Introduction: A £4 Billion Opportunity Waiting for Disruption
Africans in the diaspora spend an estimated £4 billion annually on African groceries, fashion, beauty, and cultural products across Europe and North America. Yet for many in the UK, accessing authentic African food items often means long commutes, inflated prices, or reliance on occasional pop-up markets.
Three friends, Grant, Kelly, and Alhassan, experienced this first-hand as international students. “We couldn’t find the foods we grew up with (yams, egusi, plantains) unless we traveled far or paid double,” recalls Grant. That shared frustration sparked a mission to make African products easily accessible abroad.
The Birth of Afrishopa
That mission became Afrishopa, an online grocery delivery platform that brings fresh, affordable African food directly to customers across the UK. What began as a small idea among friends has evolved into a thriving digital commerce brand serving thousands of Africans and empowering vendors across the continent.
“In our first few months, we realized this wasn’t just about groceries,” says Grant Uzoanya, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer. “It was about restoring a sense of home and belonging, using technology to make that possible.”
Milestones and Growth
Since its launch just 12 months ago, Afrishopa has achieved impressive growth metrics:
- 5,000+ app downloads
- Over 3,000 subscribed customers
- Capital funding loan from Stripe, a rare nod of confidence for an early-stage African-diaspora startup
With logistics powered by DHL, Afrishopa now delivers to customers across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, ensuring homegrown products arrive fresh and fast.
Expanding Beyond Groceries: The Birth of AfriMarket
Recognizing the growing demand among African entrepreneurs, Afrishopa launched AfriMarket on October 1, 2025, a new feature that allows verified African businesses to sell directly on the platform.
“AfriMarket gives African brands a 24/7 storefront,” explains Alhassan Osman, CEO. “Now they can sell every day, even while they sleep. It’s about helping our people build sustainable businesses.”
Through AfriMarket, vendors from fashion to beauty now reach diaspora customers seamlessly, eliminating the limitations of pop-up events or trade fairs.
Building a Digital Bridge Between Home and the Diaspora
Afrishopa and AfriMarket together represent more than e-commerce innovation; they are a cultural and economic bridge connecting Africans abroad to their roots. The platform empowers both consumers and small businesses to thrive in a global digital economy.
“We’re not just selling food,” Grant adds. “We’re building bridges between Africans at home and abroad, showing what’s possible when we take ownership of our digital future.”
Meet the Founders
- Alhassan Osman – Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Oversees logistics and operations across the UK. His precision and commitment to reliability have anchored Afrishopa’s delivery success. - Chijioke Grant Uzoanya – Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer
Drives Afrishopa’s growth strategy, partnerships, and revenue generation. His background in digital commerce, SaaS, and fintech fuels the brand’s expansion vision. - Omobude Kelly – Co-Founder
Leads product development and technology, building the infrastructure that connects vendors, logistics, and customers in real-time.
Innovation Rooted in Identity
Afrishopa’s story is one of innovation, identity, and inclusion, proof that African founders can build globally relevant solutions rooted in culture and community.
“Afrishopa is about empowerment,” Grant concludes. “We’re solving everyday problems, but more importantly, we’re showing that Africa’s digital future belongs to Africans, no matter where they live.”
