Tech in Africa
Kenya venture-backed bio-fuel technology enterprise has extended its business coverage to fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) through its tech platform that capitalizes on established distribution networks in low-income neighborhoods.
Over 300,000 customers currently use Koko’s bioethanol fuel and stoves in Kenya. These households are served by over 1000 agents who double up as Koko Club agents. In just two years Koko has grown past the country’s capital into Mombasa. Plans are underway to expand further into Nakuru and Kisumu.
The new business line, Koko Club, sells directly to consumers through dukas that serve as the company’s agents for its bio-ethanol cooking fuel and stoves. The Koko Club products will be displayed in designated spaces within the agents’ dukas and only sold to registered Koko Club members,
Koko Club directly sources products from manufacturers managing the inventory through real-time management systems that prevent stockouts in addition to offering accurate market analytics.
Shop owners, who act as the company’s agents, use Koko’s PoS system to sign up customers, capture their biodata, and issue out electronic cards to be used when buying products from Koko Club shops.
All customers are further linked to an e-wallet that is similar to the one used for buying Koko bio-fuels. This can easily be topped up through mobile money and other technologies. Koko Networks recently clinched the Access to Energy Award for its scalable and tech-enabled new cooking solution award for outcompeting dirty energy fuels in affordability and convenience.
Source: TechCrunch
KOKO invests in major expansion of world’s largest ethanol cooker factory #cleancooking #cleanenergy #climateaction #climatetech #sustainability #climatechange #innovation https://t.co/fQSxllYdNk https://t.co/azLQvP7bNJ
— KOKO Networks (@KOKO_Networks) April 23, 2021
