SENEGAL – ProXalys, a Senegalese B2B ecommerce startup, has raised US$150,000 in pre-seed funding to spearhead its expansion plans.
The round was led by Haskè Ventures, a venture builder based in Dakar, focused on transforming the startup landscape.
Founded in 2021 by Thierno Sakho, ProXalys aims to modernise and empower Senegal’s informal traders, digitising the entire value chain and reinventing supply chain processes.
The startup has three tools for managing and capturing daily financial flows in real time i.e., an order-taking application for informal distributors; an IT system for administrative management; and a supply chain logistics management system. It also provides a procurement service for everyday products.
Some of its clients include hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, wholesalers and semi-wholesalers.
“Digitisation is crucial for the informal sector. We intend to strengthen and modernise the distribution channels.
“Our goal is to enable informal traders to withstand the dual digital and distribution revolution created by the large multinationals operating on the continent,” Sakho said.
ProXalys intends to expand its reach in Dakar and in the major cities of Senegal, with the ambition to eventually support the entire West African region, a goal with has been furthered by a US$150,000 pre-seed investment.
The company will use the capital in the reinforcement of its technology, and in the development of its physical infrastructure, which will include the consolidation of its vehicle fleet and warehouses.
“We believe that technology has a key role to play in modernising infrastructure in Africa, a major challenge that must be addressed through the upgrade of vital operational channels.
“Additionally, the transfer of knowledge and skills development will play a critical role in ensuring the sustained longevity of initiatives undertaken now.
“We are proud to be supporting ProXalys on their journey and look forward to future progress,” said Abdourahmane Diop, chief executive officer (CEO) of Haskè Ventures.
The emergence of huge distribution chains such as Auchan or Carrefour in the country over the last ten years has disrupted the informal sector, which still accounts for 90% of the Senegalese economy.
ProXalys’ value proposition intends to digitize the whole value chain in order to reimagine traditional supply methods for businesses in this vast area.
The company is also attempting to revive Senegal’s agricultural value chains. Senegal loses 150 million dollars in agricultural losses each year due to a lack of market.
Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE
