Today, Afrikrea, a leading online marketplace for African artisan products based in Ivory Coast, announced its merger with Anka, an e-commerce platform geared toward supporting Africa-based artisans and businesses. The merger includes a successful funding round, raising $6.5 million to strengthen resources and create a more extensive network for African artisans. This joint venture aims to expand opportunities for artisans and small business owners across the continent, allowing them to reach a broader global audience.

Afrikrea, which has a prominent presence in African e-commerce, is known for its dedication to promoting and distributing African-inspired apparel, accessories, art, and crafts. By merging with Anka, Afrikrea seeks to scale up its operations, integrating more artisans and entrepreneurs into its network while enhancing tools and services that facilitate online transactions and logistics.

Funding to Strengthen Support for African Artisans

With $6.5 million secured in this round, the newly merged Afrikrea-Anka platform is set to boost its digital infrastructure, making it easier for artisans to access e-commerce solutions. This investment is expected to enhance payment and shipping services, helping artisans overcome logistical challenges and allowing them to expand into international markets. According to Afrikrea’s co-founder and CEO, Moulaye Taboure, this merger represents a strategic move to empower artisans across Africa with the resources and tools needed for sustained growth.

“We are excited about this opportunity to merge with Anka and expand our platform’s reach and capabilities,” said Taboure. “This funding enables us to scale our support for artisans across Africa, providing them with digital tools and global access. Our aim is to create a seamless experience for African entrepreneurs to connect with buyers globally, helping to shape the future of African commerce.”

A Platform for Pan-African E-Commerce Growth

Afrikrea and Anka’s combined platform seeks to unify resources and reduce operational challenges for artisans looking to access global markets. Anka, which has primarily focused on providing logistical and payment solutions for Africa-based sellers, brings a technological edge that can help Afrikrea’s network improve product visibility and simplify e-commerce transactions.

With Anka’s technology, the Afrikrea platform will enable artisans to handle multi-currency transactions, ensuring smooth payments across borders. The merger will also expand Afrikrea’s shipping solutions, addressing one of the most significant obstacles for African artisans – the cost and complexity of delivering products to international buyers. By integrating these solutions, Afrikrea aims to make the international e-commerce landscape more accessible for small business owners and artisans from Africa.

Supporting African Artisans Through Innovation

The Afrikrea-Anka platform is positioning itself as a comprehensive solution for African artisans who want to grow their businesses digitally. The merger will expand Afrikrea’s offering of marketing and analytical tools, empowering artisans to make data-driven decisions and maximize their reach on the platform. This approach aligns with the rising demand for African-inspired products globally and supports sustainable growth for small businesses in Africa.

Conclusion

The merger between Afrikrea and Anka, bolstered by $6.5 million in funding, is set to open new avenues for African artisans, allowing them to leverage e-commerce tools and access global markets. By integrating payment, logistics, and marketing solutions, the newly merged Afrikrea-Anka platform offers a promising pathway for African artisans to scale their businesses and connect with international customers. The partnership represents a critical step toward fostering African-made products’ presence in global markets and supporting sustainable entrepreneurship on the continent.