Sevi and Renew Capital Partner to Transform Retail Financing in Africa with AI-Driven “Stock Now, Pay Later” Platform.

Nairobi-based fintech innovator empowers retailers and suppliers through seamless credit solutions.

NAIROBI, Kenya – January 21, 2025 – Kenyan fintech pioneer Sevi, backed by pan-African investment firm Renew Capital, is reshaping the future of retail and wholesale trade across the country with its groundbreaking “Stock Now, Pay Later” (SNPL) platform. Designed to bridge the working capital gap plaguing small businesses, Sevi’s AI-powered solution enables retailers to access inventory on credit while guaranteeing instant payments to suppliers like Anytime, Coca-Cola and Philmed. This dual-benefit model is poised to accelerate financial inclusion and drive economic growth in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

Addressing Africa’s Working Capital Crisis

Micro-retailers and wholesalers form the backbone of Africa’s economy, yet many struggle with cash flow shortages that limit their ability to stock inventory. Traditional financing options often exclude small businesses due to stringent credit requirements or high-interest rates. Sevi’s platform directly tackles this challenge by offering a frictionless credit system tailored to the needs of both suppliers and retailers.

“Imagine a retailer who can finally order enough stock to meet customer demand without worrying about upfront costs,” says Walter aan de Wiel, Co-founder and CEO of Sevi. “Our mission is to empower these entrepreneurs by removing financial barriers, allowing them to focus on growth”

Renew Capital’s Strategic Investment Fuels Expansion

Renew Capital’s investment underscores confidence in Sevi’s potential to scale across Africa. “Sevi isn’t just filling a financing gap—it’s rebuilding the infrastructure of Africa’s retail ecosystem,” notes Calvin Chitangala, Investment and Project Manager at Renew Capital. “By digitizing credit evaluations and supplier transactions, they’re enabling businesses to thrive in competitive markets.”

The funding will enhance Sevi’s technological capabilities, broaden it’s supplier network, and onboard more retailers. Partnerships with organizations like Global Affairs Canada further amplify it’s reach, aligning with broader goals to strengthen private-sector growth in emerging economies.

With over 90% of Africa’s retail sector classified as informal, Sevi’s solution has vast scalability potential. Future plans include integrating advanced data analytics to predict market demand and expanding services to Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. “We’re not just building an app—we’re creating a movement toward equitable access to capital,” adds Walter.