North African logistics and e-commerce company Mataa secures funding to expand operations throughout the region
In the heart of North Africa, a significant development is unfolding. Mataa, a homegrown e-commerce platform based in Libya, has successfully closed its first Seed investment round. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the country's digital commerce journey, positioning Mataa as a potential game-changer in the region.
Libya, situated at the centre of a $830 billion North African market with 275 million people, is poised to capitalise on the rapid growth of e-commerce in the region. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) e-commerce market is projected to reach $50 billion by 2025, driven by factors such as rising internet and smartphone adoption, enhanced digital payment solutions, and cross-border trade facilitation.
Mataa's strategic location in Libya makes it a key player in this expanding market. The platform aims to empower local merchants, connecting them to a nationwide audience of over 6 million internet users. By addressing regional market needs, offering localised services, and overcoming infrastructure challenges unique to Libya, Mataa could play an important role in North Africa’s digital commerce ecosystem.
The investment round, backed by a group of Libyan business angels, will reinforce Mataa's marketplace model. The funds secured by Mataa will be directed towards enhancing operational capabilities, with a focus on first-mile and last-mile logistics. This enhancement will streamline the delivery process, ensuring a smooth shopping experience for customers.
The investment round also serves as a broader signal to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, aiming to inspire increased venture investment into Libyan startups and small businesses. The capital injection may lead to increased opportunities for these enterprises, fostering a more vibrant and dynamic entrepreneurial scene in Libya.
Mataa's success underscores the potential of Libyan startups to tap into the larger North African market. The platform facilitates Facebook-based sellers by offering seamless product integration, providing a platform for small businesses to reach a wider audience. Additionally, Mataa intends to attract experienced regional talent within the e-commerce sector, further bolstering its capabilities.
The investment in Mataa is not just a financial catalyst but also a symbolic gesture of increased support for Libyan startups. As the e-commerce environment in North Africa continues to grow rapidly, supported by infrastructure improvements, increased investment, and regional integration, platforms like Mataa are poised to make a significant impact, both locally and regionally.
- In the North African market, valued at $830 billion, Mataa's strategic location in Libya positions the e-commerce platform to leverage the rapid growth in digital commerce, potentially becoming a game-changer in the region.
- With the successful closing of its Seed investment round backed by local business angels, Mataa intends to foster a more vibrant entrepreneurial scene in Libya by investing in operational capabilities, particularly in logistics, and attracting regional e-commerce talent.
