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Telkom joins peers in fintech push with SME loans

Moloko Mathopo
By Moloko Mathopo, ITWeb intern
Johannesburg, 19 Aug 2022
Sibusiso Ngwenya, managing executive, Telkom financial services.
Sibusiso Ngwenya, managing executive, Telkom financial services.

Telkom has launched a lending facility, targeting businesses with loans of up to R5 million, joining its peers that are also providing funding options to small and medium enterprises.

The telco unveiled the lending platform yesterday, inviting qualifying businesses to apply online, saying it is eliminating old-style bank processes, as fast funding for businesses is becoming a necessity.

With Telkom Lend, Telkom has joined Vodacom, which already offers loans to small, medium and micro enterprises.

This, as telcos continue to push into financial services, making the area highly contested for the sector that is seeking to diversify revenue streams away from data and voice.

MTN is leading the charge in financial services, recording blockbuster fintech transactionsworth over $116.3 billion (R1.8 trillion) in the first half of the year.

Vodacom has attracted 2.2 million downloads and 1.6 million registered users on its super app since its launch.

Telkom is now targeting small businesses, an area in which Sibusiso Ngwenya, managing executive, Telkom Financial Services, sees growth prospects.

“Business funding from Telkom Lend will ensure small businesses are able to scale and grow with fast funding, without the need to put up any collateral.

"With funding offers ranging from R20 000 to R5 million depending on monthly turnover, funding can be paid back over three to 12 months on a daily or weekly basis, depending on the business cash flow."

Telkom says the selection for eligibility is fully automated, which helps reduce the loan processing time.

Ngwenya explains: “Data is used to review the creditworthiness of businesses and speed up the funding process. The combination of technology and data analytics not only provides funding for businesses but is also driving financial inclusion while supporting economic growth.

“Money will be paid into the account within 24 hours, once approved to use for various needs, including expanding a business, purchasing equipment or renovating premises.”

The minimum criteria include six months of ownership, three months trade history and R30 000 monthly turnover.

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