Ghala, a Tanzanian startup that helps small businesses manage their operations directly through WhatsApp, has secured new funding that is set to expand digital commerce opportunities for entrepreneurs across East Africa. The company received investment from the Serengeti Business Angels Network (SBAN) and catalytic grant funding from the FUNGUO Innovation Programme, marking a major milestone in its mission to make business management more accessible for African entrepreneurs.
When Ghala was first launched, its vision was simple yet powerful, to make it possible for entrepreneurs to run their entire business from one WhatsApp chat. From showcasing products and taking orders to processing payments and tracking deliveries, the idea was to use a platform that millions of Africans already rely on every day.
“For millions of small businesses across Tanzania, Kenya and beyond, WhatsApp is the internet. It’s where business happens, deals close and trust is built,” said Ghala’s founder and CEO, Kalebu Gwalugano. “We wanted to turn that reality into infrastructure to build the WhatsApp Operating System for African commerce.”
That vision is now getting the support it needs to grow even further. Ghala’s latest funding brings together two important forces shaping Tanzania’s innovation landscape, private capital and catalytic support.
The first is an investment from the Serengeti Business Angels Network (SBAN), a group of seasoned investors dedicated to supporting early-stage Tanzanian startups. The angels who invested in Ghala, Francis Omorojie, Rodrique Msechu, Curtis Martin, Wende Mhidze and others, have gone beyond financial support. They have provided mentorship, helped refine Ghala’s business model and prepared the company for the next stage of growth.
At the same time, Ghala has been selected as one of 13 Tanzanian startups in the fourth cohort of the FUNGUO Innovation Programme. The initiative is implemented by UNDP Tanzania with support from Anza Entrepreneurs, the European Union, the British Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Embassy of Finland. The FUNGUO programme focuses on helping high-potential startups scale their impact through funding, mentorship and governance strengthening.
For Ghala, being part of FUNGUO’s network means more than just financial support. It’s about gaining access to strategic resources and connections that will help build a stronger foundation for innovation in Tanzania. “This support isn’t just about funding; it’s about strengthening governance, providing mentorship and building the innovation pipeline Tanzania needs to grow,” said Kalebu.
The dual support from SBAN and FUNGUO comes at a crucial time for Ghala, as the company moves from early traction to regional expansion. The new funding will allow Ghala to grow its merchant network across more Tanzanian cities and expand into new sectors. It will also deepen integrations with payment and delivery partners, making the entire buying and selling process more seamless for merchants and their customers.
Another key focus will be improving Ghala’s merchant tools. The company plans to introduce more advanced features within WhatsApp, from order management to analytics, giving business owners better control and insight into their operations. These improvements will help position Ghala as a reliable, scalable platform for small business growth across East Africa.
For Gwala, this milestone is not just a business achievement but a validation of what can happen when local innovation meets local capital. The combination of support from Tanzanian investors and development partners shows growing confidence in the country’s startup ecosystem. It also demonstrates the potential for digital solutions like Ghala to drive economic inclusion and empower informal businesses.
Kalebu was quick to recognize the role of everyone who has contributed to this success, from the merchants who believed in the product early on to the team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. “None of this would be possible without our merchants who trusted Ghala to power their sales from day one,” he said. “To our team who’ve built every feature, fixed every bug and stayed up late ensuring every message counts, this is your win.”
He also expressed gratitude to the partners who have supported the company’s journey. “To our partners FUNGUO, Anza, UNDP and Serengeti Angels, thank you for walking with us as we turn belief into impact.”
Looking ahead, Ghala is not slowing down. The company plans to continue scaling its operations and is now raising additional capital to accelerate growth, strengthen infrastructure and reach more informal businesses across Tanzania and East Africa.
“If you’re an investor, fintech or ecosystem partner who believes in the future of WhatsApp commerce and AI-powered retail for Africa,” Kalebu said, “let’s build together.”
