• Djogol Zone launched in 2024 and connects sellers, buyers and delivery agents through a single digital ecosystem.
• The platform has recorded more than 10,000 downloads on Google Play Store and aims to become Niger’s leading e-commerce marketplace.
• The startup addresses key barriers to online commerce, including fragmented retail supply, limited digital visibility and delivery management challenges.

Djogol Zone is an e-commerce platform developed by a Nigerien startup. The company designed the platform to connect sellers, buyers and delivery agents within a single digital ecosystem. The startup operates from Niamey and founder Ibrahim Moussa Almoustapha launched the business in 2024.

The solution operates as an online marketplace that brings together certified local stores. The application is available on both iOS and Android platforms and allows users to browse product catalogs, place orders and receive deliveries without traveling to physical stores. The application has already surpassed 10,000 downloads on Google Play Store. The company aims to establish itself as Niger’s leading e-commerce platform.

Addressing Structural Challenges

Djogol Zone addresses several obstacles that continue to slow the development of e-commerce in Niger. Key challenges include fragmented retail offerings, limited digital visibility for merchants, and difficulties related to order management and delivery logistics.

By bringing multiple retailers together on a single platform, the startup seeks to simplify the shopping experience while creating new commercial opportunities for local merchants.

The company also focuses on trust, a critical factor for the growth of online commerce across Africa. Djogol Zone geolocates and verifies stores before integrating them into its marketplace. The company uses this approach to strengthen consumer confidence and reduce risks associated with digital transactions.

Beyond online retail, Djogol Zone reflects the emergence of a new generation of African startups that develop solutions tailored to local market realities.

As digital transformation gradually advances in Niger, the initiative could help further structure the country’s e-commerce market and accelerate the adoption of digital services among both businesses and consumers.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

• Limo operates an online marketplace and delivery service that connects merchants, restaurants, pharmacies and consumers across Djibouti.
• The platform supports locally used payment methods, including cash on delivery and selected mobile payment solutions.
• Limo uses artificial intelligence to enhance customer experience and deliver personalized recommendations.

Limo operates as an e-commerce solution developed by a Djiboutian startup. Through its online marketplace and delivery service, the company seeks to connect merchants, restaurants and consumers within a single digital ecosystem tailored to the realities of the Djiboutian market.

The platform is available through a mobile application and a web interface. Users can order products from local stores, restaurants, pharmacies and service providers, while the company provides home delivery services. In addition, the platform integrates payment methods commonly used in Djibouti, including cash on delivery and selected mobile payment solutions.

Limo aims to address several challenges facing Djibouti’s digital commerce sector. The company targets the limited organization of online retail activity, the restricted online visibility of small merchants and the logistical constraints associated with urban deliveries.

Moreover, the startup is deploying artificial intelligence to improve customer experience and generate personalized product recommendations, according to information published on its LinkedIn page.

The development of platforms such as Limo comes as several African markets experience the emergence of locally developed digital commerce solutions. These companies are adapting the marketplace model to the specific characteristics of African economies, particularly in areas such as payments, logistics and consumer trust.

Against this backdrop, local operators are increasingly focusing on solutions that address market-specific challenges while expanding access to digital commerce.

Beyond providing delivery services, Limo aims to contribute to the gradual structuring of Djibouti’s digital commerce sector. The company seeks to increase visibility for local merchants while simplifying access to online shopping for consumers.

Over the longer term, the platform could help accelerate e-commerce adoption in Djibouti as digital usage continues to expand across the country.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

• Moroccan entrepreneur Brahim Ennabihi founded Khabiry, a platform connecting users with qualified experts across multiple sectors.
• The platform offers advisory services in law, finance, digital marketing, e-commerce and business strategy, alongside online training courses.
• Khabiry uses user evaluations and competitive pricing to improve transparency and expand access to professional expertise.

Moroccan entrepreneur Brahim Ennabihi launched Khabiry, a digital platform that connects individuals and businesses with qualified experts across multiple fields. Ennabihi specializes in digital marketing and e-commerce and serves as founder and chief executive officer of the platform.

The name “Khabiry,” which originates from Arabic, means “my expert.” The company says the platform aims to give users on-demand access to specialists tailored to their needs. The services target both individuals and entrepreneurs, who often face business and operational challenges requiring professional guidance.

