Twiva Selected for Safaricom’s Spark Accelerator Program
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Twiva, Kenya’s leading AI-driven social commerce platform, has been selected for the prestigious Spark Accelerator Program by Safaricom. Renowned for utilizing influencers to market and sell products and services, Twiva stands to gain significantly from this initiative, receiving a comprehensive support package that includes training, mentorship, market access, capital, technology, and product development, facilitated by iHub – cchub.
The Spark Accelerator Program, launched in collaboration with M-PESA Africa and Sumitomo Corporation, aims to accelerate product innovation and business growth for startups. This initiative aligns with Safaricom’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable development, providing startups like Twiva with essential financial backing, strategic guidance, and technical assistance.
“Access to markets is a significant hurdle for many Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Twiva addresses this by enabling brands to leverage influencers to market and sell goods on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter. Utilizing AI, Twiva helps brands and influencers create compelling content,” said Peter Kironji, CEO and Co-founder of Twiva.
The program features eight other early-stage startups selected from over 200 business applicants in Kenya. These startups, spanning categories such as embedded finance, future fintech, SME productivity tools, and content, will undergo a three-month capacity-building program designed to equip them with the skills and resources needed to thrive. This initiative aims to potentially lead to investment from the Spark Accelerator.
“We are thrilled to extend digital financial services and contribute to Kenya and Africa’s socio-economic development through collaborations with innovative startups,” expressed Katsuya Kashiki, General Manager of Smart Communication Platform SBU at Sumitomo Corporation.
Twiva’s selection for the Spark Accelerator Program underscores its commitment to leveraging technology for societal impact and its potential to revolutionize social commerce, driving economic growth. Founded in 2020, Twiva is transforming retail in Africa by providing MSMEs with digital market access and fostering consumer trust in online transactions.
“The Spark Accelerator program aims to drive meaningful innovation through technology,” remarked Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom. He emphasized the program’s goal to catalyze societal change and economic prosperity by supporting tech-enabled startups, during the previous program launch.
With social commerce rapidly growing globally, Twiva’s innovative approach highlights the transformative potential of digital tools in business growth. The global social commerce industry is projected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2025, positioning Twiva at the forefront of this evolution.
“We are delighted to welcome these startups into the program. Their unique solutions leverage technology to enhance the quality of life for millions of Kenyans. We are eager to support them in refining their offerings and scaling their impact,” said Nissi Madu, Managing Partner at iHUB/CcHUB.
The Spark Accelerator Program’s inaugural cohort marks the beginning of Safaricom’s concerted effort to nurture technological innovation in Kenya, paving the way for a more prosperous and inclusive digital economy in Africa. Twiva’s inclusion signifies a new chapter in Kenya’s technological evolution and a significant step towards realizing the potential of digital entrepreneurship in Africa.
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