#24
KAMAL BUDHABHATTI
FOUNDER & CEO, CRAFT SILICON
CEO, LITTLE
Leadership is frequently assessed not only by outcomes, but also by the ability to inspire change, promote innovation, and drive long-term growth.
Kamal Budhabhatti embodies these qualities through his visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. As Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Craft Silicon, a leading financial technology company, and CEO of Little, a fast-growing ride-hailing service, Kamal has consistently demonstrated his ability to innovate and adapt to changing market dynamics. His commitment to transforming the tech landscape in Africa and beyond is evident in the success of both companies, where he has fostered a culture of creativity, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability.
As Founder and CEO of Craft Silicon, Kamal has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership by harnessing technology to solve Africa’s financial challenges. His journey began with the creation of banking software tailored for microfinance institutions and mobile money platforms that bridge the gap for the unbanked.
Notably, his work with mobile banking applications for institutions like Equity Bank has enabled millions of Kenyans to access financial services via their phones, empowering small-scale entrepreneurs and marginalised communities. Despite facing financial difficulties early on, including moments when he could not pay his employees, Kamal’s resilience and belief in his mission allowed him to steer Craft Silicon through tough times, transforming it into a successful fintech firm that now operates across Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.
Beyond business, Kamal is deeply committed to social impact. Through the Craft Silicon Foundation, he has pioneered initiatives to provide technology education to marginalised youth, offering coding classes, digital literacy programs, and scholarships to help them thrive in the digital economy. His leadership philosophy revolves around fostering talent, which is evident in Craft Silicon’s culture of continuous learning and development, allowing employees to stay ahead in the fast-evolving tech landscape. Kamal’s ability to build partnerships with financial and technical institutions globally has further cemented Craft Silicon’s reputation as a fintech leader, while his dedication to societal progress remains a core element of his success.
Further, Kamal’s visionary leadership gave rise to Little, a transformative ride-hailing and logistics platform aimed at addressing Kenya’s transportation challenges, as well as improving the livelihoods of its drivers. Launched in July 2016, Little quickly became Africa’s first SuperApp, integrating mobility, food and parcel delivery, entertainment, and technology into a seamless platform. Kamal’s approach emphasises social empowerment alongside business success, providing drivers with flexible earning opportunities, financial literacy programs, and insurance coverage. This evolution into an ‘Everyday Everything App’ reflects Kamal’s commitment to blending technological innovation with meaningful social impact, solidifying his role as a transformative leader in Africa’s tech landscape. Today, Little serves over 3.1 million individuals and 5,000 corporate clients in Kenya, offering reliable, affordable, and comfortable services to both individuals and businesses.
Over the years, Kamal has received numerous accolades for his steadfast leadership and groundbreaking contributions to technology. In 2010, he was honoured with the prestigious ‘Africa Award for Entrepreneurship’, and in 2017, the ICT Authority of Kenya recognised his innovation at Little during the Connected event. His most recent achievement came in 2023 when he was named ‘Fintech Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the Africa Bank 4.0 Awards, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in Africa’s tech industry.
Kamal Budhabhatti is not just a CEO; he is a hands-on programmer with expertise in C#, Java, and mobile computing. Outside of his tech-driven career, he is an adventure sports enthusiast and a licensed pilot. An avid reader, his interests range from autobiographies and philosophy to technical literature and success stories.
Kamal’s guiding philosophy is encapsulated in his belief that, “Associates are the assets of Craft Silicon and Little; with their commitment, even the impossible becomes possible,” underscoring his deep faith in the power of people and teamwork.
AUTHOR: ASHLEY NGANGA
EDITOR: KAREN NDUKU
