Ghana’s Tendo Technologies Acquires Shopa— to Transform Supply Chain Infrastructure in Africa

Ghanaian retail-tech startup Tendo Technologies has acquired Shopa, a fellow tech startup specializing in FMCG distribution, in a strategic move aimed at boosting supply chain infrastructure across Africa.

Humble Beginnings For Tendo and Shopa

Founded in 2021 by Evans Boateng, Derrick Mungai, Felix Manford, and Primerose Katena, Tendo gives thousands of individuals the opportunity to start online businesses without initial capital by linking them to suppliers. With a network of over 10,000 retail resellers across Ghana and Nigeria, Tendo offers a range of products in fashion, beauty, electronics, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).

Shopa, also founded in 2021 by Frank Addae, Michael Hammond and Ulrich Checkap, connects retailers directly with suppliers and manufacturers through its tech platform. The platform currently serves over 3,000 retailers in Ghana. Both Tendo and Shopa have received backing from the Catalyst Fund Inclusive Digital Commerce Accelerator.

A Brighter Future Ahead

The acquisition, a combination of cash and stock, will see Shopa rebranded as Tendo Retail. This division, led by Shopa’s co-founder Frank Addae, will leverage Shopa’s distribution technology and offline network to complement Tendo’s online reseller platform, closing the gap between offline and online retail.

For Tendo, the goal is to improve its FMCG offerings, which already account for over 30% of its product volume, and enable new online sales channels for African FMCG distributors. By integrating Shopa’s offline network, Tendo hopes it can provide wider opportunities for entrepreneurs in Africa’s retail space.

“We are excited to welcome Shopa’s expertise to Tendo Technologies,” said Felix Manford, Tendo’s CEO. “Our goal is to make supply chains more accessible for African entrepreneurs, and this acquisition allows us to offer unprecedented value through a unified network of online and offline retailers.”

Frank Addae expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “Joining Tendo gives us access to extensive resources that will strengthen our services to suppliers and manufacturers across Africa, unlocking new retail channels and expanding market access.”