Visa and Citi have partnered with African fintech firm Cellulant to launch the Citi Optimized Pay card, a game-changing solution designed to accelerate payments and enhance business sustainability across the country’s SME sector.
The Citi Optimized Pay card, powered by Cellulant’s Tingg payment gateway, enables Citi’s corporate clients to pay suppliers directly through commercial cards, effectively reducing the payment delays that typically stretch up to 90 days. This digital solution is poised to significantly ease the financial pressure experienced by small businesses awaiting payments.
Suppliers using the platform can receive their payments seamlessly through multiple channels, including bank accounts and mobile wallets. This innovation targets a critical challenge in Kenya’s $24.8 billion supply chain finance market, where only 7% to 10% of the demand is currently being met, according to data from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
“Small business supply chain finance can be the lifeblood in an emerging economy such as Kenya. Providing access to a solution that drives the financial health of supply chains, will have far reaching effects that goes beyond the short-term impact of increased access to capital, by strengthening the local supply chain network and ultimately positively impacting the economy by promoting job creation and financial inclusion.” said David Li, Citi’s MEA Cards Head.
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Chad Pollock, Visa East Africa Vice President, echoed this sentiment, describing the Citi Optimized Pay initiative as a transformative step toward providing SMEs with “reliable cash flow solutions”, an essential pillar for business growth and sustainability.
Cellulant Group CEO Peter O’Toole emphasized the strategic alignment of this innovation with the company’s mission to deliver secure and forward-thinking payment solutions. “By addressing critical supply chain financing needs, this solution strengthens supply chains for corporates while enabling SME suppliers to efficiently manage cash flow—unlocking growth opportunities across the entire value chain. This is the kind of innovation that drives long-term economic growth, and we are proud to be at the forefront of powering such solutions.” he said.
Here are five key ways the Citi Optimized Pay card will benefit Kenyan SMEs:
- Faster Payment Cycles
Traditionally, SMEs face extended payment timelines from larger clients. The Citi Optimized Pay card dramatically shortens this cycle, delivering payments in days rather than weeks, enabling businesses to maintain steady cash flow and operational continuity. - Lower Financial Stress
With prompt payments, SMEs can better manage expenses without relying on expensive loans or informal credit options. In a country where borrowing costs can be steep, this solution offers a more affordable and sustainable way to stay financially stable. - Time and Cost Efficiency
By automating and simplifying transactions, the platform minimizes manual processes, reduces cash-handling risks, and cuts administrative costs. This is especially beneficial for SMEs with limited resources, allowing them to focus more on business growth than on payment logistics. - Stronger Business Relationships
A streamlined and reliable payment system builds credibility for SMEs. With enhanced financial discipline and transparency, small businesses are more likely to attract repeat customers, better contract terms, and partnerships with larger corporations. - Support for Business Growth
As enterprises scale, so do their financial needs. The Citi Optimized Pay card provides a scalable and secure payment framework that supports higher transaction volumes without complexity, a critical enabler for growth-oriented SMEs in Kenya.