Tanzanian digital platform sets sights on Africa-wide expansion

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian digital commerce platform Piku is setting its sights on expansion across East and West Africa within the next three years, aiming to position itself as a continental player while creating jobs and bringing foreign revenue home.

The company which launched after nearly two decades of development, combines e-commerce with a gamified auction model where users can win products — from electronics to overseas travel packages — for as little as Sh1,000. The company plans to roll out a full sales platform in the coming months.

“We want Piku to be recognised across East and West Africa within three years,” said the company operations Mmanager Sia Malewas.

“That will not only bring foreign exchange to Tanzania but also showcase the country’s capacity to build technology for Africans,” she said.

The platform currently focuses on auctions but intends to diversify. “A seller can open their own store on Piku — for example, a cosmetics shop — and auction products to attract more buyers,” Ms Malewas explained. “In a few months, customers will also be able to buy directly.”

So far, Piku has invested close to Sh800 million, with the next three months earmarked for an additional Sh120 million in prizes and marketing, which could rise to Sh1 billion depending on market response.

“We’ve been building this for nearly 20 years, waiting for internet usage and digital payment systems to mature,” she said.

The company expects to employ over 15 data analysts alongside software developers and production staff. “We will have our own offices, which will allow us to do more and employ more people,” Ms Malewas added.

Beyond its commercial ambitions, Piku has committed 35 percent of its revenue to corporate social responsibility projects through a planned Piku Foundation.

“We will support hospitals like Muhimbili and fund education for bright students from underprivileged families,” she said.

 “Customers are now buying online without going to physical shops,” she noted.

According to her, this is a huge opportunity for young people, adding that even farmers can use platforms to connect to services and buyers.

“Payment systems have improved, especially in receiving and sending money. I believe banks should adapt to mobile money models since most transactions happen through mobile networks. Piku is building trust in digital payments,” she said.

However, she acknowledged challenges such as the prevalence of low-cost phones optimised for calls rather than internet use, which slows wider adoption.