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ARE recently talked to Ian Sendagala, the head of Ugandan startup and online African B2B marketplace eFoods Trade. There is so much we wanted to know about the eFoods Trade, so we sent Ian Sendagala some questions after making contact. He sent us these replies.
What is eFoods Trade
eFoods Trade is a Pan African online B2B Marketplace for food importers, exporters, distributors, and manufacturers. A premium online gateway strategically positioning the African Foods into the global village, while offering boundless opportunities for intra-African trade.
What services do you offer at eFoods Trade?
Our services include product directories, business matching, trade leads, trade alerts as well as company profiling.
How does eFood trade work and how do people find you?
You can FREELY post your Agro products, services, with prices and descriptions on our site. Add your contacts, physical and web addresses etc. Marketing with videos and audios is also enabled, however, it is a premium subscription feature among others.
What are your intents for the next years and how will you get there?
Our intent for the next years is to be a game-changing solution that will attract the world’s leading food players in the world to import and export with Africa. We are creating fundamental
opportunities for Africa to trade as a continent while plugging the vital leaks within the intra-African trade system. This would hopefully organically boost African economies.
How did you get into this business line – food and all?
I am the previous owner of FoodsForTrade.com, a hugely successful international B2B food trade portal. I sold it to an American to finance eFoods Trade in 2012. However, in 2017 I observed the significant intra-African trade vacuum, and consequently, trading with the rest of the world. Agriculture is the spine of African economies, thoughts it’s a net food importer at $35 billion annually. In this case, eFoods Trade platform is a robust solution to boost Africa economies by filling the vacuum.
Are there any investors, also have you approached investors?
eFoods Trade is backed by private equity investors, who have firmly believed in our dreams. Though again, we are still rocking against some rough tides to keep the boat afloat.
What year did you start and where do you see eFoods Trade in five years?
This platform was established in 2017 as a cohesive Pan-African voice for food importers, exporters, manufacturers, and distributors. Our five-year vision is clouding the internet as a giant B2B food trade eCommerce portal across the African continent. We envision improving intra-African food trade on the continent while consequently, selling African foods on a global stage.
How do you intend to get there (your five years goal)?
Through strategic collaborations with Pan-African organizations like African Development Bank (ADB), African Union (AU) African Free Continental Trade Area (AfCTA) to believe in our social impact and back us to greater heights.
We can only accomplish our dreams with increased financial support; when venture capitalists and Angels get on board to stimulate our advertising, digital marketing and day-to-day operations. Our five-year plan would be achieved by improving/scaling our team and also forging a formidable pool of proven highly skilled professionals.
How many employees are working on this project?
We are a team of five professionals so far with diverse proficiencies and talents working through time.
Have you tried advertising and marketing this business?
YES! We have been aggressive in our advertising and marketing campaigns both online and offline. Our social media strategies have yielded bountifully on our Facebook, LinkedIn, and also Twitter pages. Our future advertising prospects include international trade shows and television advertising.
How can someone who has interest partner with you?
We are open for any valuable collaboration within the private and public sector agencies. Print media, broadcast, PR and marketing firms. We are inviting venture capitalists, Angel Investors and Private Equity partners to discuss the potential opportunities within and without.
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