Africa’s digital revolution is not only unfolding in corporate boardrooms or tech parks — it’s rising in townships, rural communities, and spaza shops. Armed with mobile phones, affordable connectivity, and unstoppable resilience, small businesses are becoming key players in driving the continent’s digital economy.

This week, WIB Group explores inspiring stories of local innovation and the accessible tech tools empowering everyday entrepreneurs.

From the Ground Up: Township Businesses Transforming Tech

Cloudy Deliveries – Langa, Cape Town

“We saw a gap: elderly people and busy families needed deliveries, and unemployed youth needed work. We connected the dots.”
— Colin Mkosi, Founder of Cloudy Deliveries

Starting with just seven second-hand bicycles during lockdown, this youth-powered township logistics business now processes over 50,000 deliveries across Langa and surrounding areas. Their mobile-first model is built entirely on WhatsApp and geolocation, proving you don’t need fancy apps to build real impact.

Image credit: Cloudy Deliveries

Spaza Eats – Various Townships, SA

Spaza Eats is a digital delivery platform that connects township eateries with customers via an easy-to-use mobile app. Restaurants with no prior digital presence now receive orders via AppGallery and electric scooter deliveries.

“Spaza Eats is about more than food — it’s about economic dignity and digital access.”
— Zuko Mdwaba, township entrepreneur & advisor

Motor Spares Collective – Tsakane

In Gauteng’s East Rand, informal auto mechanics teamed up to form a collective. Using WhatsApp groups, they bulk-order parts and access next-day delivery from suppliers. With membership fees of just R150/year, they also receive online training and financial literacy workshops.

The Role of Tech Hubs in Township Innovation

Over 700 tech hubs are now active across Africa — many located outside traditional city centres. In South Africa, hubs like Sebokeng eKasiLab, Khayelitsha Bandwidth Barn, and 22 On Sloane offer:

• Incubation and mentoring
• Co-working spaces and WiFi
• Access to investor networks

“We help township founders build ideas that can go global — without leaving their communities.”
— Tsholofelo Mokone, Programme Director, eKasiLab Sebokeng

Image credit: Innovation Summit SA

Digital Tools Empowering Township SMEs

These tools allow business owners to bypass costly infrastructure, expand reach, and accept cashless payments — all via mobile phone

Snapshot: Africa’s Digital SME Boom

• 90% of African businesses are SMEs

  60% of these are informal, yet contribute up to 38% of GDP

  Internet access grew 75% in South African townships (2022–2024)

  1000+ tech hubs across Africa support SME scaling and innovation

Why This Matters

Township entrepreneurs are building a parallel digital economy that’s grassroots-led, mobile-driven, and highly innovative. Their work challenges stereotypes and unlocks job creation, digital inclusion, and cross-border scalability.

As WIB Group continues enabling digital transformation, these stories serve as a powerful reminder:

Africa’s digital future is already here — and it’s being coded in kitchens, backyard workshops, and spaza shops.

Want to Support or Collaborate?

If you’re a policymaker, corporate leader, or investor, contact WIB Group to learn how we partner with townships and SMEs to accelerate digital inclusion.

📧 info@wibgroup.co.za | 🌐 www.wibgroup.co.za