TradeDepot Inc.

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In brief

There are 60 million SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa, and 90% of retail commerce on the continent occurs through informal offline channels, with sales amounting to over USD 1 trillion. Distribution towards the informal sector is inefficient, creating issues for all parties involved, from FMCG/manufacturers (i.e. Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nestlé), distributors and retailers. The main inefficiencies are a lack of visibility on product demand, real-time tracking, poor logistics planning, and FMCG’s ability to target retail promotions directly. TradeDepot is a B2B eCommerce and embedded finance platform that formalises the informal sector by building the rails for commerce and financial services for retailers and small business owners in emerging markets by leveraging data, technology, and supply chain assets to connect SME retailers with global suppliers. The company’s main operations are in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa.

Main development impact

TradeDepot formalising the informal sector by building the rails for commerce and financial services for retailers and small business owners in emerging markets by leveraging data, technology, and supply chain assets to connect SME retailers with global suppliers. In addition, the company has a strong focus on gender and financial inclusion, contributing to the economic empowerment of women. TradeDepot is committed to the 2X Challenge.

Investment details

Name: TradeDepot Inc.
Project number: 80000409
Region: Africa
Country: Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa
Sector: Digital infrastructure and solutions
Signing date (month/year): February 2023
Currency: USD
Finnfund's financing (commitment): 5,000,000
Instrument: Loan
Size of the project financing: USD 18,000,000
Share of Finnfund's financing (%): 28 %
Status: Active
Website: www.tradedepot.co

Please note, that in principle, this information is given at the time of signature according to Finnfund's disclosure policy. However, in the case of investment funds, the share of Finnfund’s financing (%) is disclosed after the fund’s final closing, and information on the portfolio companies financed by the fund is updated at least once a year.

February

Key facts

Name:

TradeDepot Inc.

Sector:

Digital infrastructure and solutions

Region:

Africa

Country:

Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa

Currency:

USD

Finnfund's financing (commitment):

5,000,000

Signing date (month/year):

February 2023

Last update:

December 2023