In Africa, the ecommerce industry is booming. According to the IFC, the number of online shoppers on the continent has risen by 18 percent since 2014. This growth, fueled notably by the coronavirus pandemic, could continue over the next decade. 

Last Wednesday, Gabonese ecommerce platform Olatono Market, announced it raised €45,000 to accelerate its expansion in Central Africa, strengthen partnerships and create a platform that revolutionizes ecommerce in Gabon.   

"Our innovative platform differs from the existing offers. It is launched to meet the expectations of customers who are increasingly searching for solutions that give them command over their choices, enable them to compare prices and access products wherever they are in Gabon,” said Thierry Dzime, founder of Olatano Market.

The platform created in March 2021 wants to transform the ecommerce industry in Central Africa. It developed a service called Achat Flex, allowing individuals to purchase products online and pay on delivery, by installments, by mobile money, or by bank cards.  It was a first in Gabon where ecommerce was gradually gaining ground. 

Thanks to the funds secured, Olatano Market's managers want to develop even more services, accelerate the start-up's growth, strengthen its workforce and sign new agreements. "We are delighted to support the expansion of the company and the launch of the new product Achat Flex. The ambition is to help the future champions of Gabon’s economy emerge. We are pleased to have made these investments in a start-up with great potential. We will support its progress," said Fabrice Nze-Bekale, President of Gabon Angel Investor Network (GAIN).

According to a report by the GSMA and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Gabon became the e-commerce leader in the ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African States) zone in 2021, overtaking Cameroon.

Samira Njoya