Tanzania's Ramani snags $32 million to digitize CPG supply chain

Acquah Nana Yeboah -

Tanzania-based Ramani, a startup which claims it's building a cloud network of micro-distribution centres for Africa’s $1 trillion consumer-packaged goods (CPG) supply chain, has closed a $32 million Series A debt-equity funding.

  • Founded by Iain Usiri, Calvin Usiri and Kibet Martin, the Y Combinator-backed (W20) startup enables African Micro-distribution centres to track their inventory, register their customers and record their sales transactions. which helps them enhance the management of their inventory and operations.
  • Some of the platform’s features include real-time tracking, sales targets, inventory tracking, geo-fencing, check-in history, rewards, and discounts. Ramani helps users gain operational visibility and structure as well as market insights that allow them to increase their revenue and market share.
  • The startup says it currently has 100 active MDCs using its platform, and they expect this number to grow exponentially as they double down their operations in Tanzania and introduce new services.
  • Since launch, Ramani has experienced immense growth with distributors selling $72 million through the platform last year, following a 68% month over month growth in Gross Merchandise Value during the period. This year’s month over month GMV growth is at 36%, the startup said.
  • With this new capital funding, it will scale its network of micro-distribution centres (MDCs) and launch a new micro-credit offering for select MDCs.