Ivory Coast-based e-commerce platform ANKA, a rising force in Africa’s digital retail landscape, has been acquired by Global Shop Group in a landmark deal that underscores growing international interest in African fashion and e-commerce markets. The acquisition marks Global Shop Group’s formal entry into the continent’s fast-growing online fashion space.
Established in 2016 by founders Moulaye Tabouré, Abdoul Kadry Diallo, and Luc Perussault-Diallo, ANKA started as Afrikrea, a niche marketplace designed specifically for African-inspired fashion and handcrafted products. As the business evolved, the team expanded its offerings to build a more comprehensive ecosystem for African creatives and merchants. Today, ANKA offers not only a modern e-commerce platform but also integrated financial tools through Anka Pay and seamless global shipping with Anka Shipping, making it easier for sellers to reach customers around the world.
Over the years, ANKA has generated over US$60 million in total transactions and empowered more than 22,000 sellers throughout 47 African nations. Its influence extends well beyond the continent, reaching buyers in over 170 countries across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, contributing to a more inclusive and international marketplace for African goods.
Prior to its acquisition, ANKA raised US$13.5 million in venture funding, highlighted by a notable US$5 million equity round in September 2023. This investment helped the platform grow its customer base, expand logistics capabilities, and boost payment innovation.
Commenting on the acquisition, co-founder and CEO Moulaye Tabouré reflected on the company’s evolution:
“We built the infrastructure for global African commerce. To accelerate, we needed to move beyond technology,” he said, referring to the strategic need to partner with a larger organization to drive further scale.
With Global Shop Group now at the helm, ANKA is expected to gain enhanced resources, international exposure, and operational support, positioning it to unlock the next phase of growth in Africa’s digital retail sector.
