Kenya’s social commerce market is growing rapidly, but many businesses have yet to fully tap into its potential. With millions of Kenyans active on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, social commerce is reshaping how micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) engage with customers. However, one of the biggest challenges has been cart abandonment when users are redirected away from their social media feeds to complete purchases.
Chpter, a Kenyan startup co-founded by Tesh Mbaabu, is solving this issue by providing an automated platform that integrates marketing, payments, and customer interactions directly within WhatsApp and Instagram. Unlike traditional e-commerce platforms, Chpter enables businesses to process orders and payments seamlessly within social apps, turning social engagement into direct sales.
Backed by a $1.2 million pre-seed funding round, Chpter is scaling its technology and expanding beyond Kenya into markets like Egypt and Nigeria. Its investors include Pani, Techstars, Norrsken, and notable angel investors. The startup operates on a hybrid revenue model, charging businesses subscription fees, transaction costs, and fees for AI-powered customer interactions.
As social commerce gains momentum in Africa, Chpter is positioning itself as the backbone of this transformation. The big question now is not whether social commerce will thrive—but which technology provider will dominate the space.
Read the full news here: Tech In Africa