Browsing: Africa e-commerce

e-commerce

E-commerce surge poises Kenya for economic leap

Industry and Trade
  • MSMEs and the e-commerce sector in Kenya are emerging as a formidable force driving economic growth.
  • With over 7.4 million MSMEs contributing about 40 percent of the country’s GDP, their potential to boost the economy is huge.
  • With internet penetration in Kenya currently above 74 percent, the country is well-positioned for e-commerce growth banking on an expanding middle class.

In a world where technology continuously reshapes the business scene, the relationship between Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the e-commerce sector in Kenya is emerging as a formidable force driving economic growth.

This dynamic was highlighted during a recent stakeholder forum reviewing the Kenya e-commerce strategy, launched in December 2023.

The strategy aims to foster innovation, inclusive participation, and economic growth through digital commerce for Kenyans, regardless of location, age, gender, or abilities.

With over 7.4 million MSMEs contributing about 40 percent of the country’s GDP, their potential to …

Warehousing demand in Africa is on the rise.Image Source 20Cube Logistics

Africa’s warehousing sector set to record massive growth

Industry and Trade

The demand for quality warehousing in Africa has been skyrocketing, especially with the rapid mushrooming and proliferation of e-commerce platforms across the continent.

However, the supply has scarcely risen to meet the burgeoning demand. In 2021, the African e-commerce industry grew by 31 per cent to US$28B in revenues from US$21.4 in 2020; whilst in 2022, the industry is predicted to produce US$33.3B in revenue.

This upward trajectory has largely determined the steady growth of the warehousing and logistics market in the continent. Overall, Global Smart Warehousing Market is valued at USD 14.46 Billion in 2020, and is expected to reach USD 31.57 Billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 11.8 per cent over the forecast period. With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) going on its second year, the sector is projected to register robust growth due to increased intra-African trading on a macro-level.

The…

…
TopUp Mama 1

TopUp Mama seeks to end supply chain woes for Kenyan restaurants

Tech & Business

This and other challenges including unpredictable prices of farm produce and a lack of working capital often plague small restaurants and food vendors across the continent. 

This is what largely drove the creation of TopUp Mama- Former Kibanda TopUp- in Kenya. 

The firm launched in February 2021 in Nairobi and has reported significant growth over the past year since its inception. 

Founded by Njavwa Mutambo, Emilie Blauwhoff and Andrew Kibe, the startup has grown 10-fold in just over a year with more than 3,000 merchants (1,000 active) using its platform to make orders every month.…