In Africa, last-mile delivery services are gaining momentum with fierce competition from entrepreneurs set to control main cities on the continent. 

Mapha is a digital solution developed by South African startup Mapha Logistics, founded in 2017. It enables businesses located in urban and peri-urban areas to deliver to their customers. 

“Mapha uses an interactive mobile-based application to operate in the township whilst also using bicycles as a mode of transportation to support ESG goals set by the company and the country at large,” the South African startup explains. 

According to Tshidiso Vatsha, one of the co-founders of Mapha Logistics, “through Mapha’s interactive platform, users are now able to order goods from any retailer they wish, not only limiting the scope to perishable items such as food.”

Its services are accessible through a mobile app available for Android and iOS devices. The app allows users to create an account with Mapha to either become a courier or a merchant. 

By becoming a Mapha partner merchant, businesses can reach a broad customer base, therefore generating more revenues. 

To date, Mapha claims 10,778 deliveries, 312 couriers and merchants, with an average of 116 new users creating accounts every day.  It was selected as one of 60 startups in the second cohort of the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund in Africa entitling it to a share of $4 million grant. In 2021, it was one of the ten South African startups selected for the AlphaCode Incubate program, winning a $10,000 grant. 

Adoni Conrad Quenum