Turning WhatsApp Groups Into Marketplaces

When you think of WhatsApp, you probably picture friends and family staying in touch. But for women entrepreneurs in Mayuge, WhatsApp is much more — it’s a way to do business, form networks, and reach new markets.

At TechPath Africa, we’re helping women form WhatsApp groups that enable them to collaborate, buy and sell together, and collectively negotiate prices. These groups connect producers directly with their customers — and with each other — reducing reliance on middlemen and securing greater profits for their products.

For example, the Twekembe VSLA Women’s Group in Busakira “A” used their WhatsApp group to consolidate their produce, respond to large orders, and enable group delivery — turning their small enterprises into a powerful collective. This approach not only strengthens their financial position but also deepens their community ties, fostering unity and collaboration.

Through training, smartphones, and a bit of creativity, TechPath Africa is turning ordinary messaging apps into powerful tools for financial empowerment — helping women grow their businesses and transform their futures, together.