U.S.-based e-commerce company Global Shop Group has acquired ANKA, a leading Ivory Coast-based digital commerce platform, marking a significant entry into the African fashion and creator economy. The acquisition represents a strategic move to tap into Africa’s growing online retail sector and global demand for culturally inspired products.
From Afrikrea to ANKA: A Pan-African Vision
Founded in 2016 by Moulaye Tabouré, Abdoul Kadry Diallo, and Luc Perussault-Diallo, ANKA began as Afrikrea, a niche marketplace focused on African-inspired fashion and handmade goods. Over time, the company evolved into a comprehensive e-commerce infrastructure provider, rebranding as ANKA and expanding its services to include:
- ANKA Pay: A payment solution tailored for African merchants.
- ANKA Shipping: A logistics service enabling global deliveries.
- Marketplace Expansion: Supporting creators across diverse product categories.
ANKA’s platform has facilitated over $60 million in cumulative transactions, serving 22,000+ sellers across 47 African countries, and reaching customers in more than 170 countries worldwide, including North America, Europe, and the Caribbean.
Strategic Acquisition and Market Expansion
The acquisition by Global Shop Group follows ANKA’s successful fundraising journey, which included $13.5 million in total funding, with a notable $5 million round in September 2023. The deal positions Global Shop Group to leverage ANKA’s infrastructure, merchant network, and cross-border capabilities to expand its footprint in the African fashion e-commerce space.
Speaking on the acquisition, Moulaye Tabouré, ANKA’s co-founder and CEO, said:
We built the infrastructure for global African commerce. To accelerate, we needed to move beyond technology.
This statement reflects ANKA’s ambition to scale its impact beyond platform development, toward deeper integration with global retail ecosystems and broader market access for African creators.
Implications for African E-Commerce
The acquisition signals growing international interest in Africa’s digital economy, particularly in sectors like fashion, payments, and logistics. It also highlights the potential of African startups to build globally relevant platforms that serve both local and international markets.
With Global Shop Group’s backing, ANKA is poised to enter a new phase of growth, potentially expanding its merchant services, enhancing logistics capabilities, and deepening its reach into underserved markets.
