Digital commerce startup tappi, supported by Mercy Corps Ventures, has expanded its services to Côte d’Ivoire, marking its third African country after successful operations in Kenya and Nigeria.
The strategic expansion, facilitated through an existing partnership with telecom giant MTN, aims to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in establishing a robust online presence.
tappi specialises in providing end-to-end digital commerce solutions, helping businesses create and manage online profiles to enhance visibility, engage with customers, and facilitate seamless transactions.
Kenfield Griffith, CEO and co-founder of tappi, underscored the significance of Côte d’Ivoire’s burgeoning economy, with a remarkable GDP growth rate of 6.9%.
He emphasised that the Ivorian market presents an opportune landscape for empowering SMEs to embrace digital transformation and expand their customer base.
Moreover, Griffith highlighted the pivotal role of Côte d’Ivoire as a gateway to Francophone Africa, offering vast potential for business growth and market penetration.
Through tappi’s innovative software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution and enterprise-grade tools, SMEs in Côte d’Ivoire will gain access to a suite of digital capabilities.
These include the rapid creation of SEO-optimized websites within minutes, targeted online advertising, and a range of additional digital services, all available for a nominal monthly subscription fee of $8.
By leveraging its collaboration with MTN Côte d’Ivoire, tappi aims to extend its reach to the telecom’s extensive customer base of 17 million subscribers.
Through integrated data bundles, MTN customers can seamlessly access tappi’s services, empowering businesses to enhance their online presence and effectively engage with a broader audience.
Despite SMEs constituting over 98% of total businesses in Côte d’Ivoire, many face significant challenges in establishing a credible online presence. tappi seeks to address these barriers by offering user-friendly solutions that eliminate complexities associated with digitalisation, such as international credit card requirements and trust-related concerns.
This expansion follows tappi’s successful pre-seed fundraising round of $1.5 million in December 2023, led by Mercy Corps Ventures and Chui Ventures. The digital commerce SaaS solution startup also secured an undisclosed investment from Renew Capital Angels last month to “to deepen its connections with SMEs on the continent.”
Since its inception in 2022, tappi has demonstrated a commitment to empowering SMEs across Africa by facilitating their digital transformation journey. Looking ahead, tappi remains dedicated to driving inclusive growth and digital empowerment across the African continent. Through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, the company endeavors to unlock new opportunities for SMEs and contribute to the advancement of Africa’s digital economy.
