Power Learn Project, an impact organization dedicated to providing affordable and accessible tech training to youth across Africa, had two of its alumni pitch at the just concluded Mozilla Africa Mradi Innovation Challenge, a competition sponsored by Mozilla in partnership with Gladys Boss Shollei Foundation and Nairobi County.

Payd, a payment platform designed to streamline payment processes, enhance financial management, and provide a comprehensive solution for freelancers and creatives, was awarded a substantial grant of Ksh 4 million. With Ksh 3.5 million in milestone-based funding and an additional Ksh 500,000 in technical support to develop their innovative payment platform further.

“We are thrilled and honored to have Payd recognized in the Mozilla Africa Mradi Innovation Challenge,” said Japheth Achimba, co-founder of Payd. “Our experience as freelancers inspired us to create a solution that addresses the pain points faced by many in the industry. This grant will enable us to accelerate the development of Payd and empower freelancers and creatives to thrive in their professional pursuits.”

Co-founded by Japheth Achimba and Benaiah Wepundi, both esteemed alumni of Power Learn Project, Payd addresses issues such as delayed or non-payment by clients, lack of customizable payment workflows, manual receipting, and invoicing redundancies, and the absence of proper financial tracking and planning.

The Mozilla Africa Mradi Innovation Challenge judges were impressed by Payd’s ability to streamline payment processes, enhance financial management, and empower freelancers to take control of their earnings.

The challenge aims to identify groundbreaking solutions that address perennial African problems and utilize technology to make a positive impact on communities. The competition comprised two tracks: the student track and the startup track. Payd applied for the startup track and successfully advanced to the final stages of the competition, finally pitching to the judges, media, investors and government stakeholders.

The payment platform designed specifically for freelancers and creatives, captured the attention of the judges with its comprehensive solution to several challenges faced by individuals in the freelance industry.

Payd or Get Paid was in the Startup category with Deaf Elimu Plus, and Hali Halisi which took home a prize of Ksh 500,000 in cash and a milestone based funding of Ksh 3,500, 000 each with technical support for one year. Classify Me took the first prize in the Student Innovation category securing Ksh. 500,000, while the second-place spot went to Audread, earning them Ksh. 300,000. And in third place, Mama Pesa which got a prize of Ksh. 200,000.

Power Learn Project congratulates Japheth, Benaiah, and the entire Payd team on their remarkable achievement. Their success highlights the exceptional talent nurtured by Power Learn Project and serves as a testament to the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among its learners.

“At Power Learn Project, we are dedicated to empowering our learners to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit and build successful startups. We provide a transformative learning environment that fosters innovation, cultivates critical thinking, and equips individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape. The recent win of our alumni start-up, Payd, in the Mozilla Africa Mradi Innovation Challenge, is a testament to the power of our approach. We are proud to be part of their journey and celebrate their success. Join us as we continue to empower learners to turn their ideas into reality and create a lasting impact on the world.’’ said Mumbi Ndung’u, Chief of Growth & Operations at Power Learn Project.

Launched in April 2022 in Kenya, Power Learn Project (PLP) is a Pan African organization working to drive transformative change by empowering youth through providing quality, afordable, and decentralized software development and smart technologies training and opportunities for work after that. PLP currently has a presence in over 5 African countries and an estimated 10,000 software developers in training, with its first cohort of 1000 graduating in December 2022. These developers are then provided with several pathways ranging from upskilling to jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities.