#50 Impact Master: Tom Building Digital Bridges in African Fintech

Let us know how we are doing

The entrepreneurial journey from campus coder to fintech disruptor comes alive in this compelling conversation with Tom Kimani, founder of Presta. With remarkable candor, Tom reveals how his early fascination with computers transformed into a passion for solving real financial problems across Africa.

Tom's story is rooted in humble beginnings – from growing up near power stations where his father worked, to setting up an impressive workspace in his university days that left his peers in awe. What sets his narrative apart is how he leveraged limited resources to create maximum impact. While other startups chase massive funding rounds, Tom built Presta on the radical notion that "your biggest investor is actually your customer." This customer-first philosophy guided every aspect of his company's growth.

The conversation takes us through the evolution of Presta, which began as a simple digital lending platform and expanded to revolutionize how Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) operate. Tom shares the breakthrough moment when they created a digital loan application system with e-signatures, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and in-person guarantors. This innovation proved especially valuable during COVID when traditional paper-based systems became problematic.

What truly distinguishes this episode is Tom's transparency about the challenges of building a fintech in Africa – from navigating slow decision-making cycles in traditional financial institutions to implementing robust security measures while handling billions in loan disbursements. His insights on hiring ("sometimes you have to hire people and pay them more than you're earning") offer a refreshing perspective on leadership and talent management.

As Presta expands beyond Kenya's borders to Zambia and Botswana, Tom's story reminds us that African solutions can scale continent-wide when entrepreneurs focus on genuine customer needs rather than chasing trends. Whether you're building your first startup or scaling an established business, Tom's journey demonstrates that with passion, persistence, and a deep understanding of local markets, African entrepreneurs can create technology that transforms lives.

Ready to be inspired by the next generation of African tech innovators? Subscribe now and join our community of forward-thinking listeners passionate about technology's role in shaping Africa's future.

Support the show

Subscribe and show some love. Ubuntu.