ANKA: A Champion of African Entrepreneurship closes its Pre-Series A Fundraising of 5 Million US Dollars

ANKA, a comprehensive SaaS platform tailored for African businesses, recently secured a US$5M pre-Series A extension round. This fundraising was led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and saw participation from Proparco and the French Public Investment Bank. Since its inception in 2016, ANKA has garnered a total investment of US$13.5M, positioning itself as a force for promoting African entrepreneurship globally. Notably, the company is intensifying its operations in regions where it has marked remarkable growth, like Nigeria and Kenya, in terms of sellers, and the US for buyers. A significant part of the funds will be channeled into hiring across various departments to spur growth.

ANKA, a comprehensive SaaS platform tailored for African businesses, recently secured a US$5M pre-Series A extension round. This fundraising was led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and saw participation from Proparco and the French Public Investment Bank. Since its inception in 2016, ANKA has garnered a total investment of US$13.5M, positioning itself as a force for promoting African entrepreneurship globally. Notably, the company is intensifying its operations in regions where it has marked remarkable growth, like Nigeria and Kenya, in terms of sellers, and the US for buyers. A significant part of the funds will be channeled into hiring across various departments to spur growth.

ANKA's progress is notable; post its 2022 capital boost, the company expanded its reach to African SMEs in 47 out of 54 African nations. It has successfully processed transactions exceeding US$50M across 175 countries globally. Demonstrating a notable surge, ANKA's revenues soared from €200k to €3.6M since its 2022 funding round. Their goal? To attract 100,000 African sellers by 2030, amplifying Africa’s global e-commerce footprint. The platform equips African entrepreneurs with tools for selling goods, facilitates international and local payments, and offers affordable shipping solutions.

ANKA's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Moulaye Taboure, conveyed his excitement regarding the recent fundraising effort while underscoring the company's dedication to promoting African entrepreneurship. The Chief Operating Officer (COO), Abdoul Kadry Diallo, accentuated the wealth of cultural resources present in Africa, as well as the remarkable potential of its offerings to make a significant impact on the global economy. The financing acquired will play a crucial role in optimizing their operations and facilitating sustainable expansion for their associates.

The African diaspora is widely spread around the world, particularly in North America and Europe, which happen to be the main regions where ANKA exports its products. This presents a profitable chance for ANKA to boost Africa's role in the global creative economy.

Makhtar Diop, the Managing Director of IFC, highlighted the significance of supporting African creators, particularly women, in gaining access to international markets. This aligns with their vision for the continent. Fabrice Perez, representing Proparco's VC division, acknowledged ANKA's increasing impact, specifically in terms of women's employment in Africa, and emphasized Proparco's ongoing commitment to support them. Get more information about ANKA on their official website ANKA