Zambian Construction E-Commerce Startup Bosso Secures $400K in Pre-Seed Funding

Zambian startup Bosso, an innovative e-commerce platform for the construction industry, has secured $400,000 in pre-seed funding to enhance its services and introduce new features.

Launched in 2022 by Chisepo Chirwa, Mukopaje Singogo, Ibn Kafwanka, and Salwa Shamapande, Bosso has become Zambia’s largest online marketplace for construction materials, serving both hardware stores and contractors. The platform ensures quality and affordable building materials are accessible throughout Zambia.

Initially, Bosso focused on simplifying the procurement of building materials for hardware stores. It has now expanded into a comprehensive solution for both businesses and consumers, aiming to address Africa’s 60 million housing deficit. CEO Chisepo Chirwa explained that Bosso has onboarded over 1,000 hardware stores, assisted more than 200 homebuilders, and delivered materials across four out of Zambia’s ten provinces.

The $400,000 pre-seed round was funded by Leonard by Vinci, Launch Africa Ventures, Renew Capital, Change-Com, and several angel investors. This investment will help Bosso expand its operations in Zambia and develop new products. 

Chirwa announced plans to integrate two years’ worth of data into their AI technology to reduce inefficiencies in the construction sector. By the end of 2025, Bosso aims to introduce a new platform offering additional services like land conveyance, financing, “save now, pay later” options, and access to construction companies. The company plans to source materials for over 5,000 homes in 2025 and will open its seed round in August.

Chirwa emphasised the importance of addressing the housing crisis in Africa, stating, “The housing crisis is real, and Africa needs a Bosso tackling this issue because everyone deserves decent and affordable housing. We want to bring our mission to the entire continent, starting with Southern Africa, as well launch a new AI building materials assistant to accelerate our solution.”