Firm facilitating B2B trade in Africa launched in Kenya

Zandaux has ushered in a new era of African Trade with a revolutionary B2B E-commerce platform that was launched at Emara Ole Sereni in Nairobi on Tuesday. 

The firm which is a groundbreaking business to business E-commerce platform is dedicated to fostering intra-trade in Africa

Zandaux CEO Frank Obambi Ngatse provided insights into its strategic expansion and growth plans, announcing imminent launches in Lagos, Johannesburg, and Cairo by the end of February. 

"On Zandaux, you can buy something from a factory in Mombasa and have it shipped to Kinshasa. The payment is only released to the seller after the product has arrived, and we have a robust tracking system in place for products from seller to buyer," he said. 

He said the money a buyer pays on the platform does not go to Zandaux nor does it go to the seller. 

"It goes to a bank. We have a partnership with several banks already. The bank will notify everybody including the seller that the payment has been made and the money is safe," Ngatse said. 

He said even Zandaux will not be able to access their commission right away. 

The CEO gave assurance that the platform has no risk in terms of local and cross-border trade in Africa. 

Further, Ngatse said the platform will allow African traders to sell their products in their currencies as a way of promoting intra-Africa trade.  

On the authenticity of the products, he said one cannot sell without clarifying who the manufacturer is. 

"We trace your products to know if it is authentic or not. Those who will misbehave on the platform by trying to scam buyers will be banned from the platform for life," he said. 

Ngatse urged Kenyan traders to register with the platform instead of relying on traditional networks. 

"We hope that by December, we would like to have 70 per cent of Kenyan manufacturers online," he said. 

Additionally, Ngatse said the firm is working on a fintech solution that will allow a trader to use M-pesa to buy goods even from the USA. 

Zandaux Chief Technology Officer Dennis Reumer said they hope to hear from African traders on the challenges they face so they can seek solutions for them. 

Reumer said they want to make entry into markets for African traders easier. 

"This platform offers African suppliers an unparalleled opportunity to operate within the entire African market," Reumer said. 

The launch was attended by government agencies like Ken Trade, Associations of Manufacturers and Suppliers and Private Sector Alliances.