Zandaux, a premium B2B Multi-vendor Marketplace in Africa, recently celebrated a grand launch in Lagos, Nigeria on Wednesday 31, January 2024. This is part of the company’s effort to further solidify its presence on the African continent after a highly successful debut in Kenya merely two weeks prior.
This strategic expansion positions Zandaux as a pivotal player in redefining business connectivity across Africa. The platform has garnered widespread acclaim for its user-friendly interface, robust features, and unwavering commitment to fostering a dynamic business ecosystem, thereby earning the trust of businesses in Kenya and Nigeria alike.
The grand launch event in Lagos marked the official commencement of Zandaux’s operations in Nigeria. The platform stands as a beacon of innovation, introducing a cutting-edge B2B E-commerce platform meticulously designed to empower businesses throughout Africa. Zandaux’s steadfast commitment resonates in its mission to facilitate seamless B2B transactions, promote collaboration, and drive innovation. As such, Zandaux emerges as a transformative force within the region’s evolving trade landscape.
Dennis Reumer, the Chief Technology Officer of Zandaux, articulated the startup’s mission during the launch event. He highlighted the platform’s dedication to addressing the challenges of market inaccessibility in Africa, which has, in turn, contributed to impoverished circumstances. Furthermore, Reumer expressed the ambitious goal of making Zandaux the world’s most inclusive B2B marketplace. He elaborated on the platform’s technology, tools, and knowledge, emphasizing how businesses across Africa can now enjoy direct access to the entire African market.
“The platform will significantly lower the barriers to entry for businesses within Africa, facilitating easier and more cost-effective cross-border payments while effectively addressing the logistics challenges currently faced by businesses,” Reumer remarked.
Gabriel Idahosa, the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), provided insights into the future of B2B commerce in Africa. He hailed the launch of Zandaux as a symbolic step towards dismantling historical boundaries that have constrained African commerce, paving the way for a vibrant and interconnected marketplace. Given the shift towards digital in the global ecommerce revolution, particularly with the expectation that over 75% of Africa’s workforce will be comprised of millennials by 2030, Mr. Idahosa emphasized the vast opportunity for Zandaux.
Acknowledging that nearly half of B2B businesses fail to meet buyers’ expectations, Mr. Idahosa called for collaboration among entities to secure a better future for B2B ecommerce in Africa.
The launch event featured an expert panel providing valuable insights. Tolulope Olukokun, CEO of Thinkbikes Limited, shed light on challenges hindering intra-African trade, particularly in logistics and currency exchange. He underscored the untapped potential within the continent and the crucial role technology plays in overcoming these hurdles.
Reflecting on the positive experience with Zandaux, Olukokun highlighted the platform’s ability to seamlessly connect businesses across African nations. Adeshina Adewumi, CEO of Trade Lenda, emphasized the pivotal role of technology as an enabler and catalyst for digital transformation. Given that 50% of Nigeria’s GDP is contributed by small businesses, Adewumi underscored their key role in fostering growth.
Bunmi Kole Dawodu, Lagos State manager of SMEDAN, addressed collaboration and policy making, emphasizing the need for strong Public-Private Partnerships and proactive engagement with the government. He connected Zandaux’s mission to the broader AfCFTA agenda, stressing its role in integration. Dawodu concluded by calling for ongoing participatory conversations around policies supporting MSME growth.
Branice Mayienga, CEO of Africa Resource Connect, emphasized the globalization of B2B platforms and the real-time communication they enable. She highlighted the opportunity to explore new markets and access a global customer base, praising Zandaux as a differentiator in the market.
In his founder’s address, Franck Obambi, CEO of Zandaux, elucidated on the innovation behind the platform, identifying inconsistencies and inefficiencies in the supply chain. He emphasized the vast opportunities for seamless trading within the continent, untapped by other platforms. Zandaux, according to Obambi, addresses this by providing a way for buyers to acquire products easily and at an affordable cost, circumventing unnecessary stages in the supply chain that often contribute to higher prices for consumers.
“Zandaux is more than a platform; it’s our formula to end poverty in Africa. Together, we are not just trading; we are transforming lives. Your support fuels our mission of One Africa, One Market. This endeavor is not just for us; it’s for our communities and for our people. Thank you for joining us on this journey of empowerment and prosperity,” emphasized Franck Obambi in his closing remarks.
The resounding success of the Nigeria launch sets the stage for Zandaux’s upcoming expansions into South Africa and Egypt within the first quarter of the year. The event garnered attendance from various stakeholders, including government agencies, associations, private sector alliances, transport and logistics companies, fintechs, financial institutions, suppliers, wholesalers, innovation hubs, and media. This diverse participation underscores the broad impact and significance of Zandaux’s foray into the African business landscape.
