Shop Zetu

Shop Zetu is a multi-brand, multi-vendor e-commerce platform based in Kenya. It is designed to connect buyers with local fashion producers and micro and small enterprise (MSE) sellers. The platform primarily empowers women entrepreneurs by providing them with a marketplace to sell their products. It aims to enable these businesses to grow by providing the necessary support to meet customer demand and expand their market reach.

During the nano, Shop Zetu aimed to test a working capital loan product designed to help vendors overcome financial barriers, particularly those limiting their ability to maintain sufficient stock levels and meet customer demand. Three brands were selected to participate in this pilot, where loans were provided and repaid through deductions based on platform sales over six months. The nano revealed that while there is a significant demand for working capital, the primary challenge is the cost of credit, with brands seeking below-market interest rates that are not sustainable for commercial providers. Additionally, it was observed that access to capital had a direct positive impact on sales, but the need for more flexible and competitive financing options was evident. The engagement concluded with the recommendation to extend monitoring and explore potential partnerships with financial service providers to scale this offering sustainably.