Tech

Ghanaian retail-tech startup Tendo acquires rival Shopa

Published

1 month ago

November 2, 2024

Ghanaian retail-tech startup, Tendo Technologies, has successfully acquired rivals, Shopa, in a deal it says is aimed at revolutionising supply chain infrastructure across Africa.

Tendo’s CEO and co-founder, Felix Manford, who made the announcement on Friday, said as part of the acquisition, Shopa would rebrand to Tendo Retail, a newly formed division of Tendo to be headed by Shopa CEO and co-founder, Frank Addae, and would focus on providing informal distributors in Africa with advanced technology to scale their businesses.

“We are excited to have Shopa, an integral provider of technology infrastructure for the informal supply chain in Africa, as part of Tendo Technologies,” Manford said.

“Our vision at Tendo is to help entrepreneurs and small businesses start and scale their businesses by making supply chains seamlessly accessible.

“Our partnership with Shopa will enable this, leveraging their advanced distribution technology and wide network of suppliers to deliver unprecedented value to our offline and online retailers. Together, we will revolutionise the retail space in Africa and empower entrepreneurs across the continent,” he added.

On his part, Addae said he was excited to join the Tendo team as the partnership will enable his company to “access Tendo’s resources and capabilities.”

“This partnership will also strengthen our value proposition to suppliers and manufacturers in Africa. Our expanded offerings will include greater opportunities for suppliers to unlock new retail channels and access diverse online and offline markets to scale their businesses.Together, with our shared vision and values, Tendo and Shopa will take the informal retail space in Africa to new heights,” he said.

Tendo which was founded in 2021 by Manford, Evans Boateng, Derrick Mungai, and Primerose Katena, enables tens of thousands of individuals to launch and grow their online businesses without initial capital by connecting them with suppliers.

It boasts a robust network of over 10,000 retail resellers in Ghana and Nigeria, where it launched in 2022, reaching more than 42,000 customers with a diverse range of products including fashion, beauty, electronics, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).

Shopa was also founded in 2021 by Michael Hammond, Frank Addae and Ulrich Checkap, and optimises the distribution of FMCG through its technology platform that connects retailers directly with suppliers and manufacturers. It has a network of over 3,000 retailers in Ghana, and advanced operational systems.

Related Topics:Acquisition Featured Ghana Shopa Tech Tendo Technologies

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Tech

Huawei launches cloud service in Nigeria

Published

1 day ago

December 11, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Global technology company, Huawei, has launched its first African hyperscale local cloud service in Nigeria, making it the first international cloud provider to offer such services in the country.

The CEO of Huawei Nigeria, Chris Lu, who unveiled the new local cloud in Lagos on Wednesday, said it was powered by Tier 3+ data centres, providing ultra-fast services with a latency of just 15 milliseconds.

According to Lu, this will ensure that data storage and computing resources remain within Nigeria, benefiting local businesses and sectors, particularly fintech companies that require strict adherence to data protection laws.

At the launch event, themed “Leap Now With A Better Cloud,” Lu emphasised the company’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy.

He noted that the initiative was a significant milestone towards meeting the country’s data protection regulation, and alignment with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission’s objectives to limit cross-border data transfer and have data kept within the country.

“With disruptive technology, we can transform our daily lives, our industries, and our economy. Not knowing where your data is stored is terrifying,” Lu said.

“The Huawei local cloud ensures your data and that of your customers are safely protected. Our local cloud provides better latency, better services, and ensures data sovereignty for our customers.

“Huawei’s is offering enhanced data sovereignty, reduced latency, and bolstered support for local businesses.The service aims to support Nigerian startups, SMEs, and the broader tech ecosystem and aligns with Nigeria’s regulatory environment and digital transformation goals.”

Beyond cloud technology, Huawei has invested heavily in Africa’s tech ecosystem, forming partnerships with governments and private entities to drive digital transformation.

Tech

SunCulture partners Turaco to empower Kenyan farmers with affordable climate insurance

Published

3 days ago

December 10, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan solar-powered irrigation solutions startup, SunCulture, has joined forces with leading mass-market insurtech company, Turaco, to launch a platform called “SunCulture Protect”, aimed at providing enhanced protection to small holder farmers using SunCulture’s pay-as-you-go (PAYG) devices.

According to Samir Ibrahim, the CEO of SunCulture, the partnership between two leading Kenyan tech companies will address the urgent need for risk mitigation tools, such as insurance, for the most vulnerable populations, enabling and expanding access to healthcare.

“As the impact from climate change escalates, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are expected to rise, negatively affecting health outcomes and pushing millions of Africans into poverty,” Ibrahim said.

“At SunCulture, our mission has always been to help small holder farmers grow more food and improve their livelihoods.

“Partnering with Turaco allows us to extend our commitment by not only providing sustainable energy solutions but also offering financial security and peace of mind to our customers and their families,” he said.

He also stated that SunCulture Protect offers essential health and life coverage, safeguarding customers and their families against unforeseen medical expenses and risks that are exacerbated by extreme weather events.

Ted Pantone, CEO of Turaco, who also commented on the partnership, said he believed affordable insurance should be accessible to everyone, especially those that are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

“Our partnership with SunCulture enables us to provide essential coverage that not only protects livelihoods but also fosters long-term resilience among small holder farmers,” he said.