Inkomoko ranked 5th fastest-growing company in Africa by the Financial Times

Inkomoko has been named the 5th-fastest-growing private company in Africa, up from 8th last year, according to the Financial Times. The ranking highlights Inkomoko’s growth across the continent and the power of investing in entrepreneurs in displacement-affected communities.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, May 12, William Ngabonziza, Inkomoko’s South Sudan Managing Director stated that this marks Inkomoko’s second consecutive appearance on the FT ranking, underscoring its growth and the effectiveness of its model in supporting entrepreneurs in refugee settlements, host communities, and displacement-affected markets.

For Inkomoko’s work in South Sudan, this recognition reinforces what the team sees every day: entrepreneurs affected by displacement are rebuilding lives, creating jobs, strengthening local markets, and demonstrating that inclusive investment can drive growth and stability in often-overlooked markets.

Since launching in 2023, Inkomoko has partnered with over 5,000 entrepreneurs across 6 locations, providing affordable capital, business support, and market access. These entrepreneurs include forcibly displaced people, women, youth, and local business owners who build enterprises that serve their communities and strengthen economic resilience.

“This recognition is a proud moment for Inkomoko, but more importantly, it reflects the ambition and resilience of entrepreneurs in South Sudan,” said Ngabonziza. “South Sudan hosts significant human potential, and every day we see that forcibly displaced entrepreneurs are not a risk; they are bankable, investable, and already contributing to local economies. When they are trusted with skills, capital, and market access, they build businesses, create jobs, and contribute to stability and local economic growth.”

Founded in 2012, Inkomoko has grown to a regional organization supporting entrepreneurs in Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Chad. To date, Inkomoko has invested over $37.5 million, supported more than 120,000 entrepreneurs, and positively impacted 1.2 million people across East and Central Africa.

The Financial Times ranking recognizes Africa’s fastest-growing private companies by compound annual growth rate from 2021 to 2024.  Inkomoko’s rise in the ranking underscores the private sector’s role in advancing economic inclusion, particularly in communities affected by displacement and limited access to finance and markets.

As displacement continues to affect millions across the continent, Inkomoko’s work shows that economic inclusion is not charity. It is a practical investment in entrepreneurs who drive local economies, serve customers, create employment, and build stability.

Looking ahead, Inkomoko plans to invest $150 million by 2030, supporting 550,000 entrepreneurs in displacement-affected communities across Africa. The organization will focus on expanding to new regions, strengthening existing operations, and measuring long-term business growth and job creation as core indicators of its impact.

“Our growth is linked to our clients’ success,” added William. “In South Sudan, our work is about moving from dependency to dignity. Humanitarian assistance remains essential, but long-term stability also requires investing in entrepreneurs who are ready to work, grow businesses, and shape their own futures.”