22
COVER STORY
Kobo360: Revolutionizing the Global Logistics Supply Chain - Starting With Africa help cargo owners, truck owners, truck drivers and cargo recipients achieve an efficient supply chain framework. Through its all-in-one logistics platform, it is reducing logistics frictions in the supply chain via a combination of Internet of things, mobile technology and data analytics. Essentially, the startup is using tech to boost speed and efficiency in African logistics. Kobo360 won the ‘Disrupter of the Year’ at the Africa CEO Forum Awards 2019 in Rwanda. StartUp Magazine East Africa interviewed Kagure Wamunyu, the CEO for Kobo360 in East Africa to understand its business model and how it is transforming the logistics industry in the region. The following are the excerpts.
Kagure Wamunyu, CEO, KOBO360 IN EAST AFRICA By Sylvester Okumu
w
hen Kobo360 started operations, the logistics sector in Africa was largely informal with unclear pricing and interference from expensive middleman. In some African countries, it could take days, if not weeks to move goods across the country, thus causing businesses to lose money. The firm now has a mission to build the Global Logistics Operating System [G-LOS] in order to boost speed and efficiency in African logistics. It does this by connecting end-to-end haulage operations to Startupmagazine.co.ke
June 2019
How can your solutions be accessed? On Android. In less than six hours, we are able to match a user’s request with a selection of quality trucks of all categories, anytime with service delivery guaranteed. We recently launched a new version of our app, Kobo App, which has a first-of-its kind bidding tool allowing drivers and customers to assess the price of a trip before selection. Additionally, we are tackling the lack of transparency in African logistics by providing real-time visibility on cargo and trucks as well as enhance reporting and analytics. What areas of interest do you target with your logistics solutions? We’re focused on road-based freight transportation. Powered by technology, we want to ensure a stable, reliable and accessible logistics supply chain system on the African continent. Moving goods and products from Point A to B without any hiccups is not guaranteed when using traditional transportation. Why do you think you are best suited to serve the regional market?