Launched in 2022, Khabiry provides access to specialists in sectors including law, finance, digital marketing and e-commerce. The platform also brings together experts in real estate investment, business development, innovation and corporate strategy.

Moreover, Khabiry differentiates itself through several features, including access to advice from qualified professionals, personalized support for project development and competitive pricing aimed at helping users better manage costs. In addition, users rate experts on the platform, a system that the company says strengthens transparency and service reliability.

Beyond one-on-one consultations, Khabiry also offers online courses. As a result, the platform has expanded its role beyond advisory services and positioned itself as a learning and skills development tool.

Khabiry says it aims to transform access to expertise by making knowledge more broadly accessible. Ennabihi graduated from Hassan II University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in law. Before launching Khabiry, he worked as a search engine optimization specialist at Utorrent Game in Morocco between 2013 and 2021.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

• z.systems connects brands, distributors, retailers and consumers through a B2B2C platform
• Startup raised $1.65 million to expand and scale its digital retail ecosystem
• Company targets Africa’s fragmented and largely informal retail market

z.systems operates as an e-commerce startup offering a business-to-business-to-customer (B2B2C) platform. The platform connects brands, distributors, retailers and consumers within a single ecosystem. The Casablanca-based startup was founded in 2022 by Samer Choumar, Meriem Benabad, Youssef Haddouch, Reda Nebri and Youssef Drafate.

“On one side, we connect brands directly with retailers through the Z platform, which ensures product availability, price control and in-store visibility, while reducing the costs and complexity of traditional distribution,” the company said. It added: “On the other side, we attract consumers to Z retailers through dynamic promotions, gamified loyalty programs and deferred payment options, thereby recreating the modern retail experience in the informal retail sector.”

The solution relies on a full-stack approach built around several applications. It includes a mobile application for retailers, a web platform for partners and an e-commerce application for consumers.

Retailers can order products directly from brands, monitor inventory and access additional services such as loyalty programs and payment solutions.

Meanwhile, brands gain greater visibility over sales and can manage campaigns in real time. At the same time, consumers access personalized offers and incentive mechanisms such as rewards and deferred payment. At the core of its model, z.systems leverages data to optimize operations and improve performance across stakeholders.

The startup has secured backing from several investors and recently raised $1.65 million to accelerate its development and expand into new markets. Over the long term, z.systems aims to transform neighborhood shops into a structured and connected network capable of competing with modern distribution channels while preserving their local roots.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

• Vazzel provides an online marketplace linking fashion brands, designers and consumers.

• The platform integrates artificial intelligence to personalize recommendations and optimize sales.

• Founder Mayowa Akande combines engineering expertise with international tech experience.

Mayowa Akande is a Nigerian IT project engineer and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of Vazzel, a digital marketplace dedicated to fashion that connects designers, vendors and style-conscious consumers on one platform.

Akande founded Vazzel in 2024 as a fully online ecosystem offering clothing, bags, shoes, accessories and hair products. The platform targets both established brands and emerging designers and provides them with a structured space to showcase collections and reach a broader audience.

Vazzel enables sellers and designers to open online stores, display products and manage operations within a centralized system. The platform provides continuous support and offers round-the-clock assistance to help brands design storefronts, present products and monitor performance.

At the same time, the platform allows buyers to access a wide selection of fashion items in one place. Users can explore multiple brands and collections while identifying products that match their personal style. The platform aims to reduce common issues related to sizing and fit.

Artificial intelligence plays a central role in Vazzel’s operations. The platform uses AI-powered tools to match products with customers more effectively. These tools include personalized recommendations, sales and preference analysis, and product image optimization.

Mayowa Akande holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture in Nigeria. He also earned a master’s degree in electronic engineering and information technology from the Université libre de Bruxelles.

Between 2014 and 2016, Akande completed several internships, including a role as an electrical project engineer at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

In 2019, he joined Longbridge Technologies Ltd as an IT project engineer. He then moved to Belgian logistics company Katoen Natie in 2020, where he worked as a project control coordinator. Between 2021 and 2022, he completed a data and automation engineering internship at Awingu.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

• Send Me integrates marketplace, payments, and delivery into a single platform in Sierra Leone.

