Tech

Kenya’s e-commerce startup, tappi partners with KNCCI to launch digital services for MSMEs

Published

7 months ago

May 9, 2024

Kenya’s e-commerce startup, tappi, has announced a strategic partnership with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), to launch digital services for MSMEs in the country.

Co-founder and CEO of tappi, Kenfield Griffith, who announced the signing of the announced the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the KNCCI, the collaboration will see the launching of a Sukuma Biz initiative which will enable tappi to deliver a unique package of digital services specifically geared towards bolstering online credibility and identity for the KNCCI’s 30,000 business members.

“KNCCI is one of Kenya’s most trusted industry bodies and with its extensive network of local businesses, they’re an ideal partner to accelerate our mission of empowering MSMEs to effectively establish strong reputations of their own in an online setting,” said Griffith.

“In order for this initiative to be successful, it was vital we worked alongside a partner with not only a strong, in-depth understanding of the most critical pain points Kenyan businesses face, but also the demographics which are most heavily affected by them.

“With this in mind, we’re incredibly proud to be joined by KNCCI on what we believe is not only a crucial step for MSMEs, but specifically women-led businesses, in equipping them with the digital tools to significantly drive Kenya’s economy forward,” he added.

Founded in 2022 by Griffith and Louis Majanja, tappi is an end-to-end digital commerce SaaS solution tailored for MSMEs, which allows business owners to download its app, add their “look and feel”, and promote their business through a three-step process that goes to Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads using airtime credit or mobile money.

Also speaking on the partnership, Majanja said tappi has been on a “rapid growth journey capturing verified reviews on over US$3 million consumer transactions and engaging with over 150,000 consumers.”

He added that the startup had raised $1.5 million in December of 2023 through an oversubscribed pre-seed round of funding, and it recently made Ivory Coast its third market, having already moved into Nigeria.

“For a monthly fee of KES500, KNCCI members will receive their own business landing page on tappi’s platform featuring a KNCCI logo as well as access to 50 customer reviews via SMS, WhatsApp or additional channels, which will be integrated to their landing page.

“Members will also be able to send 250 text marketing messages directly to their customers.

“Leveraging tappi’s SaaS and enterprise-grade solutions, all KNCCI members will be able to generate SEO-optimised websites in less than two minutes based on eight simple questions devised by an intuitive chat tool,” he added.

Related Topics:Featured Kenya MSMEs Partnership Tappi

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

14 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and The Gambia are in the process of launching free roaming services that will enhance a West African connectivity.

The plan which is a joint initiative of the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and The Gambian National Communications Authority (NCA) will see mobile users in both countries avoiding extra charges for calls, texts, and data, which in turn, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic integration across borders.

The collaboration, according to a joint statement by the two bodies, aligns with the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) broader push for seamless regional communication.

“Ghana and The Gambia are forging new paths in West Africa’s digital landscape, implementing a free-roaming initiative,” the statement said.

“This move strengthens regional connectivity while highlighting the role of technological collaboration in fostering economic integration. The initiative enables mobile users travelling between the two nations to make calls, send messages, and use data services without additional roaming fees.”

It further noted that by reducing these costs, the program aligns with the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to communication across member states.

“It is a boost for trade and travel as the free roaming plan is expected to spur economic activities by streamlining cross-border communication.

“Businesses and individuals travelling between Ghana and The Gambia can now stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges, facilitating smoother transactions and personal interactions. The initiative is also expected to attract more tourists by ensuring seamless digital access for visitors.

“This collaboration marks another milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity, following Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, with talks of possible roaming partnerships with Liberia.

“By focusing on digital integration, Ghana and The Gambia demonstrate the power of technology to bridge gaps between countries. This step also serves as a model for other West African nations to join the free-roaming framework, contributing to the larger goal of a connected and economically integrated region,” it added.

Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.