ShopMeAway

What they do:

Shopmeaway connects global suppliers with African companies. Shopmeaway’s mission is to cultivate plentiful job prospects for the upcoming generations in Africa, emphasizing the transformative power of trade in fostering prosperity and harmony within communities. Their vision entails integrating informal African producers into the global trade sphere through technological innovation. As an initial step, they have focused on reducing import costs for African SMEs and individuals through strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Amazon and DP World. Expanding their horizons, they are now delving into new distribution channels via social media sellers, offering a comprehensive package including merchandise financing, local storage, and fulfilment services.

Why we invested:

We invested in Shopmeaway because of its strategic alignment with the burgeoning trade opportunities in Francophone West Africa. Their innovative approach, including strategic partnerships and technology-driven solutions, positions them as a catalyst for integrating informal African producers into the global marketplace, making them an ideal investment opportunity in a region ripe with potential for expansion and impact.

The Founder:

Racine Sarr embarked on a transformative journey six years ago when he ventured to the USA, not merely for leisure but with a vision. Armed with two empty suitcases that returned brimming with goods, Racine's curiosity was piqued: "How can one shop there without being physically present?" This question sparked the genesis of an innovative concept—a logistics company facilitating online shopping worldwide with deliveries to Dakar.

Upon returning to Senegal following his studies and professional stint in Paris, Racine's entrepreneurial spirit drove him to action. While his initial venture into e-commerce with “Afrique Pièces Autos” catered to automotive needs, it soon became apparent that his passion lay elsewhere. Driven by a desire to simplify online shopping experiences, Racine remained steadfast in his pursuit of a logistics service tailored for Dakar, demonstrating resilience and foresight in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

Active in:

Senegal and Ivory Coast