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By Jasmine Atieno
Mombasa, Kenya: In a continent where technological innovation is slowly reshaping the digital landscape, one young Kenyan entrepreneur is making waves in the Web3 space, the internet’s next generation.
Salim Beja, 26, is the founder of Kwetu Labs, a Web3-focused localization protocol designed to serve the African market.
Web3 is the next generation of the internet, where data is decentralized, and users have more control. Unlike Web 2, where companies like Google and Facebook control most of the data, Web3 is like a decentralized library where everyone has a copy of the books, and you can access them directly without needing a single librarian.
Beja’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.
Growing up in Mombasa, he was always fascinated by the potential of technology to solve real-world problems.
“I’ve always been interested in how technology can solve real-world problems, especially in environments where resources are limited but potential is high,” he explains. Beja’s exposure to Web3, block chain, and open-source communities helped him realize that innovation can and should be built from local contexts.
Kwetu Labs aims to bridge the gap between global Web3 platforms and local African users. “Many platforms are built globally but fail to resonate locally due to language barriers, cultural disconnects, and limited user education,” he notes. With Kwetu Labs, he’s focusing on Web3 localization, education, and community-driven adoption tailored for Africa.
Kenya’s digital innovation momentum is undeniable. In 2024, Kenya had 66 million mobile connections — more than the country’s population. This means many people use more than one SIM card or phone line, showing just how central mobile phones are to everyday life. It also highlights Kenya’s strong digital growth, where mobile access is driving innovation in money, business, and new technologies.
According to Africa: The Big Deal, Kenya attracted over $9 million US in startup funding in 2025, accounting for almost a third of the total funding raised by startups across Africa last year, cementing its status as a continental leader.
Mombasa is also making gains, ranked 916th globally in the Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 with a remarkable 104 per cent growth in just one year.
Like many young innovators in Kenya, Beja faces numerous challenges, including limited access to funding and resources, particularly outside of Nairobi, where the playing field can be uneven.
“It’s tough for startups outside of Nairobi to get traction” Beja said. “The talent is here, but the infrastructure and networks are not always within reach. Africa should not just consume technology, but help define it.”
Regulatory hurdles and bureaucratic red tape have also been a hindrance to his progress, while limited infrastructure and connectivity make it tough to get projects off the ground. And some At other times, the challenge is balancing innovation with cultural and social norms.
While many young entrepreneurs lack access to mentorship and guidance, and face high costs of doing business, including taxes and operational expenses, Beja’s participation in the ENEA Programme at the hub was a turning point for Kwetu Labs. The ENEA Programme is a flagship entrepreneurship initiative by Westerwelle Startup Haus Mombasa [a hub that has become a Launchpad for youth and women-led enterprises], designed to strengthen the capacity of youth- and women-led enterprises in Kenya’s coastal region to engage competitively in regional and cross-border markets.
Responding to persistent barriers such as limited access to structured business training, low exposure to regional trade frameworks, and weak market linkages, the programme focuses on equipping early-stage and growth-oriented entrepreneurs with the skills, confidence, and strategic insight needed to scale beyond local markets—particularly within East Africa.
In his words, the programme did not give him answers, it gave him direction, aligning his technical knowledge with market realities, his ambition with discipline, and vision with impact.
Through structured mentorship, he learned to distill complex ideas into clear value propositions, identify viable customer segments, and test business models against market realities.
“We moved beyond theory into practical financial management, analysis, and planning. Learning to set tangible financial goals is the bedrock of any sustainable enterprise,” he explains.
“We are building systems that reflect who we are, that is how Africa will lead,” Beja affirms.
Kwetu Labs is making its mark in Africa’s growing Web3 space by using blockchain—a secure, transparent way to store information across many computers—in a way that fits the needs, language, and culture of local communities. The startup is already gaining traction, with conversations around partnerships, content collaboration, and ecosystem development picking up steam
However, his vision for Kwetu Labs has not been without controversy. Some have questioned the feasibility of localizing Web3 for Africa, citing concerns about regulatory hurdles and limited infrastructure. While he acknowledges these challenges he remains undeterred.
“Africa’s next technological leap must be designed from within. Innovation should reflect local realities rather than imported models,” says Beja.
As Africa continues to emerge as a key player in the global digital economy, entrepreneurs like Salim Beja are leading the charge. With Kwetu Labs, Beja is shaping Africa’s Web3 future, one block at a time.
His story is a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa. With the right support and resources, young Africans can drive meaningful change and create solutions that resonate with local contexts.
As Africa continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that innovation will play a key role in shaping its future. Africa’s Web3 ecosystem has the potential to become a global leader, driving innovation and growth for the continent and beyond. As Beja continues to build and innovate, his vision for a decentralized future is becoming a reality.
The impact of Kwetu Labs is already being felt, with Beja gaining greater visibility within the startup and Web3 ecosystems. Discussions around partnerships, content collaboration, and ecosystem development are gaining momentum. He says he is now better equipped to engage institutions, investors, and policymakers, clearly articulating both what he does and why it matters.
“Westerwelle Startup Haus in Mombasa did not just refine my business idea, it has refined how I think, lead, and build for Africa’s future. ENEA reminded me that sustainable innovation starts with clarity, community, and courage,” he adds.
As Mombasa’s tech ecosystem continues to grow, Beja’s story underlines a broader truth: with the right support, the Coast’s youthful ambition could become one of Kenya’s strongest drivers of digital transformation.
@sparkleMine
