Global digital financial solutions provider Branch International has outlined plans to roll out a true Pan-African digital bank with Kenya as the launch pad.
Branch International, best known for digital lending solutions and services in Kenya, will spearhead the rollout of digital banking services across key markets in Africa once the local operation crystallizes before the end of the year.
Speaking in Nairobi at the formal signing ceremony for the acquisition of Century Microfinance Bank, Silicon Valley-based Branch International Founder Mr Matt Flannery said the firm would be investing heavily in the strategic venture.
The firm, he said, had settled on the acquisition of Century Microfinance Bank to jumpstart the rollout of a digital bank in Kenya. “Branch International engaged a number of potential investment partners locally but settled on Century Microfinance which ticked many of the boxes and remains a right fit partner for the journey ahead,” Mr Flannery said.
Branch, he said, currently serves customers in Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria and India, with offices in Nairobi, Lagos, Bangalore, Mumbai and Silicon Valley. Branch pioneered artificial intelligence applications to assess credit risk in markets with poor credit bureau infrastructure and continues to push technology to make financial services more efficient and scalable.
The firm has attracted global investors ranging from Andreessen Horowitz (who backed Facebook, Twitter and other international platforms early on) to Visa and the World Bank Group’s IFC in its corporate mission to offer world-class financial services to the mobile generation.
Flanked by Century Microfinance Bank Chairperson Peterson Mwangi and Branch East Africa Managing Director Rose Muturi, Mr Flannery confirmed that the firm had activated its continental rollout plans with Kenya providing a good learning experience.
With the recent acquisition, Branch Kenya, he reiterated, will soon be making a landmark transition as the first digital lender to expand into the microfinance banking market, allowing for deposit-taking financial services and enhanced lending for individuals and SME clients. Plans for the corporate rebranding of Century Microfinance to the Branch corporate livery, he disclosed are also underway.
“The establishment of a true pan-African digital bank is long overdue, and at Branch International, we believe this will be a game-changer to deepen financial inclusivity while reaching the underserved markets,” Flannery said. He added, “the acquisition of Century Microfinance Bank here in Kenya, is a bold statement for Branch and demonstrates our commitment towards building a Pan-African digital bank. The support provided by the Government of Kenya and the Central Bank of Kenya has given us the impetus to use this country as the launchpad for our continental expansion efforts.”
Last month, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Century Microfinance Bank Limited (Century MFB) by Branch International Limited (Branch) effective January 1, 2022. The acquisition follows CBK’s regulatory approval earlier secured on December 30, 2021, under Section 19 (4) of the Microfinance Act and approval by the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Planning on January 7, 2022, pursuant to Section 19(3)(b) of the Microfinance Act.
On his part, Century Microfinance Bank Chairman, Peterson Mwangi, while welcoming Branch International on its corporate roll, confirmed that the Microfinance Bank had made strategic steps to support its evolution into a fully-fledged digital bank.
“In Branch International, we have found a suitable corporate partner who shares our commitment to being the first end-to-end digital microfinance bank for the benefit of our existing and potential clients,” Mwangi said. He added, “In the last few years, we have worked hard to prepare Century Microfinance Bank for such a technological leap through heavy investments in Information Technology systems, including a core banking and customer relationship management system. These systems will come in very handy in the journey we are now set to undertake with Branch International.”
Regulated and licenced by the Central Bank of Kenya as a DTM, Century Microfinance Bank was established in 2012 as the seventh Microfinance Bank (MFB) in Kenya. The firm has provided a full range of financial services such as savings accounts and credit facilities to its more than 26,000 clients in Kenya.
Branch has created an algorithmic approach using machine learning to determine credit worthiness via customers’ smartphones. While this tech-forward approach requires transparency and trust, it also enables a fair, secure and convenient path for customers to build capital and save for the future.
Headquartered in San Francisco, United States, Branch operates in India, Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. Branch has been working to break the traditional financial access barriers such as a credit score and bank account by tapping into the rise of mobile technology to reach underserved populations in its operating markets.
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Global digital financial solutions provider Branch International has outlined plans to roll out a true Pan-African digital bank with Kenya as the launch pad.
Branch International, best known for digital lending solutions and services in Kenya, will spearhead the rollout of digital banking services across key markets in Africa once the local operation crystallizes before the end of the year.
