Furaha Raises $10M to Transform Education Financing Across Africa
Furaha, a dedicated lending platform based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is on a mission to promote financial inclusion throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Recently, the company secured $10 million in funding, a collaborative investment from SC Ventures, the FinTech investment division of Standard Chartered, and Yabx Technologies, part of the Tech Mahindra Group.
Funding Details and Contributions
The recent funding round was structured as follows:
- SC Ventures: Contributed $7 million.
- Yabx Technologies: Provided the remaining funds through technology transfer agreements.
Innovative Lending Solutions
Furaha utilizes advanced technology and alternative lending methods to provide accessible financing options. The platform merges SC Ventures’ expertise in risk management with Yabx’s AI-driven lending infrastructure. This combination aims to:
- Reduce costs for borrowers.
- Broaden access to financial services for underserved communities.
Focus on Education Financing
The initial offering from Furaha is centered around education financing. This initiative aims to assist families in managing school fees, paving the way for better educational opportunities for children.
Expansion Plans Across Africa
The new funding will facilitate Furaha’s expansion into various African markets, starting with Uganda. To launch affordable education loan products, the platform has formed partnerships with:
- Opportunity Bank
- SchPay
- MTN MoMo
Leadership Insights
SC Ventures CEO, Alex Manson, commented on the partnership: “We are excited to collaborate with innovative partners like Yabx and Tech Mahindra who share our vision of enhancing financial inclusion. This partnership is a step forward in transforming financing in Africa and aligns with our goal to revolutionize banking practices.”
Yabx CEO, Rajat Dayal, emphasized the significance of this initiative in the education sector: “This partnership with SC Ventures represents a pivotal moment for Yabx as we enter the education financing domain. We are thrilled to work with Furaha and contribute to improved education outcomes in Uganda and beyond.”
For more information on financial inclusion initiatives in Africa, visit World Bank’s Financial Inclusion page or explore our financial solutions.