Tech in Africa
Kenya startup Copia has expanded its operational footprint to Uganda. This expansion will help more Ugandans access high-quality yet affordable products. Copia is well-positioned to capture Uganda’s population given the rise in purchasing power and a strong retail sector mainly powered by the informal sector.
Copia was established in 2013 and runs on a business model that leverages a network of digitally-powered local agents operating order and delivery points that meet customers when offline or online. Among Copia’s agents are entrusted shopkeepers, butchers, grocers, you name it. After an order is placed, Copia sends a confirmation SMS to both the agent and customer within 48 hours. Copia then delivers the product to the agent for customers to pick up.
Copia’s mobile commerce solutions provide a suitable alternative for formal retail shopping towards targeting the middle to low-income populations in the country. Over 20 million Ugandans have mobile subscriptions (44% of the 47 million population). This resilience network created by Copia looks to assist thousands of SMEs across Uganda.
