Ghana-based Tendo Technologies, an online platform for entrepreneurs, has acquired Shopa, a company providing commerce solutions for informal retail shops in Ghana. The acquisition, a mix of cash and stock, aims to integrate Shopa’s network of distributors with Tendo’s digital platform, expanding access to fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and enhancing supply consistency for Tendo’s 10,000 online retailers.

As part of the deal, Shopa will rebrand as Tendo Retail and focus on supporting offline retailers across Africa through digital solutions. Shopa’s CEO, Frank Addae, will lead this new division, bringing his experience in building technology for informal retail networks to the role. Addae has a strong background in developing digital solutions tailored to Africa’s retail environment, making him well-suited to lead this ambitious initiative.

Tendo’s CEO, Felix Manford, emphasized that the acquisition will help bridge Africa’s offline and online retail channels. “We’re excited to combine Shopa’s distribution expertise with Tendo’s digital platform, creating a seamless supply chain that supports entrepreneurs and small businesses across Africa,” said Manford.

The combined platform will allow offline retailers to access Tendo’s digital marketplace, enabling them to place orders, manage inventory, and streamline their businesses through a user-friendly mobile app. For suppliers, the platform provides a direct line to both online and offline customers, simplifying distribution and enhancing the scalability of their businesses. The goal, according to Tendo, is to create a more inclusive retail network that can support growth across Africa’s diverse markets.

Tendo’s acquisition of Shopa underscores the importance of the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in Africa, which constitutes a substantial portion of consumer spending across the continent. Currently, FMCG products make up over 30% of Tendo’s sales volume, and the company sees this figure growing as it capitalizes on Shopa’s established network of FMCG distributors. Through Shopa, Tendo gains a well-developed infrastructure that has already penetrated deep into the traditional retail network, where small shops, kiosks, and local retailers dominate.

For manufacturers and suppliers, the partnership provides a streamlined way to reach both traditional and online retail markets, helping them expand their reach within Africa. The Tendo-Shopa merger marks a growing trend in African e-commerce to connect digital tools with traditional retail, aiming to make supply chains more efficient and accessible for small businesses.