Kwely Inc. announced the launch of its B2B e-marketplace to provide African producers and manufacturers with a global platform to sell their products. International buyers can now access high-quality, unique, and locally-made products from across the continent. The platform offers products that have been produced, tested, and packaged in compliance with international standards such as the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) packaging requirements.
Kwely aims to improve the positioning and image of made-in-Africa products, increase their competitiveness on international markets, and help global buyers and consumers discover the extensive range of natural and healthy ingredients that Africa has to offer. It also provides access to global markets and packaging solutions to create a level playing field for small producers entering international trade.
The platform has been built with proprietary technology and offers unique features that mirror the way businesses and suppliers transact with each other. From lead times, minimum order quantities, purchase orders, and quote requests, the platform makes it easier and faster for buyers to place orders and receive their goods wherever they are. A key feature is a full product configurator that allows buyers to customize their orders, including the packaging through a private label option. The first version of the platform is available in English and will soon support multiple languages, as well as shipping calculation and integrated payment options.
“Today, we celebrate the launch of Kwely, your destination to the best that Africa has to offer. For a long time, Made-in-Africa products have not been given the value they deserve. The talented producers are usually hidden behind larger brands, hindering their ability to build a direct customer base and their own brand identity. Through Kwely, we are introducing to the world high-quality products sourced from small and medium-sized companies and we are unveiling rich and rare ingredients as well as the traditional workmanship of our continent. SMEs constitute the backbone of our economies. By connecting them to international buyers, we are fostering inclusive economic growth but also impacting entire communities,” said Birame Sock, Founder & CEO of Kwely Inc.
Kwely’s team of experts organizes the TEKKI Challenge, an annual competition inviting local suppliers to present their products. The team follows a rigorous selection process to identify promising entrepreneurs, primarily women, working on innovative products. These products undergo several months of rebranding before being featured on the platform and global partners’ networks. The rebranding phase is free and aims to upgrade the products by providing local producers with the tools, knowledge, coaching, and financial support to improve the quality and image of their offerings. It includes a full marketing and distribution strategy, analysis of the packaging to meet international standards, and delivery of certifications that are compliant with global market requirements. In the first round of the TEKKI Challenge in 2021, 10 companies from the food and cosmetics industry were selected. The second phase recently concluded with 15 new brands that will soon be revealed.
“When I applied for the TEKKI Challenge, my goal was to refresh my brand image and packaging as I was just starting up and only selling my products via social media platforms. Since then, the Kwely team has really helped me work through a number of areas of my business by completely changing my brand, acquiring packaging, selling my products in large grocery chains and hotels as well as helping me secure some funding. I am so excited to see the Mixeko products on the shelves of supermarkets in Senegal including the American Food Store and Casino. And this is just the beginning,” said Assa Diop, Founder of Mixeko.
Kwely is currently accepting applications for the next round of the TEKKI Challenge
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