
Kenya’s Digital Bank Umba Secures $5 Million to Drive Pan-African Growth
Kenyan-based digital bank Umba has secured a $5 million debt facility from Star Strong Capital to accelerate its growth and reach more customers across Africa.
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Ghana’s electric mobility sector has received a fresh boost as Sahara Impact Ventures confirmed a new investment in Wahu Mobility, a home-grown e-mobility startup working to replace petrol-powered transport across African cities.
Wahu began its journey by converting regular bicycles into electric versions before expanding into a larger mobility company.
It now designs and assembles electric bikes built specifically for Africa’s road conditions, while offering leasing arrangements that make it easier for businesses to transition their fleets from fuel-driven motorcycles and bicycles to electric options.
The company also embeds technology into its operations, providing tools for fleet monitoring and support for riders who rely on the bikes for daily transport and logistics work.
In its announcement, Sahara Impact Ventures said the investment reflects its focus on early-stage companies addressing long-standing challenges across the continent.
The firm pointed to worsening urban congestion, rising fuel expenses, and projections that transport-related emissions in Africa could triple by 2050 as indicators of why solutions such as Wahu’s are urgently needed.
According to the firm, Wahu stands out for its blend of local manufacturing, tech-enabled fleet management and support systems designed for both individuals and enterprises.
The new funding is expected to strengthen Wahu Mobility’s capacity to expand production, grow its leasing portfolio, and deepen its rider-support network—part of a broader push to make electric mobility more accessible and practical for African markets.

Kenyan-based digital bank Umba has secured a $5 million debt facility from Star Strong Capital to accelerate its growth and reach more customers across Africa.

Sahel Capital, through its Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA), has provided a $500,000 working capital loan to Agriarche, a company focused on improving market access for smallholder farmers in Nigeria.

Kenyan renewable energy startup Hydrobox has secured $9 million in debt funding to expand its small hydro projects, delivering affordable and reliable electricity to underserved communities in Kenya.