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Watu

Asset-financing BNPL for African mobility

IT Operations Manager

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/16/2026
No salary listed
Senior
Bachelor's
Kigali, Rwanda
In Person
IT Operations

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • At least 5 years of relevant experience in IT operations or a related field, including system implementation and team management experience.
  • Experience with IT infrastructure, network administration, system administration, and information security.
  • Experience with Active Directory and Microsoft Server environments.
  • Knowledge of hardware maintenance, troubleshooting, system installation, configuration, and analysis.
  • Experience managing network infrastructure and configurations.
  • Knowledge of data protection and information security practices.
  • Experience administering and reporting with Google Workspace.
  • Familiarity with IT operations standards and methodologies.
  • Experience with data visualization and project management tools such as Data Studio, Jira, GitLab, Spiceworks, or similar platforms.
  • English proficiency at C1 level or above.
Responsibilities
  • Manage day-to-day IT operations, including systems, networks, infrastructure, software, and security.
  • Oversee system administration, user access, hardware and software inventories, and IT infrastructure performance.
  • Develop, review, and implement IT policies, procedures, and controls.
  • Conduct IT audits and risk assessments, and follow up on identified risks and improvement areas.
  • Plan and manage IT projects, including budgeting, timelines, task allocation, implementation, and reporting.
  • Support the implementation and optimization of new IT tools, systems, and technologies.
  • Provide technical guidance and ensure effective IT support and helpdesk services.
  • Manage IT vendors, contracts, licenses, accounts, and external service providers.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the IT team while managing performance and priorities.
  • Work with internal departments and external partners to understand IT requirements and deliver appropriate solutions.
  • Prepare IT reports and data visualizations to support operational and management decisions.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, information security requirements, data protection requirements, and applicable standards.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and innovation within IT operations.
  • Perform other IT-related duties and projects as assigned by the direct manager.
Desired Qualifications
  • Relevant IT infrastructure, network, systems, or project management certifications are an advantage.

About the company

Watu is an asset-financing fintech in Africa that provides buy-now-pay-later loans to unbanked and underserved customers to acquire income-generating assets. It finances items such as two- and three-wheelers, smartphones, and education, with bundles that include GPS tracking, insurance, and logbook transfers, and repayment is typically via mobile money with interest and fees as revenue. The company differentiates itself by targeting mass-market mobility and financial inclusion at scale, expanding beyond vehicles into devices and education, and investing in green mobility through EV financing and partnerships. Its goal is to increase access to credit and mobility for underserved populations, while expanding the EV portfolio and building the infrastructure needed for affordable, sustainable transportation across Africa.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

Debt Financing

Total Funding

$29M

Headquarters

Nairobi, Kenya

Founded

2015

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • On 23 July 2026, Watu Uganda financed one million devices, doubling 2025 volume.
  • Watu and Airtel Rwanda launched smartphone financing on 9 July 2026, broadening distribution.
  • Car & General reported 2025 revenue up 92.7% to KES28.3 billion.

What critics are saying

  • TechCabal reported 2024 profit plunged 85% as loan defaults rose in Kenya and Uganda.
  • The Star said 2025 restructuring cut some departments nearly half, signaling brittle economics.
  • If defaults spike again, funding can tighten and force a destructive repossession spiral.

What makes Watu unique

  • Watu finances boda bodas, tuk-tuks, and smartphones through bundled asset-credit underwriting.
  • Its GPS, insurance, and logbook-transfer bundle locks assets into repayment and recovery.
  • July 2026 Airtel Rwanda deal ties handset financing to telecom distribution and mobile money.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance

Company News

Launch Base Africa
Sep 11th, 2026
Kenya's Watu bags $7M in nondilutive debt to scale smartphone and vehicle financing

Kenya's Watu has secured a $7 million nondilutive debt facility from AHL Venture Partners to support its asset-financing operations across Africa and Latin America. The funding will strengthen working capital and expand the company's portfolio of motorcycles, three-wheelers, and smartphones in select African markets. Founded in 2015, Watu operates in 10 countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, and Mexico. The company reports originating over 7 million loans since inception, focusing on mobility and connectivity assets for underserved customers. The facility builds on a financing relationship dating back to 2022. It follows AHL's recent second close of its Africa Credit Fund I, which raised $45.5 million toward a $70 million target. The fund provides senior secured, mezzanine, and bridge loans ranging from $2 million to $10 million to profitable businesses across East, West, and Southern Africa.

EAVCA
Sep 24th, 2025
Metier Partners with Watu to Scale Operations in Existing Markets and Unlock New Opportunities to Deepen Support for Communities it serves

Metier Capital Growth Fund III partners with one of East Africa's leading connected asset microfinance institutions 16 September 2025 - Metier, through its Capital Growth Fund III ("MCGF III"), has partnered with Watu Group ("Watu"), a non-deposit taking microfinance institution [...]

Techish
Sep 16th, 2025
Jumia and Watu are teaming up to offer smartphone financing in Kenya - with a catch.

By combining Jumia's massive online marketplace with Watu's financing model, this BNPL program could turn smartphones from simple gadgets into powerful tools for economic and social growth.

Bizna Kenya
Sep 16th, 2025
Jumia and Watu Credit partner to make smartphones affordable for millions of Kenyans

By combining Jumia's online marketplace with Watu Credit's proven financing model, the BNPL program positions smartphones not just as devices, but as tools for economic and social empowerment.

BitKE
May 22nd, 2025
FINTECH AFRICA | Kenyan BNPL Startup, Watu, Sees 85% Profit Plunge in One Year Amid Rising Loan Defaults

Founded in 2015 by Latvian entrepreneur, Andris Kaneps, Watu has raised over $20 million across five funding rounds from investors including: