform how businesses connect with customers and how consumers discover trusted providers.

Founded in 2024, NovaPLUS has set out to democratize digital visibility by providing enterprises of all sizes with verified listings and advanced advertising tools.

Already, the platform has onboarded a wide range of businesses, from small and medium-sized enterprises to established brands in hospitality, real estate, services, and lifestyle.

What differentiates the platform is its focus on credibility: every listing undergoes a verification process, addressing one of the biggest challenges in Kenya’s online commerce—consumer trust.

Kenya’s e-commerce sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. Data from the Competition Authority of Kenya projects penetration to rise from 40.3% in 2020 to 53.6% by 2025, fueled by online retail, food delivery, and digital services.

As of early 2025, internet usage in Kenya reached nearly 48%, representing over 27 million users, while social media users topped 15 million. SMEs are leading the digital shift, with 91% adopting digital payments—40% of them within the past two years—and 68% planning to invest further in secure and contactless systems.

Speaking at the ceremony, NovaPLUS CEO Bashir Mohamed said the company’s mission is to empower businesses with visibility and customers with safety.


“Kenya is at the heart of Africa’s digital transformation, and we see NovaPLUS as the gateway for businesses and users to thrive in this new economy,” he said. “Our goal is to level the playing field for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and corporates alike, and winning the Pacesetter of the Year award validates that e-commerce in Kenya is ready for a new chapter—one that is inclusive, trusted, and designed for sustainable growth.”

The award comes at a time when fraud remains a pressing concern in Kenya’s online marketplace. A 2024 report by TransUnion revealed that 82% of Kenyans had been targeted by fraud, with 11% admitting financial losses. Nearly 5% of all digital transactions were flagged as suspected fraud, with retail accounting for the highest exposure at 11.7%.

This has significantly dented consumer confidence, with 80% citing fear of fraud as the main reason for abandoning online services.

NovaPLUS is seeking to counter this trend by making trust and transparency its defining features. In addition to vetting every listed business, the platform integrates user ratings, reviews, and secure advertising pathways, ensuring customers only engage with credible providers.

The company has also committed to strengthening fraud safeguards while educating users and businesses on safe digital engagement.

With its official launch and industry recognition, NovaPLUS plans to scale aggressively, targeting key sectors such as hospitality, travel, real estate, automotive, electronics, and lifestyle.

The platform aims to onboard thousands of businesses while expanding its suite of digital marketing and discovery tools.

As Kenya’s digital commerce matures, NovaPLUS is positioning itself not just as another marketplace, but as a trusted ecosystem for inclusive growth. Its recognition as Pacesetter of the Year signals both validation of its business model and momentum to shape the next chapter of Kenya’s e-commerce story.

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