Developped to support merchants in restocking their supplies, it positions itself as an intermediary to facilitate and streamline various commercial transactions.

Vuleka is a business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform developed by a South African startup to transform how informal merchants replenish their stocks. Founded in 2017 by Brian Makwaiba, the Johannesburg-based platform connects shop owners with small-scale manufacturers and wholesalers.

Vuleka allows users to create accounts and place orders either through its Android or iOS app or via WhatsApp. The platform consolidates these orders and purchases products in bulk directly from suppliers.  

“We build credit profiles for informal and unbanked business owners platform then provide them with credit (loans) in order to acquire stock from us. They in turn give stock on credit to their customers who then pay them at an agreed upon time,” explains the startup.  

To ensure seamless operations, Vuleka employs field agents who handle last-mile deliveries, assist with order placements, and collect data on products and customers. This data enables Vuleka to offer market insights, empowering manufacturers and merchants to make strategic decisions.  

Vuleka’s innovative model has garnered recognition, earning it a spot in the eighth cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator program. Alongside five other startups, Vuleka will receive a grant of 1 million rand (approximately $55,415), Google Cloud credits, individualized training, and access to a network of mentors.  

Adoni Conrad Quenum