Kariakoo is Dar es Salaam’s largest and most vibrant market; filled with energy and a rich cultural experience. The market attracts hundreds of sellers and buyers every day who complete multiple transactions.
Being an African market, Kariakoo’s preferred mode of transaction has always been cash. But this is fast changing.
A few years ago, a group of innovators led by Abdulkarim Heddi chose to digitize the Kariakoo market. To do so, they formed Kariakoo Africa; an e-commerce platform for the Kariakoo marketplace.
“We digitize the local vendors around the Kariakoo area but also support local producers who are starting in business. We help them reach the online market and explore wider geographic areas. Kariakoo is a platform for buying and selling. We give both the sellers and buyers convenience and security. We save buyers time and money. Most people are sceptical about buying products online but with a verified platform that they know, it is easy for them to be confident,” Abdulkarim Heddi, Founder and Project Lead of Kariakoo Africa said.
He added: “We have concentrated our efforts on having all transactions done electronically. We discourage cash transactions. All products bought on Kariakoo are paid for by Bank Cards or Mobile Wallets. Buyers shop online and deposit the money into the Kariakoo account after which we process their orders and have them delivered. We then transfer this money to the vendors’ Banks or Mobile Money accounts. We have agreements of paying all the vendors within 48 hours.”
Even though Kariakoo Africa was developed to predominantly digitize the Kariakoo market, it also serves vendors and buyers outside Kariakoo.
Kariakoo Africa interacted with the HiPipo Team on Day 30 of the 40 Days 40 FinTechs initiative for Tanzania. First implemented in Uganda, 40 Days 40 FinTechs is an annual FinTech Innovation initiative presented by HiPipo to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations who are making significant strides in promoting financial inclusivity through the use of technology.
It is aimed at promoting innovation and collaboration among FinTechs in Africa. The initiative is designed to provide FinTechs and startups with mentorship, training, exposure, and networking opportunities to help them grow and scale their businesses.
“I am glad that such an opportunity has presented itself. 40 Days 40 FinTechs creates a better environment with people getting to know what is happening in the market. An opportunity like this helps with awareness, products’ marketing and improvement. This is a credible initiative so when it airs something out, it is something that even policymakers will listen to and work on making the industry better,” Abdulkarim Heddi said.
40 Days 40 FinTechs initiative Tanzania is part of HiPipo’s broader Include EveryOne Program that is generously supported by the Gates Foundation and implemented in partnership with Level One Project, ICTC Tanzania, Ideation Corner, Cyber PLC Academy, INFITX, Crosslake Technologies, NG Films, Founders Academy and Mojaloop Foundation.
The Include EveryOne program is a beacon of acceleration of FinTech Innovation, empowerment for Women in FinTech and a catalyst for investment and development in the ICT sector. Minus 40 Days 40 FinTechs, other initiatives under the Include EveryOne Program are the FinTech Landscape Exhibition, Women in FinTech Hackathon, Summit and Incubator, Digital Impact Awards Africa and the Digital and Financial Inclusion Summit.
HiPipo is recognized as a premier advocate of digital Innovation and financial inclusion champion, a fervent proponent of the #LevelOneProject. HiPipo has been at the forefront, actively promoting digital innovation, Instant, Inclusive Payment Systems (IIPS), and DFS across Africa. With a legacy of advising, mobilizing, and facilitating the adoption of inclusive financial services, HiPipo’s efforts have been nothing short of transformative! For almost two decades, HiPipo has successfully facilitated the inclusive adoption of these crucial services.
