Ugandan startup XenFi is helping internet service providers (ISPs) and Wi-Fi hotspot operators sell internet access, manage customers and collect payments via mobile money from a single platform.
Founded in 2025, XenFi has built a hotspot billing and management platform that also lets operators monitor transactions and manage multiple MikroTik routers from a centralised dashboard.
“Many hotspot operators need to manage customer access, sell vouchers, collect payments, monitor revenue and administer multiple routers. Handling these processes through disconnected tools or manual systems can make it difficult to track transactions, maintain operational efficiency and scale,” said Charles Wasswa, XenFi’s CEO.
“XenFi brings these functions together through a centralised platform that supports mobile money payments and simplifies the management of hotspot businesses.”
The startup is self-funded by its founders, which Wasswa said forced discipline from the start.
“Starting without relying on external investors required us to be disciplined in how we allocated resources, developed our technology and acquired customers,” he said.
That approach has paid off. XenFi is already profitable and employs more than 100 people.
“Rather than treating profitability as the end goal, we are using it to strengthen our technology, expand our operations and reach more customers,” Wasswa said.
The platform serves approximately 6,000 active users in Uganda and has customers in close to 15 African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Gabon. XenFi has also set up a physical presence in Kenya.
“Uptake has been encouraging,” said Wasswa. “Beyond Uganda, we are seeing adoption across other African markets, with businesses welcoming our system as a solution for managing their hotspot operations and payments.”
XenFi makes money through platform charges and billing and transaction fees, which vary by service and market.
“As our customers grow and process more activity through our platform, we have opportunities to grow our revenue alongside them,” Wasswa said.
The startup competes with international hotspot billing platforms, regional providers, locally developed billing tools and operators still relying on manual systems. Wasswa said XenFi stands out through its focus on African market needs, payment integration and ease of use.
Expansion has brought its own challenges.
“Payment systems, customer expectations, connectivity infrastructure and regulatory requirements differ from country to country, making international expansion a continuous learning process,” Wasswa said.
“Customers need reliable systems that support their businesses consistently, so we place considerable importance on product reliability, customer support and continuous improvement.”
XenFi now plans to deepen its presence in existing markets, strengthen local partnerships and move into more African countries.
“We are proud of how far we have come, but we see this as the beginning of a much larger journey,” said Wasswa.
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