Africlana Launches Platform to Boost African Exports

Africlana, established by Mubarak Mohammed Yusuf, has introduced a tech-enabled export platform designed to link African SMEs directly with high-value buyers in the UK, US, EU, and the global diaspora. This launch coincides with diaspora remittances to Africa surpassing $100 billion in 2024, as reported by the Global Forum on Remittances, Investment and Development (GFRID).

The platform addresses systemic barriers faced by African SMEs, including fragmented access to buyers, high export compliance costs, and unreliable logistics. Africlana utilizes AI for product onboarding, manages warehousing and quality control in the UK, and oversees logistics and payments.

Initial product categories include African staples and condiments. Yusuf stated that the platform aims to enhance distribution efficiency for producers.

Co-Founder Olusola Oniyire emphasized the platform's role in boosting the economy and providing SMEs with the necessary resources to compete globally. Early-adopter sellers will receive access to working capital, training, and data-driven recommendations.