Speaking in Nairobi at the formal signing ceremony for the acquisition of Century Microfinance Bank, Silicon Valley-based Branch International Founder Mr Matt Flannery said the firm would be investing heavily in the strategic venture.
The firm, he said, had settled on the acquisition of Century Microfinance Bank to jumpstart the rollout of a digital bank in Kenya. “Branch International engaged a number of potential investment partners locally but settled on Century Microfinance which ticked many of the boxes and remains a right fit partner for the journey ahead,” Mr Flannery said.
Branch, he said, currently serves customers in Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria and India, with offices in Nairobi, Lagos, Bangalore, Mumbai and Silicon Valley. Branch pioneered artificial intelligence applications to assess credit risk in markets with poor credit bureau infrastructure and continues to push technology to make financial services more efficient and scalable.
The firm has attracted global investors ranging from Andreessen Horowitz (who backed Facebook, Twitter and other international platforms early on) to Visa and the World Bank Group’s IFC in its corporate mission to offer world-class financial services to the mobile generation.
Flanked by Century Microfinance Bank Chairperson Peterson Mwangi and Branch East Africa Managing Director Rose Muturi, Mr Flannery confirmed that the firm had activated its continental rollout plans with Kenya providing a good learning experience.
With the recent acquisition, Branch Kenya, he reiterated, will soon be making a landmark transition as the first digital lender to expand into the microfinance banking market, allowing for deposit-taking financial services and enhanced lending for individuals and SME clients. Plans for the corporate rebranding of Century Microfinance to the Branch corporate livery, he disclosed are also underway.
“The establishment of a true pan-African digital bank is long overdue, and at Branch International, we believe this will be a game-changer to deepen financial inclusivity while reaching the underserved markets,” Flannery said. He added, “the acquisition of Century Microfinance Bank here in Kenya, is a bold statement for Branch and demonstrates our commitment towards building a Pan-African digital bank. The support provided by the Government of Kenya and the Central Bank of Kenya has given us the impetus to use this country as the launchpad for our continental expansion efforts.”
Last month, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Century Microfinance Bank Limited (Century MFB) by Branch International Limited (Branch) effective January 1, 2022. The acquisition follows CBK’s regulatory approval earlier secured on December 30, 2021, under Section 19 (4) of the Microfinance Act and approval by the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Planning on January 7, 2022, pursuant to Section 19(3)(b) of the Microfinance Act.
On his part, Century Microfinance Bank Chairman, Peterson Mwangi, while welcoming Branch International on its corporate roll, confirmed that the Microfinance Bank had made strategic steps to support its evolution into a fully-fledged digital bank.
“In Branch International, we have found a suitable corporate partner who shares our commitment to being the first end-to-end digital microfinance bank for the benefit of our existing and potential clients,” Mwangi said. He added, “In the last few years, we have worked hard to prepare Century Microfinance Bank for such a technological leap through heavy investments in Information Technology systems, including a core banking and customer relationship management system. These systems will come in very handy in the journey we are now set to undertake with Branch International.”
Regulated and licenced by the Central Bank of Kenya as a DTM, Century Microfinance Bank was established in 2012 as the seventh Microfinance Bank (MFB) in Kenya. The firm has provided a full range of financial services such as savings accounts and credit facilities to its more than 26,000 clients in Kenya.
Branch has created an algorithmic approach using machine learning to determine credit worthiness via customers’ smartphones. While this tech-forward approach requires transparency and trust, it also enables a fair, secure and convenient path for customers to build capital and save for the future.
Headquartered in San Francisco, United States, Branch operates in India, Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. Branch has been working to break the traditional financial access barriers such as a credit score and bank account by tapping into the rise of mobile technology to reach underserved populations in its operating markets.
Global digital financial solutions provider Branch International has outlined plans to roll out a true Pan-African digital bank with Kenya as the launch pad.
Branch International, best known for digital lending solutions and services in Kenya, will spearhead the rollout of digital banking services across key markets in Africa once the local operation crystallizes before the end of the year.
Speaking in Nairobi at the formal signing ceremony for the acquisition of Century Microfinance Bank, Silicon Valley-based Branch International Founder Mr Matt Flannery said the firm would be investing heavily in the strategic venture.
The firm, he said, had settled on the acquisition of Century Microfinance Bank to jumpstart the rollout of a digital bank in Kenya. “Branch International engaged a number of potential investment partners locally but settled on Century Microfinance which ticked many of the boxes and remains a right fit partner for the journey ahead,” Mr Flannery said.
