NSE incubator program welcomes its newest member

The Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) incubator program has been making waves since its launch last year, aimed at accelerating aspirational companies to address a listing drought. With almost 20 members now, the program continues to attract promising startups looking to grow and access capital. One of the newest inductees, Eric Thimba, Co-Founder of Mookh, shared his excitement and goals for joining the program on a recent CNBC Africa interview. Thimba highlighted the importance of the program in helping companies like Mookh establish the right governance structures, access capital, and ultimately prepare for listing on the stock market. He expressed his ambition for Mookh to list on the Nairobi Stock Exchange within the next two years, viewing the program as a roadmap towards that goal. Not only does listing provide opportunities for founders and investors, but it also allows for local participation in African-grown businesses. Having been part of various initiatives and programs in the past, including winning the Visa Everywhere Initiative, Thimba sees the NSE incubator program as a unique opportunity to play at a different level. While previous initiatives helped Mookh expand its offerings, the current program is expected to elevate the company's capital base and competitiveness in the market. Despite the challenging economic landscape in Kenya, Thimba remains optimistic about the future, citing the stability and innovation of the Nairobi Stock Exchange as a driving force for growth. As an e-commerce business operating in a rapidly evolving industry, Mookh continues to thrive amid macroeconomic challenges, positioning itself for long-term success. However, the e-commerce space in Kenya still faces several obstacles to full potential. While mobile money has facilitated growth, Thimba identified issues such as digital currency adoption, market popularity, and infrastructure development as ongoing challenges. Expanding into new markets requires addressing these barriers to create a conducive environment for e-commerce to flourish. Looking ahead, Thimba expressed hope for a bright future for Mookh and the e-commerce sector as a whole, emphasizing the importance of overcoming current challenges to drive sustainable growth. With determination and strategic planning, Mookh aims to leverage the opportunities presented by the NSE incubator program to chart a successful course towards listing and continued expansion in the digital economy.