• The startup targets local commerce efficiency by connecting customers, vendors, and couriers.

• Founder Emmanuel Lahai combines e-commerce and fintech experience to address payment challenges.

In Freetown, Emmanuel Lahai develops a digital platform that connects customers, vendors, and delivery providers within a single ecosystem. He founded and leads Send Me, a company operating at the intersection of food delivery and online commerce.

Moreover, he positions the platform as a localized solution designed to streamline everyday transactions.

Founded in 2019, Send Me aligns with Sierra Leone’s broader digital development trend. The company aims to facilitate daily buying and selling through an accessible online system.

The platform integrates a marketplace, secure payment solutions, and delivery services into a single interface. As a result, users can select products, complete transactions, and receive deliveries without leaving the platform.

Furthermore, this integrated model simplifies processes, accelerates transactions, and enhances security while adapting to local market conditions.

Send Me collaborates with multiple restaurants across Freetown. The platform offers a range of meals that reflect local flavors and the diversity of the city’s culinary scene.

Therefore, the company strengthens visibility for local businesses while expanding consumer access to food services.

In parallel, Emmanuel Lahai works as project manager for Kala, a financial technology platform designed to address challenges in payments and money transfers in Sierra Leone.

Previously, he served as chief executive officer of Fahrenheit Engineering Company from 2021 to 2024. This experience reinforces his operational and managerial expertise.

Emmanuel Lahai completed his higher education across multiple countries. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 2023 from Southeast University.

He also obtained a bachelor’s degree in software engineering in 2025 from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. This dual background supports his positioning at the intersection of infrastructure and digital technology.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

• WeeWee Delivery connects e-commerce sellers with independent couriers across Algeria

• The platform streamlines parcel shipping through a centralized digital interface

• Founder Sami Kehal leverages technology to improve speed, cost and user experience

Sami Kehal leads WeeWee Delivery as founder and chief executive officer. He positions the platform as a technology-driven solution to simplify parcel shipping across Algeria.

He builds the business in response to the rapid growth of e-commerce, which increases demand for flexible and efficient delivery services.

WeeWee Delivery, founded in 2021, offers an intuitive platform designed to save time, reduce costs and improve user convenience. The company aims to deliver a faster and smoother experience than traditional logistics solutions, which users often consider slow and complex.

The platform connects e-commerce merchants and individuals who need to ship parcels with independent couriers registered on WeeWee. The user submits a delivery request online, and an available courier collects the parcel and delivers it to the recipient.

Moreover, the company operates a centralized interface that simplifies procedures for both senders and couriers.

WeeWee Delivery handles a wide range of everyday shipments. The platform delivers standard parcels, meals, flowers, gifts, medicines and documents.

This diversity enables the company to serve online stores, physical retailers and individual customers with varied logistics needs.

Sami Kehal graduated from the University of Batna 2 in Algeria with a master’s degree in industrial hygiene and safety in 2017. He began his career the same year at Hyundai Engineering as a hazardous materials manager.

Between 2018 and 2021, he worked as an HSE (health, safety and environment) supervisor. He then shifted fully into entrepreneurship by launching WeeWee Delivery.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

• Eric Bemba founded Wiikko, a Kinshasa-based shopping and delivery platform launched in 2019.
• The platform connects local merchants and restaurants with digitally connected consumers.
• Bemba also serves as Yango’s Country Manager in DR Congo and co-founded fintech startup Splitti.

Eric Bemba is a Congolese entrepreneur active in technology and mobility. He founded Wiikko, a shopping and delivery platform that allows users to order products from restaurants and stores and receive them at an address of their choice in Kinshasa.

The company launched Wiikko in 2019 as a mobile application available on major online app stores. The platform targets a broad audience familiar with social media and evolving digital consumption trends. Users select their items, and the Wiikko team manages the process from preparation to delivery.

By simplifying ordering, tracking and delivery, Wiikko acts as an intermediary between merchants, restaurateurs and customers. The platform also enables consumers to discover new stores, products and promotional offers. For businesses, the platform provides additional visibility, order management tools and a logistics service that extends operations to customers’ homes.

