The Interledger Foundation has awarded a grant to United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) in Kenya to promote open-payment technology, expanding its "NextGen Higher Education Grant Program." This initiative aims to foster a workforce knowledgeable in open-source payment systems like the Interledger Protocol to enhance financial inclusion.

• USIU-Africa received up to $50,000 for its project, "Design Your Future Integrated Innovation Pipeline Programme: The Future of Open Payment Technologies for Financial Inclusion & Social Impact," focusing on Kenya's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
• Chris Lawrence, Chief Programmes Officer at the Interledger Foundation, stated the goal is to "nurture the next generation of fintech entrepreneurs, developers, and policymakers."
• MSMEs in Kenya comprise over 90% of all businesses, contribute over 33% of the country’s GDP and employ more than 78% of its workforce.

Jiji Kenya has launched “Zero to Profit: The Essentials of Business Building,” a free online course aimed at transforming aspiring entrepreneurs into profitable business owners. This initiative, in partnership with Mount Kenya University (MKU), seeks to address high youth unemployment and capitalize on strong entrepreneurial interest in Kenya.

• Over 1.6 million Kenyans aged 18–34 are unemployed, according to the 2023 KNBS Economic Survey.
• The course is fully digital, free, and self-paced, covering topics from finding a profitable niche to marketing and legal compliance.
• Upon completion, learners receive a certificate and a free “Boost Package” for priority visibility on Jiji’s platform.

Jiji has launched a free online business course, "Zero to Profit: The Essentials of Business Building," aimed at empowering young Kenyans to develop profitable ventures in the digital economy.

• The course is offered through the newly established Jiji Academy, which launched at Mount Kenya University (MKU), Thika.
• According to Maureen Naliaka, PR & Marketing Manager at Jiji Kenya, the initiative addresses the lack of access to crucial business knowledge among youth.
• The self-paced course covers essential topics including identifying profitable niches, sourcing suppliers, mastering marketing, and legal compliance, with completers receiving a certificate and a free Boost Package on Jiji.