The Interledger Foundation, a US nonprofit focused on creating a universal standard for sending money, is expanding its university program into Kenya. United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) is the latest school to receive a grant aimed at getting students and faculty to build and research systems based on open-source payment technology.
This is all part of the Foundation’s “NextGen Higher Education Grant Program.” The core idea is to pump money into universities to develop curriculum, research, and training focused on its own standard, the Interledger Protocol (ILP). ILP is an open-source protocol for routing payments across different digital ledgers—think of it as a “http for money,” designed to connect incompatible payment networks (like M-Pesa, a bank, and a crypto wallet) so they can interoperate seamlessly. The program’s stated goal is to build a workforce familiar with these “open-payment technologies” and push for “inclusive digital finance.”
USIU-Africa isn’t alone. This new cohort also includes Alabama A&M University in the US and The Hague University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. The Foundation says it’s “building on success stories” from existing partnerships with the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa and Bowie State University in the US.
Chris Lawrence, Chief Programmes Officer at the Interledger Foundation, said the goal is to build a pipeline of talent. “We aim to nurture the next generation of fintech entrepreneurs, developers, and policymakers,” Lawrence stated. “These collaborative efforts have demonstrated that universities are critical engines in shaping inclusive financial systems that unlock economic opportunity.”
He added that the Kenyan investment is about “helping to further the advancement of open, interoperable financial systems that can transform local lives while also contributing to the global conversation on financial inclusion.”
What $50,000 Buys in Kenyan Fintech Ed
USIU-Africa’s specific project has a mouthful of a title: “Design Your Future Integrated Innovation Pipeline Programme: The Future of Open Payment Technologies for Financial Inclusion & Social Impact.”
The university will get up to $50,000 for one year to fund the project, which covers event participation, training, and software development. The program itself is planned as a mix of design thinking workshops, a startup incubator, and leadership training, all aimed at generating “transformative ideas for financial inclusion in Kenya.”
The Real Target: Kenya’s Small Business Economy
The program’s focus isn’t just academic; it’s aimed squarely at Kenya’s massive small business sector. According to the release, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) make up over 90% of all businesses in the country, contributing over 33% of Kenya’s GDP and employing more than 78% of its workforce.
The argument is that this “vital sector” is where “affordable, interoperable financial tools” could have the biggest impact, unlocking growth and financial inclusion for underserved communities. USIU-Africa plans to engage this network directly, bringing in students, entrepreneurs, and “policy influencers” to “co-create impactful financial products.”
“By integrating innovation and incubation center programmes, USIU-Africa is committed to leading collaborative efforts that foster real-world solutions for financial inclusion,” said Billy Wadongo, director of the innovation and incubation centre at USIU-Africa. He noted the initiative “leverages open-source payment systems, Interledger technology, and hands-on training to prepare participants for entrepreneurial success, connect communities, and transform Kenya’s digital financial landscape into one that is more inclusive and accessible for all.”
The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi, emphasized the project would “serve as a dynamic launchpad for aspiring fintech leaders in MSMEs.” He added, “This partnership with the Interledger Foundation represents more than an academic milestone; it is a bold step toward positioning USIU-Africa at the center of excellence in Africa’s open payment systems and financial inclusion in MSMEs.”
The Rest of the New Cohort
As for the other new grantees, The Hague University of Applied Sciences will have its law and finance students explore “the intersection of regulatory frameworks, open payment technologies, and financial inclusion,” which it calls critical knowledge for innovation in emerging markets. Alabama A&M’s “Dollarcraft Digital Banking Programme” is described as an intensive, hands-on curriculum where students will “design, prototype, and showcase inclusive payment solutions designed for underserved populations.”
Building on Previous “Success Stories”
The Foundation points to its existing partnerships as proof the model works, claiming “excellent results.”
At the University of Cape Town (UCT), the grant-supported “FinHub” now offers one of Africa’s few Masters in Fintech programs focused on open payments. According to UCT, the hub takes in about 20 new students annually from across Africa and claims an “exemplary track record” with a 100% employment rate for its students. Notably, all of its open payments alumni are reportedly employed in finance, academia, or consulting, with about 17% founding their own startups.
Meanwhile, in the US, Bowie State University used its grant to launch a “Student Scholars” initiative. This program engages students in technical support, community engagement, and research. The Foundation says these scholars develop educational materials, work on financial literacy on campus, and represent the university at global events. The grant also funded new business curricula and workshops tied to Open Payments, “producing a student pipeline ready for careers and innovation in fintech.”
If you’re a university that missed out, you’re out of luck for now: applications for the NextGen Higher Education Grant are currently closed. The Interledger Foundation says it will communicate updates on future funding rounds when they become available. More details can be found on the program’s official grant page.
