Local fintech firm in regional expansion

Revolutionizing Regional Trade: Malawi Fintech Pioneer Sets Sights on Borderless Growth

Post was last updated: December 9, 2025

Key Business Points

  • Kwenda’s expansion into Zambia marks a significant milestone for the Malawian travel technology start-up, demonstrating growing confidence in local technology and rising regional demand for modern solutions.
  • Digital financial inclusion is crucial for Malawi’s economic growth, and experts emphasize the need to promote active and productive usage of digital technologies, shifting focus from access to usage.
  • Macroeconomic stability is essential for true financial inclusion, as it requires a significant improvement in disposable income and overall economic stability to drive the adoption of digital financial services.

Malawi’s business community is abuzz with the news of Kwenda’s expansion into Zambia, a move that bolsters the country’s reputation as a hub for innovative technology solutions. The firm’s founder and CEO, Lumbani Gondwe, expressed pride and excitement about the venture, citing trust in their technology and a vision to serve audiences across Africa. Kwenda’s platform offers a range of benefits, including real-time verification, reduced counterfeit risks, and improved crowd management, making it an attractive solution for event and travel organizers.

The expansion presents both a commercial opportunity and a test of scalability for Kwenda, as they prepare to form strategic partnerships to anchor their long-term presence in the region. This development is a significant milestone for Malawi’s tech industry, as Kwenda becomes one of the few local start-ups to expand regionally within their first year. The move is expected to elevate the event and travel experiences of audiences in Zambia, while also contributing to the growth of Malawi’s economy.

According to information communications technology expert Bram Fudzulani, promoting active and productive usage of digital technologies is crucial for true financial inclusion. While infrastructure is available and resilient, constraints imposed by the challenging macroeconomic environment hinder progress. Fudzulani emphasizes the need to shift focus from simply access to promoting active and productive use of digital financial services, which requires a significant improvement in disposable income and overall macroeconomic stability. As the Chichewa phrase "Kugona kwa mwezi" (growth of the economy) suggests, Malawi’s economic growth is closely tied to the adoption of digital technologies and financial inclusion.

The Reserve Bank of Malawi’s second quarter National Payment Systems report reveals mixed fortunes in the payment landscape, with transaction volumes increasing and values dropping. The report indicates a decline in the use of cheques, while mobile phone network subscribers have increased to 20.1 million as of June 30, 2025. However, the 90-day activity rate for mobile money subscribers declined by 52.14 percent from 56.32 percent in March 2025. These trends highlight the need for innovative solutions like Kwenda’s to drive financial inclusion and economic growth in Malawi. As the country’s economy continues to evolve, entrepreneurs and businesses must adapt to the changing landscape, embracing digital technologies and innovative solutions to stay ahead of the curve.

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Vanessa Banda
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