ANKA, the comprehensive Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform for African businesses, collaborates with the African Development Bank (AfDB) in releasing a significant white paper titled “Global African Commerce.” This report, an updated extension of its 2018 edition, offers a comprehensive analysis of the evolving state of African e-commerce, encompassing the entire journey from product creation to global delivery.
The white paper, developed in partnership with AfDB’s Fashionomics Africa Program, delves into millions of data points, spotlighting the remarkable growth of African entrepreneurship globally. It specifically emphasizes the impact on job creation, revealing that entrepreneurs on ANKA’s platform have seen a substantial 50% expansion in their businesses, contributing significantly to job opportunities.
In conjunction with this initiative, ANKA launches the “ANKA Growth Club,” a transformative program aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses seeking to export products to the USA, in collaboration with Prosper Africa. This program marks a pivotal step in facilitating growth and market access for African businesses venturing into the competitive US market.
The white paper not only highlights the platform’s influence on job market opportunities, particularly for the continent’s youth, but also underscores ANKA’s role as a catalyst for women entrepreneurs, with over 72% of its sellers identifying as women.
ANKA’s impact on global exports is underscored in the report, revealing that 50% of entrepreneurs ship their products globally through the platform, positioning ANKA as a significant African exporter of goods, facilitated by its partnership with DHL.
The findings, obtained from over 9500 questionnaire responses, encompassing customers, sellers, and affiliates, shed light on the challenges and opportunities within the African e-commerce landscape. This comprehensive analysis invites stakeholders to collaborate in addressing challenges while leveraging positive aspects to foster continuous improvement.
Basil Jones from the African Development Bank Group expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the report’s role in advancing understanding and insights into the African fashion ecosystem and e-commerce opportunities. Stephen Murray, Managing Director at CrossBoundary Group, highlighted the significance of the ANKA Growth Club in supporting African exports to the highly competitive US apparel market.
ANKA’s remarkable success in supporting African entrepreneurs is evidenced by its growth to 20,000 sellers in 100 countries within just four years since its inception, culminating in $50 million transactions in 175 countries. The platform remains committed to empowering business owners by providing them with essential knowledge, strategic partnerships, and innovative approaches crucial for their success in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.
