Kibera Residents Earn Bitcoin for Collecting Garbage
A global fintech company is making waves in Kenya’s largest slum, Kibera, by introducing a new way for residents to earn money—getting paid in Bitcoin for participating in waste collection and management.
The platform, known as Afribit, has gained global recognition for its innovative approach, even being featured in Forbes over the weekend. It is changing how financial transactions happen in areas that are not typically linked to fintech advancements. Unlike wealthy estates like Kileleshwa, which are home to established financial institutions, Kibera is now emerging as an unexpected player in digital finance.
Empowering Kibera Through Bitcoin and Technology
Afribit is not just about digital payments; it is also helping the Kibera community gain technological skills. The company offers coding classes and Bitcoin training to hundreds of residents, giving them new career opportunities. In addition, they have set up a waste management program where young people collect garbage from homes across the slum and get paid in Bitcoin for their efforts.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Afribit has also launched an online marketplace where residents can sell their goods and receive payments in Bitcoin. This initiative allows small traders, including those without formal identification, to participate in the economy without relying on traditional banking or mobile money services.
Solving Banking Challenges with Bitcoin
According to Ronnie Mdawida, the director of the Afribit project, many Kibera residents struggle to access Kenya’s formal financial system because they lack the necessary documentation required for opening bank accounts or registering for mobile money services. By introducing Bitcoin payments, Afribit is offering them an alternative way to earn and transact.
“Some business owners in the community do not have any identification documents, making it impossible for them to access the traditional financial system. Bitcoin gives them a chance to earn, save, and grow their businesses,” Mdawida told Forbes during an interview.
Expanding to Mama Mbogas and Digital Careers
Afribit has now extended the Bitcoin payment system to Mama Mbogas, the women who sell fresh vegetables by the roadside. These small-scale traders can now accept Bitcoin in exchange for their produce, helping them expand their businesses and attract a new customer base.
Mdawida, a Kenyan entrepreneur passionate about community development, has been working on grassroots projects for over 15 years. He was first introduced to Bitcoin in 2019 by a Canadian investor, which inspired him to bring the concept to the Kibera community.
Since the project’s launch, many Kibera residents have found meaningful employment, contributing to Kenya’s circular economy. Some students who took Bitcoin and coding classes have gone on to become full-stack developers, website designers, and IT technicians, further proving that financial technology can be a game-changer for even the most underprivileged communities.
Afribit’s initiative is not only tackling waste management but also opening up new economic opportunities for Kibera residents, proving that innovation can thrive even in unexpected places.
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