In Senegal, supporting supply chain digitization with Maad

Maad, which was set up in 2020, digitizes the distribution of fast-moving consumer goods and offers small Senegalese shopkeepers a new direct supply solution. Indeed, Maad purchases the goods at wholesale prices from suppliers and offers a free express delivery service which shortens the distribution chain and avoids large numbers of intermediaries. Maad also gives suppliers visibility and control over the supply chain through its range of digital tools. 

Maad currently allows its clients to pay for their orders in cash, on delivery, or in mobile money. In the future, it wants to offer payment facilities. 

Under the Bridge Fund by Digital Africa, Proparco has allocated a EUR 200,000 loan to Maad for the development of its activity. This loan is part of the company’s current financing round which aims to finance its geographical expansion, its warehouses and vehicles, its operating expenses (OpEx) and the continuous improvement of its platform. The objective is to raise a Series A funding round so that Maad can reach a sufficient size in Senegal to go international and launch the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) payment facility for its clients.

The project has many impacts, including: 

• Improving the daily lives of Senegalese shopkeepers with a reliable supply service, meaning they no longer have to close their shops when they restock
• Cost savings through Maad’s competitive prices  
• In the future, the introduction of credit solutions to improve shopkeepers’ cash management (for example, BNPL).