Grace Ashiru
Bosso, a Zambian startup offering innovative e-commerce solutions for the African building and construction industry, has successfully raised US$400,000 in its pre-seed funding round.
Established in 2022 by Chisepo Chirwa, Mukopaje Singogo, Ibn Kafwanka, and Salwa Shamapande, Bosso stands as the largest online marketplace for building materials in Zambia, catering to hardware retailers and contractors. The platform aims to provide everyone in Zambia with access to high-quality, reasonably priced building materials, thereby supporting the country’s construction industry.
To date, Bosso has integrated over 1,000 hardware stores across Zambia, supplied raw materials to more than 200 homebuilders, and transported building supplies to four of the country’s ten districts. The US$400,000 pre-seed round was funded by various angel investors, Launch Africa Ventures, Renew Capital, Change-Com, and Leonard by Vinci. The funds will be utilized to develop new products and expand operations within Zambia’s domestic market.
Bosso is set to transfer two years’ worth of data into their AI technology to significantly reduce inefficiencies across the sector for the remainder of this year and into 2025. The company will be launching a new platform that builds upon the materials they currently offer by adding essential services. These services include land conveyance, financing, “save now pay later” options, and access to construction companies, according to Chirwa.
Chirwa also mentioned that Bosso plans to launch its seed round in August, with the goal of sourcing materials for over 5,000 homes by 2025.
“Adequate and affordable housing is a right for everyone in Africa,” said Chirwa, emphasizing the severe housing crisis that Bosso aims to address. To expedite their solution, Bosso plans to introduce a new AI-powered construction materials helper and expand their mission across the entire continent, starting with Southern Africa.
The additional funds will be used to enhance the platform’s functionality and introduce new features.
