Dar launches startups connecting Tanzanians and diaspora investors
DAR ES SALAAM: AFTER introducing two startups, Borderless and Ghala, the Serengeti Business Angels Network (SBAN)hailed them, saying the two initiatives are crucial in tackling major structural challenges in the continent’s economy.
SBAN is Tanzania’s active angel investment syndicate capable of connecting Tanzanian locals and diaspora investors with early-stage African startups.
They do provide capital, mentorship, and strategic support to ventures with high-impact potential across the continent.
The official launching of the two startups was held recently in Dar es Salaam, attended by the Dutch Ambassador to Tanzania, Marjo Crompvoets and key corporate representatives.
Briefing the Daily News Digital today, October 4, 2025, after launching the twin startups, SBAN founder, Rodrique Msechu, said the two companies address critical opportunities in Africa’s growth story.
“It will help to unlock the potential of diaspora capital and digitizing the informal sector, which accounts for up to 90 percent of employment and more than 60 percent of GDP in Sub-Saharan Africa,” he says.
In terms of mobilising diaspora capital, Borderless, founded by former Stripe Growth Lead Joe Kinvi, is building digital infrastructure that enables the African diaspora, estimated at more than 40 million people, to remit around 100bn US dollars annually.
“They (diaspora) have to invest collectively in startups, real estate, and other high-growth opportunities available on the continent,” he says.
He adds: “Borderless platform simplifies onboarding, cross-border payments, and syndicate formation, allowing diaspora communities to channel capital into vetted ventures rather than short-term consumption.
“Africans must fund Africa, and we are building the rails for its richest cohort — the African diaspora…If the world sees Africans investing in Africa, they will follow.”
However, this aligned to the spirit of the fundraising (Harambee) event held on the official launching day of the two initiatives, where three female-led startups pitched, with the winner walking away with all the gate collections of the night of 1.72m/-.
The investment deepens SBAN’s collaboration with Borderless, a relationship that began as a mentorship engagement and has evolved into a strategic equity partnership.
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On the other hand, Ghala, led by Tanzanian entrepreneur Kalebu Gwalugano, is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered commerce platform that operates entirely through WhatsApp, the continent’s most widely used digital tool.
By automating order processing, inventory management, and payments, Ghala helps micro and small businesses convert everyday messaging into structured, scalable commerce without leaving the app.
Since its founding in 2021, SBAN has focused on channeling local and diaspora capital into early-stage ventures that address systemic economic challenges.
The network’s sector-agnostic approach prioritises startups with strong potential for social and economic impact, particularly in fintech and health-tech.
