S1E12: Unlocking Billions - Marie-Reine Seshie on Empowering Africa’s SMEs with Kola Market episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 2, 2025 · 43 MIN

S1E12: Unlocking Billions - Marie-Reine Seshie on Empowering Africa’s SMEs with Kola Market

from The Founders Atlas with Mayuri Reddy · host Mayuri Reddy

Accra, Ghana has a population of 5.5 million — and over 2 million small and medium-sized businesses. These SMEs employ most of the workforce and generate nearly 70% of the country’s GDP, but the majority can’t access credit or reliable tools to scale.In this episode, host Mayuri Reddy speaks with Marie-Reine Seshie, founder & CEO of Kola Market, about how her platform is changing that. Marie-Reine shares her journey from banking and policy to building a tech company that de-risks lending for small businesses, supports women entrepreneurs, and empowers Ghana’s next generation of founders.Expect insights on:The realities of entrepreneurship in AccraBuilding trust with small shop owners and tradersWhy SMEs are the real engine of Africa’s economiesWhat global investors often miss when entering GhanaHer hopes for the future of women-led business in West AfricaTo reach Marie-Reine, you can email her at [email protected], via ⁠linkedin⁠ and/or through ⁠Kola Market's website⁠.🌍 The Founders Atlas brings you stories of entrepreneurs building in emerging ecosystems around the world. Follow along on instagram and substack.

Accra, Ghana has a population of 5.5 million — and over 2 million small and medium-sized businesses. These SMEs employ most of the workforce and generate nearly 70% of the country’s GDP, but the majority can’t access credit or reliable tools to scale.In this episode, host Mayuri Reddy speaks with Marie-Reine Seshie, founder & CEO of Kola Market, about how her platform is changing that. Marie-Reine shares her journey from banking and policy to building a tech company that de-risks lending for small businesses, supports women entrepreneurs, and empowers Ghana’s next generation of founders.Expect insights on:The realities of entrepreneurship in AccraBuilding trust with small shop owners and tradersWhy SMEs are the real engine of Africa’s economiesWhat global investors often miss when entering GhanaHer hopes for the future of women-led business in West AfricaTo reach Marie-Reine, you can email her at [email protected], via ⁠linkedin⁠ and/or through ⁠Kola Market's website⁠.🌍 The Founders Atlas brings you stories of entrepreneurs building in emerging ecosystems around the world. Follow along on instagram and substack.

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S1E12: Unlocking Billions - Marie-Reine Seshie on Empowering Africa’s SMEs with Kola Market

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Accra, Ghana has a population of 5.5 million — and over 2 million small and medium-sized businesses. These SMEs employ most of the workforce and generate nearly 70% of the country’s GDP, but the majority can’t access credit or reliable tools to...

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