Ugandan Startup XenFi Builds Wi-Fi Business With Founder Funding

Ugandan technology company XenFi has built a profitable business helping internet providers and Wi-Fi hotspot operators manage their services, collect payments and control customer access.

Founded in 2025, the company has approximately 6,000 active users in Uganda and customers in nearly 15 African countries, including Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Gabon. XenFi has also established a physical presence in Kenya. Chief executive Charles Wasswa says the company has financed its operations through its founders without raising money from external investors. It now employs more than 100 people.

Software for Wi-Fi Operators

XenFi develops software for businesses that sell internet access through Wi-Fi hotspots. Its platform combines network administration with customer access management, voucher sales and payment tracking. Operators can also manage multiple MikroTik devices through a single dashboard, giving them one place to oversee their networks and customer activity.

The software helps operators track transactions and manage customer access across their networks. XenFi earns revenue through platform charges and fees associated with billing and transactions, with pricing varying according to the services used and the market.

Wasswa said many hotspot operators struggle with disconnected tools and manual processes, which can make it harder to monitor transactions, run daily operations and expand their businesses.

Building the Business With Founder Funding

XenFi has funded its growth through its founders rather than external investors. Wasswa said this has required careful decisions about spending, technology development and customer acquisition. The company reports that it is profitable, although it has not disclosed its revenue, profit figures or the amount invested by its founders.

The startup competes with international hotspot billing platforms, regional software providers and locally developed systems. Some operators still use manual methods to issue vouchers, record payments and manage customer connections. XenFi focuses on payment integration and network administration suited to internet businesses operating in African markets.

Serving customers in different countries also brings practical challenges. Payment systems, connectivity infrastructure, customer expectations and regulatory requirements vary between markets, requiring the company to adapt its services as it expands.

XenFi Targets Further African Markets

XenFi plans to strengthen its presence in existing markets, develop local partnerships and enter additional African countries. Wasswa said the company continues to prioritise service reliability, customer support and product improvements as it grows.

The company has reported customers in nearly 15 African countries, but has not disclosed how many businesses pay to use its software or the total value of transactions processed through the platform.