M-taka selected for MassChallenge’s 1,961-applicant global accelerator to scale Kenya’s circular economy platform
The four-month accelerator, running through October 2026 in Lausanne, will provide M-taka with access to mentors, corporate partners, and investors aligned with its mission of building digital infrastructure for inclusive circular economies.
KENYA – M-taka has been selected as a finalist for the MassChallenge Switzerland & UK 2026 Accelerator Programme among 1,961 global applicants, with the four-month program providing mentorship, investor access, and a shot at up to CHF 1 million (US$1.2 million) in zero-equity funding.
The Kenyan waste management startup, which has already recovered over 1.2 million kilograms of recyclable waste and trained 300 agents predominantly women, participated in the MassChallenge Bootcamp in Switzerland to refine strategy and build relationships with investors and corporate partners.
M-taka’s platform connects waste collectors, recyclers and brands through AI, IoT and blockchain technology, bringing traceability to fragmented waste systems.
The startup has helped avoid 4,500 metric tonnes of CO₂e in Kenya and partners with county governments in Kisumu and Laikipia.
From Kisumu’s Streets to Global Stage: M-taka’s Digital Waste Infrastructure
Founded in 2022 by Benson Abila and Primafacie Mutua, M-taka began as a simple mobile app connecting households to recycling services before evolving into a comprehensive circular economy platform.
The startup’s “Business, Traceability, and Intelligence” digital suites bring transparency to the entire waste value chain, serving over 2,500 users across formal and informal waste actors.
M-taka has signed formal agreements with county governments, including Kisumu, to digitize waste systems and embed real-time data platforms that enhance efficiency and traceability. The MassChallenge selection comes as the startup positions itself to scale its model across Africa.
What MassChallenge Acceleration Means for Kenya’s Circular Economy
The four-month accelerator, running through October 2026 in Lausanne, will provide M-taka with access to mentors, corporate partners, and investors aligned with its mission of building digital infrastructure for inclusive circular economies.
MassChallenge operates as a zero-equity accelerator, meaning M-taka will receive support without diluting ownership.
The programme’s 2026 cohort includes 189 startups from 47 countries, with 14 African innovators spanning food systems, climate tech, and circular economy infrastructure. M-taka’s selection follows its participation in the BMZ and EU-funded Digital and Green Innovation Acceleration Programme, which provided training and investor networking opportunities.
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