Why We Are Building CrowdCargo
CrowdCargo — Marketplace: Decentralized Commerce and Logistics
In today’s fast-paced world, where digital innovation shapes how we live, work, and interact, traditional models of commerce are being rapidly transformed. At CrowdCargo, we’re at the forefront of this transformation for Africa, pioneering a new era of decentralized operation and optimization to revolutionize how goods are discovered, delivered, and enjoyed.
The Need for Change
The traditional approach to commerce, with its centralized structures and fragmented processes is no longer sustainable in our increasingly connected and dynamic world, especially in Africa where customized approaches and tailored solutions are required. Businesses need help to adapt to evolving consumer demands, while customers face barriers to accessing the products and services they need. The result is an inefficient and often frustrating experience for businesses and consumers.
Disconnected: Did you know that — Almost all businesses in Africa are offline?
Estimates suggest there are around 44 million micro, small, and medium enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa alone. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) make up 90% of businesses in Africa, and the majority of them are non-digital. Despite widespread smartphone access across the continent, a significant percentage of African businesses remain offline and are isolated from markets, opportunities, affordable fulfillment services, capital, and access to inventory support due to a lack of infrastructure.
These small and medium enterprises account for 95% of all registered businesses, they contribute 50% of the total GDP and are responsible for over 60 percent of jobs on the continent. Fintech and telcos are leading the charge in financial inclusion, indicating the potential to connect millions of businesses with customers. However, there’s a gap in providing comprehensive services to bring offline businesses online.
This means for every business that is online, there are approximately 98 others without access to digital infrastructure.
Understanding the Scale and Impact
Empowering offline businesses in Africa is crucial for driving economic growth, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty. With micro, small, and medium enterprises comprising a significant portion of the economy, empowering these businesses not only fosters innovation and creativity but also promotes inclusive growth by democratizing access to economic opportunities. By strengthening local economies, we can build resilience and sustainability, making communities less vulnerable to external shocks. Moreover, empowering offline businesses involves bridging the digital divide, promoting digital inclusion, and enabling them to compete in the global marketplace. Investing in the growth and success of MSMEs is not only a matter of economic development but also a means of fostering social progress and building a brighter, more prosperous future for all Africans.
At CrowdCargo, we believe in empowering businesses of all sizes to thrive in the digital age. Our platform provides businesses with the tools and support they need to streamline operations, reach new customers, and drive growth. By optimizing every aspect of the supply chain, from sourcing to delivery, we enable businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively, maximizing their potential in the marketplace.
Connecting Customers
For consumers, CrowdCargo offers a seamless and intuitive shopping experience, where they can discover a wide range of products and services from local and global vendors alike. Our platform connects customers with businesses in their community, fostering a sense of connection and belonging in an increasingly digital world. We want to become the unit enabler in the business of trade opportunity landscape by streamlining access to services, connectivity, and discoverability in a unified ecosystem.
Like we say at CrowdCargo, “We are building the service engine for everything else.”
Decentralized Philosophy
Central to our mission is the philosophy of decentralization. By decentralizing operations and empowering businesses to take control of their operations, we can unlock new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our platform operates on principles of transparency, fairness, and inclusivity, creating a level playing field where businesses can come online, stay online an scale in one dashboard.
Building for the Future
As we look to the future, the need for innovative solutions in commerce has never been greater. Rapid urbanization, technological advancements, demographic shifts, and shifting consumer preferences are reshaping the landscape of commerce, presenting both challenges and opportunities. At CrowdCargo, we are committed to building a platform that not only meets the needs of today but anticipates the demands of tomorrow, driving sustainable growth and prosperity for businesses and communities around the world.
Join the Crowd. Sign up here to get early access.
Sincerely,
John and Stephen. (Founder CrowdCargo)
