In a significant move that signals growing international interest in Africa’s digital economy, US-based retail technology company Global Shop Group has acquired Ivory Coast’s innovative e-commerce platform, ANKA.
This acquisition marks the company’s entry into the African market, opening new avenues for local entrepreneurs and consumers alike.
ANKA’s journey from a fashion marketplace to a comprehensive e-commerce ecosystem exemplifies Africa’s rising prominence in global digital commerce.
A Vision Rooted in African Creativity
Founded in 2016 by Moulaye Tabouré, Abdoul Kadry Diallo, and Luc B. Perussault Diallo, ANKA originally launched as Afrikrea, a marketplace dedicated to showcasing African-inspired fashion.
The platform provided a digital space for designers, artisans, and fashion enthusiasts to connect, sell, and celebrate African culture through clothing and accessories.
Its user-friendly interface and authentic product offerings quickly attracted a global audience, positioning Afrikrea as a premier destination for African fashion.
Over time, the founders recognized the broader potential of their platform and expanded beyond fashion. They introduced ANKA Pay, a seamless payment system designed to facilitate secure transactions for users around the world.
This addition empowered creators and merchants to receive international payments effortlessly, removing one of the significant barriers to global trade for African entrepreneurs.
Expanding the Ecosystem: Logistics and Beyond
ANKA’s growth didn’t stop at payments. The platform further diversified by launching Anka Shipping, a logistics service tailored to the needs of African merchants and consumers.
This comprehensive approach, combining a marketplace, payment solutions and logistics, created a full-stack e-commerce ecosystem capable of supporting the entire value chain.
Merchants could now list products, accept payments securely, and handle international shipping, all within the ANKA platform.
This integrated model has been pivotal in enabling African creators and small businesses to expand their reach beyond local markets. It also provided consumers worldwide with access to authentic African products, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth.
A Global Partner Enters the African Market
The acquisition by Global Shop Group signifies a strategic move to tap into Africa’s burgeoning e-commerce scene.
As a US retail technology company, Global Shop Group brings extensive experience in digital retail solutions, supply chain management and technological innovation.
Their entry into Africa through ANKA not only provides local businesses access to advanced tools and resources but also signals confidence in Africa’s long-term growth potential.
This partnership is expected to accelerate ANKA’s development, introduce new features, and expand its user base across the continent.
It also underscores the increasing interest of international players in investing and building infrastructure within Africa’s digital economy.
Africa’s Digital Future Brightens
ANKA’s evolution from a fashion marketplace to a full-fledged e-commerce platform highlights the continent’s dynamic entrepreneurial spirit and its readiness to embrace digital transformation.
With the backing of Global Shop Group, ANKA is poised to become a major player in Africa’s e-commerce sector, connecting local creators to global markets and fostering economic empowerment.
The platform’s growth story exemplifies how innovative African startups are not only solving local challenges but are also attracting global attention.
As infrastructure, internet access, and digital literacy improve across Africa, platforms like ANKA will play a crucial role in shaping the continent’s economic future.
The partnership with Global Shop Group marks a new chapter, promising to unlock even greater opportunities for African entrepreneurs and consumers alike.