Alongside this venture, Eric Bemba serves as Country Manager of Yango in the Democratic Republic of Congo and as operations director for Francophone Africa. He also co-founded Splitti in 2020, a fintech company that enables users to create groups and collect funds to finance events.

Bemba graduated from the University of Alabama in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in commerce and business administration. He began his career in 2010 at ConseilRH, a French recruitment consulting firm, where he served as international payroll manager.

He joined EY Paris in 2013 as a consultant in audit, advisory, tax and legal services. He returned to Kinshasa in 2016 and joined Compagnie Financière du Congo as a consultant. He then became head of development at SESOMO Services, a human resources services provider, in 2017.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

• Nigerian startup Timon offers an all-in-one financial app for travelers, students, and remote workers living across borders.
• The platform provides multi-currency wallets, global payment cards, eSIM services, and money transfers in over 100 countries.
• The mobile app has surpassed 50,000 downloads on Android since its 2023 launch.

Timon operates as a digital solution developed by a Nigerian startup. The company designed the product for frequent travelers, international students, remote workers, and users who adopt a borderless lifestyle. Founders Oluwatomi Olarinde and Chizaram Ucheaga launched the startup in 2023.

At the core of Timon’s offering, a mobile application combines multiple financial services. The app allows users to create and manage multi-currency wallets, including naira and U.S. dollars. The platform also provides physical and virtual payment cards that users can access in more than 100 countries. In addition, the app integrates complementary services such as international eSIMs and money transfers. Timon offers the application on iOS and Android, where downloads have exceeded 50,000, according to Google Play Store data.

“We comply with local and international financial regulations, use advanced fraud prevention systems, and apply industry-standard encryption to protect your funds and personal information at all times,” the startup said.

Through the mobile platform, users can pay online or in stores, plan trips, activate cards instantly, and convert stablecoins into spendable currencies. Timon targets a seamless user experience through transparent fees, rapid service deployment, and an interface designed for globally mobile African users and diaspora communities.

By combining financial management, global connectivity, and universal payment cards, the Nigerian fintech positions itself as a digital financial passport for 21st-century travelers, digital nomads, and mobile professionals.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

• South African entrepreneur André de Wet founded Flood to digitize local commerce through mobile-first platforms.

• Flood aims to become a “Shopify for physical stores” by turning existing audiences into local marketplaces.

• The platform targets telecoms, digital banks, and SMEs seeking monetization and proximity-based engagement.

André de Wet is a South Africa–based entrepreneur operating from Cape Town. He founded Flood, a platform designed to help neighborhood retailers remain visible and competitive in a mobile-driven economy without imposing complex technologies.

Founded in 2020, Flood positions itself as a commerce solution built for a smartphone-centric world. The company aims to create the equivalent of Shopify for physical stores that serve customers in person while extending relationships into digital channels.

The platform converts existing audiences, including telecom subscribers, digital bank customers, and radio listeners, into localized marketplaces. The audience owner becomes the central access point where consumers discover offers, select products, and complete payments.

Flood primarily targets organizations that control large user bases, including telecom operators and digital banks, but underutilize their commercial potential. The platform allows these organizations to become their customers’ main digital destination by combining offer discovery and payment within a single environment.

For small and medium-sized businesses, Flood simplifies engagement with geographically nearby customers and places merchants at the center of a local digital ecosystem. For consumers, the platform enables mobile wallet usage, contactless payments, instant rewards at purchase, and real-time interaction tracking.

Alongside Flood, André de Wet founded consulting firm 2ndBase in 2018 and serves as its chief executive officer. The firm supports corporate clients in understanding and adopting digital technologies. He launched his first entrepreneurial venture in 2005 with the creation of IT services company WebTec.

From an academic perspective, de Wet holds a bachelor’s degree in medicine earned in 1989 from the University of the Free State in South Africa. He later earned a master’s degree in international management from the University of Salford in 2020. He began his professional career in 1997 at Global Visual Media, where he served as senior marketing manager.

In 2010, de Wet joined fintech company PayU as head of business development. In 2011, he became chief executive officer of price-comparison platform PriceCheck. Between 2016 and 2017, he served as Africa head at on-demand entertainment platform iFix.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange Jason de BERRY QUENUM