Bento Africa Tries to Rebuild After Shutdown

Bento Africa has rehired key staff members in an attempt to clear its payroll backlog after a sudden shutdown left businesses and employees scrambling for answers. The move follows the resignation of CEO Ebun Okubanjo and widespread layoffs, including the entire engineering team.

Okubanjo announced the shutdown in an email to investors, stating: “I have informed the team to pause all transactions so no new money is coming in, and we are no longer processing payroll as of maybe one hour from now.“

While Bento’s board has assured clients it is working to resolve payroll issues, the company has advised businesses to hold off on funding their payroll positions until further notice.

What Led to Bento’s Payroll Crisis?

Since 2024, Bento has reportedly been relying on manual payroll processing due to ongoing issues with payment processors and difficulties in balancing underfunded accounts. This system has resulted in repeated disbursement delays, leaving employees uncertain about when—or if—they would receive their salaries.

In an effort to stabilise operations, Bento’s board recently confirmed that January salaries have been paid, and key staff members have been reactivated to handle pending transactions. However, some clients are still experiencing delays. The company has promised to issue refunds to those with unresolved payments before the close of business on Tuesday.

Can Bento Regain Its Reputation?

The abrupt shutdown and payroll inconsistencies have shaken confidence in Bento’s services. Businesses relying on its platform now face operational disruptions, while employees remain anxious about future payments. Competitors may seize this opportunity to attract frustrated users looking for a more stable alternative.

Despite the board’s optimism about restoring full operations, no clear timeline has been provided. For now, businesses and employees must navigate the uncertainty left in Bento’s wake.