Branch, he said, currently serves customers in Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria and India, with offices in Nairobi, Lagos, Bangalore, Mumbai and Silicon Valley. Branch pioneered artificial intelligence applications to assess credit risk in markets with poor credit bureau infrastructure and continues to push technology to make financial services more efficient and scalable.
The firm has attracted global investors ranging from Andreessen Horowitz (who backed Facebook, Twitter and other international platforms early on) to Visa and the World Bank Group’s IFC in its corporate mission to offer world-class financial services to the mobile generation.
Flanked by Century Microfinance Bank Chairperson Peterson Mwangi and Branch East Africa Managing Director Rose Muturi, Mr Flannery confirmed that the firm had activated its continental rollout plans with Kenya providing a good learning experience.
With the recent acquisition, Branch Kenya, he reiterated, will soon be making a landmark transition as the first digital lender to expand into the microfinance banking market, allowing for deposit-taking financial services and enhanced lending for individuals and SME clients. Plans for the corporate rebranding of Century Microfinance to the Branch corporate livery, he disclosed are also underway.
“The establishment of a true pan-African digital bank is long overdue, and at Branch International, we believe this will be a game-changer to deepen financial inclusivity while reaching the underserved markets,” Flannery said. He added, “the acquisition of Century Microfinance Bank here in Kenya, is a bold statement for Branch and demonstrates our commitment towards building a Pan-African digital bank. The support provided by the Government of Kenya and the Central Bank of Kenya has given us the impetus to use this country as the launchpad for our continental expansion efforts.”
Last month, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Century Microfinance Bank Limited (Century MFB) by Branch International Limited (Branch) effective January 1, 2022. The acquisition follows CBK’s regulatory approval earlier secured on December 30, 2021, under Section 19 (4) of the Microfinance Act and approval by the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Planning on January 7, 2022, pursuant to Section 19(3)(b) of the Microfinance Act.
On his part, Century Microfinance Bank Chairman, Peterson Mwangi, while welcoming Branch International on its corporate roll, confirmed that the Microfinance Bank had made strategic steps to support its evolution into a fully-fledged digital bank.
“In Branch International, we have found a suitable corporate partner who shares our commitment to being the first end-to-end digital microfinance bank for the benefit of our existing and potential clients,” Mwangi said. He added, “In the last few years, we have worked hard to prepare Century Microfinance Bank for such a technological leap through heavy investments in Information Technology systems, including a core banking and customer relationship management system. These systems will come in very handy in the journey we are now set to undertake with Branch International.”
Regulated and licenced by the Central Bank of Kenya as a DTM, Century Microfinance Bank was established in 2012 as the seventh Microfinance Bank (MFB) in Kenya. The firm has provided a full range of financial services such as savings accounts and credit facilities to its more than 26,000 clients in Kenya.
Branch has created an algorithmic approach using machine learning to determine credit worthiness via customers’ smartphones. While this tech-forward approach requires transparency and trust, it also enables a fair, secure and convenient path for customers to build capital and save for the future.
Headquartered in San Francisco, United States, Branch operates in India, Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. Branch has been working to break the traditional financial access barriers such as a credit score and bank account by tapping into the rise of mobile technology to reach underserved populations in its operating markets.
Currently, Branch has managed to digitally disburse more than US$ 600million to a growing customer base of more than 4million customers.
Founded by Matt Flannery and Daniel Jung, the pioneers of microlending and leaders in finance and technology, Branch has received equity investment support from several venture capital firms, including Andreessen Horowitz, Formation 8, CreditEase Fintech Investment Fund (CEFIF), IFC, Khosla Ventures, Trinity Ventures, Victory Park, Triple Point Capital, Foundation Capital and Visa.
Currently, Branch has managed to digitally disburse more than US$ 600million to a growing custom
Global digital financial solutions provider Branch International has outlined plans to roll out a true Pan-African digital bank with Kenya as the launch pad.
Branch International, best known for digital lending solutions and services in Kenya, will spearhead the rollout of digital banking services across key markets in Africa once the local operation crystallizes before the end of the year.
Speaking in Nairobi at the formal signing ceremony for the acquisition of Century Microfinance Bank, Silicon Valley-based Branch International Founder Mr Matt Flannery said the firm would be investing heavily in the strategic venture.
