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CRAFT SILICON
Craft Silicon, a financial technology solutions provider founded in 2000 in Nairobi, has grown into a global leader in the fintech space. The company serves over 350 clients across 30 countries, with operations spanning Africa, Asia, and Oceania. With a workforce of more than 700 employees, Craft Silicon offers cutting-edge software solutions for banks, microfinance institutions, fund management, SACCOs, agri-finance, and analytics, empowering digitally driven enterprises to thrive.
In November 2024, Craft Silicon was honoured with inclusion in the Forbes India DGEMS200 Select list, a prestigious recognition of Dynamic Growth Entrepreneurs and Market Shapers. This exclusive list highlights companies demonstrating exceptional growth potential and industry leadership on a global scale. Craft Silicon’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation has earned it a place among companies that are reshaping industries and breaking geographical barriers.
Additionally, Craft Silicon’s dedication to ESG practices was recognised in November 2023 when it successfully met the criteria for inclusion in the SET ESG Rating (formerly Thailand Sustainability Investment, THSI) list for the second consecutive year. The company achieved an ‘A’ rating, highlighting its strong commitment to fostering business growth, driving innovation, and generating sustainable returns. This rating reflects Craft Silicon’s dedication to prioritizing ESG factors throughout its business operations, while considering benefits for all stakeholders.
The company’s ESG leadership is further demonstrated by its adoption of eco-friendly technologies and energy-efficient practices, including green data centers that minimise environmental impact. Craft Silicon continues to position itself as a model for sustainability within the tech sector.
The Craft Silicon Foundation, established in 2010, serves as the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm, focusing on digital literacy and community empowerment. The Foundation’s mission is to provide free computer education to underserved communities, with a particular focus on youth, women, and marginalized groups. Through its mobile computer buses, the Foundation has reached remote areas across Kenya, Uganda, India, and Ethiopia, offering ICT training to more than 32,000 individuals to date.
The innovative mobile training program ensures that people in disadvantaged regions acquire critical digital skills, helping bridge the digital divide and enhancing their employability. By empowering communities with technology, the Foundation is playing a significant role in fostering social inclusion, reducing poverty, and driving sustainable development in the areas it serves.
Strong governance is a cornerstone of Craft Silicon’s success. The company adheres to rigorous global governance standards, holding certifications such as ISO 27001 for information security, ISO 9001 for quality management, and SOC1 Type2 for operational transparency. These certifications ensure that Craft Silicon operates with integrity, accountability, and trust, providing its stakeholders with confidence in the company’s commitment to ethical business practices.
Craft Silicon’s governance philosophy goes beyond compliance – it is about fostering long-term relationships with clients, partners, and the communities in which it operates. The company’s leadership emphasises transparency, trust, and ethical decision-making as key drivers of its sustained growth and positive social impact.
Craft Silicon’s success can be attributed to the visionary leadership of its Founder and CEO, Kamal Budhabhatti. Since founding the company in 2000, Kamal has driven its growth into a global fintech powerhouse, particularly in emerging markets. His innovative approach to technology and passion for solving complex financial challenges have been instrumental in Craft Silicon’s expansion.
The company’s CSR initiatives are spearheaded by Priya Budhabhatti, who leads the Craft Silicon Foundation. Under her leadership, the Foundation has become a driving force for digital literacy and social change, enhancing the lives of thousands through education and empowerment. Together, Kamal and Priya embody the values of innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility that define Craft Silicon’s legacy.
Craft Silicon’s journey is a testament to how technological innovation can go hand in hand with a deep commitment to ESG principles. With its global presence, ethical leadership, and impactful CSR initiatives, Craft Silicon is not only shaping the future of fintech but also leading the charge in sustainability, particularly by fostering positive digital transformational change within communities.
AUTHOR: HILDA NTHENYA
EDITOR: MAUREENE DANIELLE
