Grace Ashiru
The digital transformation sweeping across the globe has significantly impacted Africa’s e-commerce landscape. The continent has witnessed a jump in e-commerce adoption, rising from 13% in 2017 to 35% in 2023. This shift has resulted in revenue growth from $138 billion to a staggering $435 billion, as reported by the International Trade Administration. Such advancements have set the stage for companies like the Ivorian SaaS e-commerce platform ANKA(previously known as Afrikrea) to flourish.
Established in 2016, ANKA is a comprehensive SaaS solution for African enterprises aiming for global reach. It serves a diverse clientele, from exporters and online retailers to drop shippers. Central to ANKA’s services is its ability to consolidate sales, shipping, and payment processes for businesses. The platform provides a global marketplace for entrepreneurs, bridging the gap between local African enterprises and potential international customers. Collaborations with industry titans such as Visa, MTN, SEPA, and DHL ensure that users’ payment and delivery needs are met seamlessly.
To date, ANKA has attracted over a million monthly users and has overseen transactions worth $50 million across 175 nations. Its revenue trajectory is equally commendable, skyrocketing 18-fold from €200,000 to €3.6 million.
In a recent development, ANKA secured a $5 million investment in a pre-Series A extension round, elevating its total funding to an impressive $13.5 million. This capital injection, a blend of equity and debt, has been backed by notable investors like the International Finance Corporation, Proparco, and Bpifrance.
With this new funding, ANKA aims to bolster its product offerings and extend its reach, especially in pivotal markets such as Nigeria, Kenya, and the USA. The objective is to refine the platform’s e-commerce functionalities, ensuring a smoother and more efficient journey for African enterprises keen on exploring online sales.
It’s worth noting that this accomplishment builds on ANKA’s previous success, having garnered $6.2 million in January 2022, culminating in a total investment of $13.5 million over its seven-year journey.
