WaystoCap is a B2B marketplace where businesses in Africa can buy and sell products. It helps you find reliable Buyers and Suppliers, Importers and Exporters, secure trades, Manage and Compare Quotes, provide Protection and Insurance. Food and Beverage, Construction and Energy, Packaging and Office, Textiles and Clothes, Maintenance and electronics.
Briefly tell us about yourselves, your educational background, team and how you came together to form WaysToCap.
CEO Niama El Bassunie CFA advised Africa governments on infrastructure projects and economic plans in Togo, South Africa, and Guinea. She was part of a task force involved in the economic vision for Togo, led by Sir Paul Judge. Her work in Guinea involved the clear up of the Port of Conakry, and working directly with the government on other infrastructure projects. She previously worked at PwC as a consultant in the Markets and Valuations team, focused on energy projects.
COO Mehdi Daoui worked for over 10 years in corporate and FX trading. He started his career at Societe Generale as a forex trader. Afterwards he moved to BCP, where he worked with their largest clients for the corporate and FX trading needs, particularly acting in African markets.
CTO Aziz Jaouhari Tissafi is a computer programmer by training, and subsequently worked for Rocket Internet’s Jumia, where he transitioned from a software engineering role into leading the entire content management and delivery team.
CSO Anis Abdeddine, led the African trading team at BCP for several years, working at the highest levels of corporate Africa in many of the largest West African markets.
How would you describe your company; how does it work?
We are building Africa’s future trading platform. We connect buyers and suppliers on one unified platform. It allows members to transact easily in a trusted environment.
What market gap did you spot that motivated you to start the company?
Niama’s work in Guinea involved the clear up of the Port of Conakry, and working directly with the government on other infrastructure projects. She previously worked at PwC as a consultant in the Markets and Valuations team, focused on energy projects. This encouraged the team to explore more opportunities in the area.
How has uptake been like since you launched?
Very good, many SMBs in Africa now work with us.
Who is your major competition? What do you do different to distinguish yourself from them?
Competition is focused on listings, we are a deals focused platform.
What are some of the biggest challenges you faced since the inception of the company?
Like all startups we have faced many challenges. But with an amazing team, and a vision we will prevail.
What advice would you wish to share with aspiring African entrepreneurs?
Work hard and get after it! Everything is possible.
