Neurotech Africa is raising $250,000 in pre-seed funding to grow its WhatsApp-based sales platform, Ghala, which is helping small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across Tanzania streamline sales, payments and inventory without leaving the chat app they already use every day. This fundraising effort marks a critical step forward for the startup, whose solution is already showing strong early traction and has the potential to digitally empower MSMEs across the continent.
The idea behind Ghala was sparked by real-world observations. Founder Kalebu Gwalugano spent time walking through Dar es Salaam’s busiest commercial zones such as Kariakoo, Sinza, Mwenge, and Makumbusho, watching merchants struggle to stay on top of dozens of WhatsApp messages. Most of them tracked orders with pen and paper and tried to connect the dots between customer chats, mobile money alerts and handwritten notes. Many spent hours answering repetitive questions about product availability and prices.
That research led to the development of Ghala, a platform that transforms WhatsApp conversations into a structured digital storefront. Merchants can take orders, accept payments and track inventory in real time, all within WhatsApp. For small businesses that lack laptops or websites, this mobile-first approach meets them where they already operate.
Ghala removes technical barriers that previously made it difficult for MSMEs to digitize their operations. Last week, Neurotech became an official WhatsApp Business Solution Provider, a key milestone that allows them to simplify merchant onboarding. Previously, businesses had to navigate Meta Business Manager and developer dashboards, which was an intimidating process for small operators. With Ghala’s embedded sign-up flow, business owners can now connect their existing WhatsApp Business numbers and start selling in just a few steps.
In its first month of rollout, the platform processed thousands of transactions across more than 120 merchants, generating over 25 million Tanzanian shillings in gross merchandise value. Every order through Ghala automatically captures the customer’s details, syncs payment confirmations and sends digital receipts. This replaces the need to juggle between WhatsApp threads, SMS alerts and paper records.
“We are not building on WhatsApp, we’re building with WhatsApp,” said Kalebu. “Real businesses don’t always have websites or laptops but they do have WhatsApp.”
For micro and small businesses across Tanzania, this tool is more than a convenience. It is a practical solution that meets their real challenges. Many of these businesses operate without formal banking relationships or digital systems. Ghala brings structure, accountability and professionalism to businesses that have never had access to tools like CRMs, accounting software or online shops.
At the center of Neurotech’s growth strategy is the drive to turn transaction data into opportunity. With the $250,000 pre-seed funding round currently underway, the startup aims to scale its merchant base and begin developing embedded financial services. By working with banks and insurance providers, Neurotech plans to help MSMEs access credit, insurance and savings products based on verified transaction histories. This will make financial services more inclusive for entrepreneurs who are often excluded from formal channels.
Rather than obtaining operating licenses in each new country, Neurotech will expand through partnerships with local payment providers. This approach allows them to grow across Africa in a lean and scalable way that integrates directly into existing financial ecosystems.
The company behind Ghala, Neurotech Africa, is an AI-driven startup rooted in practical innovation. Its mission is to improve customer experiences through conversational AI and smart data tools that solve real business problems. Neurotech’s values center on quality, impact and empowering others through technology.
Behind the tech is a dynamic team committed to learning, building and evolving. Neurotech fosters a collaborative culture where creativity thrives and team members are encouraged to think boldly. The focus is always on making meaningful contributions to the businesses and communities they serve.
By bringing structure and simplicity to one of the most widely used communication platforms in Africa, Neurotech is helping MSMEs do more with what they already have. The fundraising round will provide the capital needed to take this solution to new markets and connect thousands more businesses with the tools they need to grow.
For small merchants, Ghala represents more than just a digital tool. It is a doorway into the future of business, where operations are streamlined, customers are better served and financial access is no longer out of reach. Through this practical, mobile-first solution, Neurotech is reshaping the way African MSMEs sell, grow and succeed.
