LOOP launches all-in-one merchant platform for Kenyan SMEs
NCBA Group’s digital financial services arm, LOOP DFS, has launched LOOP BIZ+, a merchant platform that combines payment acceptance, working capital loans and AI-powered stock management for small businesses in a single service.
At the centre of the platform is a LOOP point-of-sale (POS) device that accepts Visa and other card payments, contactless NFC payments, mobile money and LOOP payments. The same checkout is available through the LOOP BIZ app and a web portal.
Merchants can also use their POS transaction history to qualify for credit, including quick loans, overdrafts, supplier credit lines paid directly to named suppliers, and longer-term financing. Credit limits can grow with the business, subject to eligibility and approval.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Kenya’s economy, yet many entrepreneurs still manage payments, records, stock, marketing and financing through separate channels, and end up being the ones holding it all together,” said Sheila Kimani, LOOP DFS chief commercial officer.
“Because the platform sees the business as a whole, we can offer the right kind of support at the right time, and with NCBA Bank behind the credit relationship, merchants can plan their growth with greater confidence.”
The platform includes an AI inventory tool that tracks stock levels, forecasts demand and recommends restocking. It also flags slow-moving products every morning to help merchants avoid tying up cash in unsold goods.
The inventory feature is currently available only to merchants on the web platform. It is due on the app in 2027.
Merchants can also list products on LOOP Discover, a storefront inside the LOOP consumer app, reaching more than 500,000 users.
A new feature on the LOOP BIZ app lets merchants set credit goals and track their progress towards target loan limits.
Visa, a partner in the launch, said the platform widens payment options for merchants and shoppers.
“LOOP POS broadens payment choice for merchants and consumers by bringing Visa card acceptance together with other digital payment options,” said John Njoroge, Visa’s country manager for Kenya.
The launch comes as banks and fintechs compete to win small merchants with bundled payment and lending tools. Safaricom this month extended its Fuliza overdraft to Pochi La Biashara merchants.
It also comes days after South Africa’s Nedbank completed its acquisition of a 66 per cent stake in NCBA.
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