Tesh Mbaabu is a visionary entrepreneur who has made remarkable strides in transforming Africa’s informal retail sector through innovative technology solutions. As the co-founder and CEO of MarketForce, Mbaabu is spearheading efforts to bridge the gap between manufacturers, distributors, and informal retailers, creating a more efficient and connected supply chain across the continent.
MarketForce, founded in 2018, is a B2B e-commerce platform that enables informal retailers to source inventory, access financing, and manage their businesses digitally. By providing technology-driven solutions, Mbaabu and his team empower small businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive market while contributing to the digital transformation of Africa’s economy.
Mbaabu’s journey into entrepreneurship is rooted in his deep understanding of the challenges faced by small and informal retailers in Africa. He recognized that despite their significant role in driving the continent’s economy—accounting for up to 80% of retail trade—these retailers often face inefficiencies, limited access to inventory, and a lack of financial support. With MarketForce, he sought to address these gaps by integrating technology into the value chain, unlocking opportunities for millions of small-scale traders.
Under Mbaabu’s leadership, MarketForce has grown rapidly, expanding its operations across multiple African markets, including Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania. The platform has become a vital tool for thousands of retailers, helping them to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and increase profitability. By enabling retailers to order products directly from suppliers through a mobile app, MarketForce eliminates inefficiencies and builds transparency in the supply chain.
Mbaabu’s entrepreneurial success is driven by his commitment to creating impact at scale. MarketForce’s mission aligns with his vision of fostering economic inclusion and sustainability in Africa. By integrating financial services into the platform, the company also helps retailers access credit, providing them with the capital needed to grow their businesses.
Beyond his work with MarketForce, Tesh Mbaabu is a passionate advocate for youth entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa. He actively mentors young entrepreneurs and contributes to building a vibrant startup ecosystem on the continent. His ability to inspire others and lead by example has positioned him as one of Africa’s most influential young entrepreneurs.
Mbaabu’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. He has received several accolades, including recognition on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list, underscoring his role as a trailblazer in the tech and retail sectors. His work at MarketForce demonstrates the potential of leveraging technology to drive economic growth and solve pressing challenges in emerging markets.
Tesh Mbaabu’s story is one of determination, innovation, and impact. Through MarketForce, he is redefining the informal retail landscape, empowering small businesses, and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and digitally connected Africa. His journey serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs and changemakers across the continent, proving that with vision and perseverance, it’s possible to create transformative change.
