NCBA Group’s digital financial services subsidiary, LOOP DFS, has launched a new platform targeting small businesses with digital payment solutions, inventory management tools and access to credit under one system.
The platform, dubbed LOOP BIZ+, is designed to help merchants manage sales, monitor stock, reach more customers and access financing without relying on separate systems for their daily operations.
Launched in Nairobi on Thursday, the service brings together payment acceptance, product marketing, inventory intelligence and working-capital solutions in a single digital ecosystem.
The move comes as businesses increasingly adopt digital tools to manage transactions and operations, while small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to face challenges accessing financing and expanding their customer base.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Kenya’s economy, yet many entrepreneurs still manage payments, records, stock, marketing and financing through separate channels,” said Sheila Kimani, chief commercial officer at LOOP DFS.
“This can take valuable time away from running and growing their businesses. LOOP BIZ+ brings these needs together in one platform, helping merchants streamline operations, make better-informed decisions and access support as their businesses evolve.”
The platform's payment system allows merchants to accept Visa cards, contactless payments using near-field communication (NFC) technology, mobile money and LOOP payments through a point-of-sale (POS) device.
Merchants can also accept payments through the LOOP BIZ mobile application and web portal, giving businesses multiple channels to serve customers and manage transactions.
By consolidating payment services and business management tools, LOOP DFS aims to reduce the administrative burden associated with operating separate systems for sales, stock monitoring and financial management.
The platform also provides merchants with access to LOOP Discover, a marketplace that allows businesses to list and promote their products through the LOOP consumer application.
According to the company, the marketplace provides access to more than 500,000 LOOP consumers, giving participating merchants an additional channel to reach potential customers beyond their physical outlets.
The service is expected to help businesses improve product visibility and attract customers through digital channels, complementing walk-in sales and referrals.
LOOP BIZ+ also incorporates artificial intelligence-powered inventory management tools designed to help merchants make better purchasing and stock decisions.
The inventory intelligence feature, currently available through the web platform, supports stock monitoring, demand forecasting, restocking recommendations and the identification of slow-moving products.
These capabilities are intended to help businesses identify products that require replenishment, reduce the risk of tying up working capital in slow-moving stock and make purchasing decisions based on demand patterns.
LOOP DFS plans to introduce the inventory intelligence feature on the LOOP BIZ mobile application in 2027.
Financing is another component of the platform, with merchants able to access different credit products depending on their business requirements and eligibility.
These include quick loans for immediate cash-flow needs, overdrafts against the LOOP Payment Account, supplier credit lines paid directly to designated suppliers and a digital pathway to longer-term financing.
The company said transaction histories generated through the platform could inform credit assessments and help eligible businesses access financing, subject to applicable requirements and credit approval.
Merchants can also use a credit-tracking feature on the LOOP BIZ application to set borrowing goals and monitor progress towards target credit limits. A similar feature for merchants using the web platform is planned for a future rollout.
The financing solutions are offered through the wider NCBA ecosystem, linking merchants' payment activities with potential access to financial services.
John Njoroge, Visa's country manager for Kenya, said the platform would expand payment choices for merchants and consumers as businesses increasingly participate in digital commerce.
“Kenya has built one of the world’s most dynamic digital payments ecosystems, and the next opportunity is ensuring more businesses can participate fully in it,” he said.
“LOOP POS broadens payment choice for merchants and consumers by bringing Visa card acceptance together with other digital payment options. Through partnerships like this, we can help more businesses participate confidently in digital commerce and create new opportunities for growth.”
LOOP DFS said the launch reflects its strategy of connecting payments, commerce and financing to help businesses manage day-to-day operations and identify opportunities for expansion.
The effectiveness of the platform will depend on merchant adoption, the affordability of its services and whether businesses can translate the digital tools into improved sales, better stock management and access to suitable financing.
