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Equity Group has rolled out Equity SME Connect, a digital platform offering cross-border working capital loans to small businesses in all 7 of its African markets. Launched in May 2024, the platform uses alternative data—like mobile money and utility payments—to assess creditworthiness. Loans range from $1,000 to $50,000, with repayment in local currencies. CEO James Mwangi said the move supports intra-African trade under AfCFTA. Over 50,000 SMEs have pre-registered, with Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda leading uptake. The platform is backed by a $200 million facility from IFC and AfDB.