Kenyan AI-powered social commerce platform Twiva has been selected for the Spark Accelerator Program, an initiative by telecom giant Safaricom. This program will provide Twiva with training, mentorship, market access, capital, technology, and product development support, facilitated by iHub.
Twiva: An Overview
Founded in 2020, Twiva helps Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) gain better market access by leveraging influencers to market and sell products on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The platform uses AI to enhance its operations, making it easier for businesses to reach their target audience effectively.
Spark Accelerator Program
The Spark Accelerator features nine early-stage start-ups, including Twiva, selected from over 200 applicants in Kenya. These start-ups span various sectors, including embedded finance, future fintech, SME productivity tools, and content. The program will run for three months, focusing on capacity building, although the exact funding size has not yet been disclosed. Investments will be made in the form of debt and equity.
Support and Expectations
Nissi Madu, Managing Partner at iHub, expressed excitement about the program: “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.”
Collaboration and Goals
Launched in collaboration with M-PESA Africa and Sumitomo Corporation, the Spark Accelerator aims to fast-track product innovation and business growth for promising start-ups. This initiative reflects Safaricom’s commitment to nurturing innovative solutions that can drive significant socio-economic impact in Kenya.
By participating in the Spark Accelerator, Twiva is poised to scale its operations and further its mission of empowering MSMEs through social commerce, leveraging the power of influencers and AI technology.
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