The firm, he said, had settled on the acquisition of Century Microfinance Bank to jumpstart the rollout of a digital bank in Kenya. “Branch International engaged a number of potential investment partners locally but settled on Century Microfinance which ticked many of the boxes and remains a right fit partner for the journey ahead,” Mr Flannery said.
Branch, he said, currently serves customers in Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria and India, with offices in Nairobi, Lagos, Bangalore, Mumbai and Silicon Valley. Branch pioneered artificial intelligence applications to assess credit risk in markets with poor credit bureau infrastructure and continues to push technology to make financial services more efficient and scalable.
The firm has attracted global investors ranging from Andreessen Horowitz (who backed Facebook, Twitter and other international platforms early on) to Visa and the World Bank Group’s IFC in its corporate mission to offer world-class financial services to the mobile generation.
Flanked by Century Microfinance Bank Chairperson Peterson Mwangi and Branch East Africa Managing Director Rose Muturi, Mr Flannery confirmed that the firm had activated its continental rollout plans with Kenya providing a good learning experience.
With the recent acquisition, Branch Kenya, he reiterated, will soon be making a landmark transition as the first digital lender to expand into the microfinance banking market, allowing for deposit-taking financial services and enhanced lending for individuals and SME clients. Plans for the corporate rebranding of Century Microfinance to the Branch corporate livery, he disclosed are also underway.
“The establishment of a true pan-African digital bank is long overdue, and at Branch International, we believe this will be a game-changer to deepen financial inclusivity while reaching the underserved markets,” Flannery said. He added, “the acquisition of Century Microfinance Bank here in Kenya, is a bold statement for Branch and demonstrates our commitment towards building a Pan-African digital bank. The support provided by the Government of Kenya and the Central Bank of Kenya has given us the impetus to use this country as the launchpad for our continental expansion efforts.”
Last month, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Century Microfinance Bank Limited (Century MFB) by Branch International Limited (Branch) effective January 1, 2022. The acquisition follows CBK’s regulatory approval earlier secured on December 30, 2021, under Section 19 (4) of the Microfinance Act and approval by the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Planning on January 7, 2022, pursuant to Section 19(3)(b) of the Microfinance Act.
On his part, Century Microfinance Bank Chairman, Peterson Mwangi, while welcoming Branch International on its corporate roll, confirmed that the Microfinance Bank had made strategic steps to support its evolution into a fully-fledged digital bank.
“In Branch International, we have found a suitable corporate partner who shares our commitment to being the first end-to-end digital microfinance bank for the benefit of our existing and potential clients,” Mwangi said. He added, “In the last few years, we have worked hard to prepare Century Microfinance Bank for such a technological leap through heavy investments in Information Technology systems, including a core banking and customer relationship management system. These systems will come in very handy in the journey we are now set to undertake with Branch International.”
Regulated and licenced by the Central Bank of Kenya as a DTM, Century Microfinance Bank was established in 2012 as the seventh Microfinance Bank (MFB) in Kenya. The firm has provided a full range of financial services such as savings accounts and credit facilities to its more than 26,000 clients in Kenya.
Branch has created an algorithmic approach using machine learning to determine credit worthiness via customers’ smartphones. While this tech-forward approach requires transparency and trust, it also enables a fair, secure and convenient path for customers to build capital and save for the future.
Headquartered in San Francisco, United States, Branch operates in India, Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. Branch has been working to break the traditional financial access barriers such as a credit score and bank account by tapping into the rise of mobile technology to reach underserved populations in its operating markets.
Currently, Branch has managed to digitally disburse more than US$ 600million to a growing customer base of more than 4million customers.
Founded by Matt Flannery and Daniel Jung, the pioneers of microlending and leaders in finance and technology, Branch has received equity investment support from several venture capital firms, including Andreessen Horowitz, Formation 8, CreditEase Fintech Investment Fund (CEFIF), IFC, Khosla Ventures, Trinity Ventures, Victory Park, Triple Point Capital, Foundation Capital and Visa.
er base of more than 4million customers.
Founded by Matt Flannery and Daniel Jung, the pioneers of microlending and leaders in finance and technology, Branch has received equity investment support from several venture capital firms, including Andreessen Horowitz, Formation 8, CreditEase Fintech Investment Fund (CEFIF), IFC, Khosla Ventures, Trinity Ventures, Victory Park, Triple Point Capital, Foundation Capital and Visa.
rently, Branch has managed to digitally disburse more than US$ 600million to a growing customer base of more than 4million customers.
