Pesapal, Pezesha Launch Data-Driven Credit Pilot to Support SMEs

Pesapal Uganda, a leading payments and business solutions provider in East Africa, has partnered with Pezesha to pilot a data-driven credit facility for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda.

The initiative seeks to bridge the persistent financing gap faced by SMEs, which make up over 90% of Uganda’s private sector and employ the majority of the workforce. Nearly 60% of Ugandan adults remain excluded from formal credit systems, limiting the growth potential of small businesses. By integrating affordable credit directly into its payments platform, Pesapal is empowering merchants to access working capital seamlessly and scale their businesses sustainably.

This partnership aligns with the Bank of Uganda’s vision and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2023–2028), which prioritizes affordable financial services, responsible digital lending, and the growth of Uganda’s digital economy. It positions Pesapal as more than just a payments provider—emerging as a strategic growth partner for merchants and a driver of economic transformation.

The pilot will roll out gradually, starting with a select group of merchants on the Pesapal platform. This phased approach ensures a smooth user experience, promotes responsible borrowing, and allows the company to refine the product before wider expansion.

Using Pezesha’s proprietary credit scoring engine, Patascore, the program will assess merchant eligibility based on real-time transaction data—such as sales volumes, seasonality, and repayment history—to determine right-sized credit limits. By eliminating the need for traditional collateral, SMEs can access affordable financing to bridge cash flow gaps, restock faster, and meet growing customer demand.

Benefits for merchants on the Pesapal platform include: improved cash flow with timely access to credit, faster restocking to meet customer demand without interruption, and sustainable growth supported by responsible and affordable financing.

Speaking about the partnership, Martin Barungi, Country Director at Pesapal Uganda, said: “We are excited to partner with Pezesha to bring this innovative credit solution to our merchants in Uganda. Many SMEs face challenges accessing financing, which slows their growth. By embedding credit into our payments platform, we are giving them the tools to unlock new opportunities and strengthen their businesses.”

Jessica Tusiime, Operations Manager at Pezesha, added: “Our mission at Pezesha is to close the financing gap for SMEs across Africa. Partnering with Pesapal allows us to reach thousands of merchants with affordable and responsible credit, helping them build resilience and thrive in today’s competitive market.”

With this pilot, Pesapal and Pezesha are addressing one of the biggest barriers to SME growth—affordable credit—while advancing Uganda’s national financial inclusion agenda.