Fuliza Biashara Gets Major Upgrade as Safaricom Rolls Out Taasi Loans

Safaricom has announced a revamp of its business credit offerings in partnership with financial institutions, introducing new lending solutions tailored to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The updated suite of credit services includes expanded overdraft access via Fuliza Biashara, a newly introduced Taasi Till term loan for M-PESA business merchants, and Taasi Pochi for Pochi la Biashara users. The move is part of Safaricom’s broader commitment to financial inclusion and support for Kenya’s informal and formal business sectors.

New and Flexible Credit Options for MSMEs

Safaricom says the revamped solutions aim to bridge credit access gaps for entrepreneurs across the country. The offerings now provide:

• Fuliza Biashara: An overdraft facility for Lipa na M-PESA merchants, allowing them to draw funds from KES 1,000 up to KES 400,000 based on their credit limits. Repayments are now more flexible, automatically deducted when the till receives inflows, which helps ensure uninterrupted business operations.
• Taasi Till: A term loan product that gives eligible businesses short-term credit from KES 1,500 to KES 250,000. Funds are disbursed directly into the merchant’s M-PESA account with repayment periods ranging between 14 and 30 days.
• Taasi Pochi: Targeted at Pochi la Biashara users, this facility offers credit between KES 1,000 and KES 250,000. The funds are made available via the M-PESA App or USSD code *334*8#.

All services are accessible via the M-PESA Business App or USSD code *234#.

To qualify for any of the loans, businesses must have operated active tills or wallets for at least six months.

Supporting MSME Growth Through Credit

According to Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC, “Businesses play a pivotal role in Kenya’s economy and make a significant impact in our communities. Leveraging the power of technology, Taasi will offer convenience and access to credit for MSMEs, allowing them to focus on scaling their businesses.”

Safaricom emphasized that these tools are not just financial products but are part of a long-term mission to empower entrepreneurs, sustain business continuity, and help business owners focus on growth without the friction of limited access to working capital.

M-PESA’s Expanding Role in Financial Inclusion

M-PESA has evolved beyond a payment system into one of Africa’s most impactful digital financial platforms. As of March 2025, it serves over 34 million customers and contributes significantly to the rise in financial inclusion across Kenya – from 26.7% in 2006 to 83.7% by 2021. M-PESA generated KES 161 billion in revenue in FY25 alone.

By incorporating business credit solutions like Fuliza Biashara, Taasi Till, and Taasi Pochi into M-PESA’s ecosystem, Safaricom continues to build what it calls a resilient and financially healthy Kenya.

Strategic Alignment with Economic and ESG Goals

The credit revamp aligns with Safaricom’s broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. The company has pledged to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2050 and remains committed to improving energy and resource efficiency.

Additionally, the company continues its commitment to gender parity, aiming for 50:50 representation at senior management levels by 2025, while supporting over 1.1 million jobs directly and indirectly.