M-KOPA, a leading fintech company focused on emerging markets, has been recognized by CNBC as one of the World’s Top Fintech Companies for 2025. This accolade coincides with the company reaching a major milestone—disbursing over $2 billion in credit to more than 7 million customers across Africa. M-KOPA was selected in the ‘Alternative Financing’ category, which honors innovators driving inclusive access to funding and credit through digital solutions.
The company’s unique approach uses embedded smartphone technology and a pay-as-you-go model to offer more than just internet-enabled devices—it also bundles credit, health insurance, and device protection. With its Smart Money platform onboarding 200,000 users monthly and handling over 15 payments per second, M-KOPA is building financial pathways for customers who were previously invisible to traditional banks.
Operating in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, M-KOPA leverages a network of 35,000 direct sales agents to deliver its services. While smartphones remain its core offering, the company has expanded into electric motorbike financing, demonstrating its ability to scale inclusive financial products. Its growth is powered by over a decade of transaction data and AI-driven credit analytics, helping it create robust credit histories for underserved populations.
As global fintech revenues are projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, much of it from emerging markets, M-KOPA is well-positioned to lead. With over 1.4 billion adults worldwide still unbanked, the company’s model is increasingly relevant. CEO Jesse Moore hailed the CNBC recognition as a validation of M-KOPA’s mission to drive sustainable growth and financial inclusion across Africa.