Kenyan e-commerce platform, Wasoko has dismissed rumors of its closure in Rwanda, refuting claims made weeks after its exit from Zanzibar and temporary cessation of operations in Uganda and Zambia.
The e-commerce platform stated that it is expanding its workforce in Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya. Specifically, in Rwanda, the company is actively seeking partnership and procurement associates.
It has three available positions for its Kenyan branch and four in Tanzania, including opportunities for two procurement managers.
“We recently established a new warehouse in Rwanda in November 2023 and are currently recruiting for new roles to reinforce our commitment to the country,” Wasoko stated to TechCabal
Wasoko also disclosed that it has enlisted new suppliers, such as Movit, a cosmetics manufacturer, and Oxi, a detergent distributor, for its operations in Rwanda.
Additionally, the B2B platform, which is in the process of merging with Egypt’s MaxAB, anticipates the arrival of its initial shipment of Egyptian products for distribution in Rwanda.
These shipments will signify the commencement of its new Pan-African sourcing strategy as Wasoko aims to leverage MaxAB’s presence in Northern Africa.
With exits from Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, Wasoko currently operates in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and the DRC Congo. MaxAB, its soon-to-be partner, operates in Egypt and Morocco, primarily facilitating connections between retailers and beverage suppliers.
The integration of Wasoko and MaxAB’s operations in Nairobi has already commenced, with a complete consolidation expected within a year. Notably, MaxAB has begun reversing some of Wasoko’s decisions, including reopening certain distribution centers in Kenya and catering to large-scale retailers, which Wasoko had not previously targeted.
Despite once being valued at $260 million, Wasoko faces a lawsuit from nine former employees regarding severance pay and stock options. To avoid litigation, the company agreed to provide one month’s salary as compensation. However, the ex-employees are seeking severance pay equivalent to 12 months’ salary and redemption of shares at a fixed price. They also allege that Wasoko advertised positions that had been declared redundant without offering them the opportunity to apply.
The next court hearing regarding this matter is scheduled for May 9th.
