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MaxAB-Wasoko

Africa's largest B2B retail distribution platform, formed by the MaxAB and Wasoko merger

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Supplies essential goods to informal retailers across eight African countries, reaching more than 450,000 merchants. Formed in August 2024 when Egypt's MaxAB merged with Kenya's Wasoko, previously Sokowatch, in the largest technology merger the continent has seen. Retailers order stock by app or SMS for same-day delivery and can take working capital to fund larger orders. The combined company is now headquartered in Cairo and has shifted its stated priority from gross merchandise value to profitability, with a growing fintech line alongside distribution.

Facts about MaxAB-Wasoko

Company type
E-commerceLogistics
Funding stage
Series C+
Founded
2013
Founders
Daniel Yu (Wasoko, 2013). Yu stepped down as co-CEO in September 2025.
Headquarters
Cairo, Egypt
Markets
🇪🇬Egypt🇰🇪Kenya
Total disclosed funding
$240M+ raised across both companies before the merger
Key investors
Tiger Global, Silver Lake, Avenir Growth Capital, British International Investment, VNV Global, Quona Capital, 4DX Ventures, Lunate

Guides for founders building here

Doing in Egypt, Kenya what MaxAB-Wasoko had to do.

  • Set up payments for a Kenyan businessCombine M-Pesa, cards, payment links, and payouts for a Kenyan product or online store.
  • 🇪🇬Start a business in EgyptHow to legally register a company and set up a startup in Egypt - covering entity types, the GAFI portal, tax registration, and opening a business bank account.
  • 🇰🇪Start a business in KenyaStep-by-step guide to registering and launching a startup in Kenya.
  • 📲Accept mobile money payments across AfricaA practical guide to integrating and accepting mobile money payments across multiple African countries.

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How MaxAB-Wasoko and other African startups are built, funded and scaled. Once a week.