Founded by Matt Flannery and Daniel Jung, the pioneers of microlending and leaders in finance and technology, Branch has received equity investment support from several venture capital firms, including Andreessen Horowitz, Formation 8, CreditEase Fintech Investment Fund (CEFIF), IFC, Khosla Ventures, Trinity Ventures, Victory Park, Triple Point Capital, Foundation Capital and Visa.
![Canon’s RF/EF lens production exceeds 170 million units, extending its world record in interchangeable lens production Both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume Canon Inc. announced that, in October 2025, Canon reached a historic milestone of producing a cumulative total of 170 million RF and EF interchangeable lenses for its EOS series, extending its world record for the highest number of interchangeable camera lenses ever produced. The EF lens was introduced in 1987 as the dedicated lens system for Canon’s EOS autofocus single-lens reflex film camera, debuting simultaneously with the EOS system itself. Since their inception, EF lenses have led the industry by incorporating a series of world-first technologies, including the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, and have undergone numerous evolutions. In 2018, Canon launched the RF lens series, designed for the EOS R mirrorless camera system, which features a large aperture, short back focus, and high-speed communication system to deliver even higher image quality. The RF and EF lens series lineup now includes a total of 108 models , covering a wide range of focal lengths from ultra-wide 10mm to super-telephoto 1200mm. The series also includes the world’s first VR lens lenses with built-in power zoom suited for video shooting, and even those compatible with power zoom adapters—expanding the scope of creative expression and meeting the diverse needs of users for both still photography and video. EF lens production began at Canon’s Utsunomiya Plant in 1987. Since then, both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume. Today, Canon manufactures lenses at five sites: Utsunomiya Plant; Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; Oita Canon Inc.; and Miyazaki Canon Inc. Milestones include 10 million units produced by 1995 and 50 million by 2009. Then in 2014, Canon became the first company in the world to reach 100 million interchangeable camera lenses produced. In October 2025, the company reached 170 million units, leading to the achievement of this world record. The 170 millionth lens produced was the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z. Canon has maintained the No.1 global market share for digital interchangeable-lens cameras for 22 consecutive years since 2003. Moving forward, Canon will continue to refine its proprietary imaging technologies and further strengthen and expand its lens lineup, pioneering new imaging possibilities and contributing to the continued evolution of photographic and video culture. Highlights in the development of the RF/EF Lens Series The EF lens, which was introduced alongside EOS in March 1987, has adopted a variety of world-first technologies, including Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, featured in the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM released in 1995; a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, used in the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM launched in 2001; and Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) [7], applied to the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM released in 2008. In 2021, Canon launched the EOS VR System, a VR video system consisting of a mirrorless camera [8], dedicated lens, and PC software, thereby creating a 3D 180° VR video through an interchangeable lens camera. In 2024, Canon began rolling out a new series of hybrid lenses equipped with iris rings, designed to meet the needs of both still photography and professional video production. For zoom lenses, the company has also launched RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z which are compatible with power zoom adapters. For single focus lenses, the company released F1.4 L hybrid prime lens series that unified the size and ring and button position across models. In September 2025, Canon launched RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM, the fifth model in this series, demonstrating that it can meet demands in line with the changing times. [1] Includes EF, EF-S, EF-M, EF Cinema, RF, RF-S, and RF Cinema lenses and extenders. As of October 21, 2025 (according to a survey by Canon) [2] Among SLR cameras (according to a survey by Canon) [3] Number of products sold as of October 22, 2025 (including extenders). The number of lens models for sale is different according to market figures. [4] Focal length is 5.2mm to 1200mm when including VR lenses [5] An interchangeable digital camera lens that enables VR footage with a single camera. Among interchangeable lens digital cameras released as of October 5, 2021 (according to a survey by Canon) [6] Refers to unit share (according to a survey by Canon) [7] A special coating with advanced anti-reflective properties [8] For applicable cameras, please visit the official Canon website *Release dates in this document refer to dates in Japan. Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa. Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.](https://businessinsights.africa/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1.-Canon-EOS-R50-Mirrorless-Camera-for-Beginners-1024x764-1-100x70.jpg "Canon makes history with 170 Million lenses milestone")
