IFC weighs $25M financing for Gozem after top-15 growth ranking

Gozem Pte. Ltd., a West and Central African SuperApp founded by Gregory Costamagna, Raphael Dana and Nigerian Emeka Ajene, is being considered for a $25 million debt package to expand its vehicle financing operations in key mobility markets across Benin, Cameroon, Togo, and the Republic of Congo.

The proposed €21 million ($25 million) funding, comprising senior debt, subordinized capital, and co-lender participation, would scale Gozem’s vehicle financing operations in Benin, Cameroon, Togo, and the Republic of Congo. The move comes as the Togo-based super-App, Gozem, ranks among Africa’s fastest-growing companies, highlighting rising investor confidence in digital mobility platforms that integrate transport, payments, and embedded finance across underserved urban markets.

IFC-backed financing targets fleet expansion

Gozem’s financing arm, known as Gozem Financing (GF), enables drivers to acquire motorbikes, tricycles, cars, and smartphones through flexible installment plans linked to platform earnings.

Its “Drive-to-Buy” model allows drivers to operate vehicles while repaying daily via digital wallets, lowering barriers to asset ownership in regions with limited access to traditional credit.

Contracts typically range between 12 and 52 months, depending on asset type and repayment capacity.

Growth driven by SuperApp strategy

Originally launched as a ride-hailing platform, Gozem has evolved into a multi-service SuperApp integrating transport, logistics, payments, and embedded finance.

Vehicle financing has emerged as a critical growth engine, particularly in Francophone Africa, where access to credit remains constrained.

As of December 2025, the platform processed nearly one million monthly trips, reflecting strong user adoption and expanding urban demand.

Why this matters for Africa’s economy

Gozem’s expansion highlights a broader shift in Africa’s digital economy, where platforms increasingly combine mobility, payments, and lending into unified ecosystems.

The IFC’s involvement underscores continued investor appetite for scalable infrastructure solutions that enhance financial inclusion and create income opportunities for gig economy workers.

Risks and operational challenges

IFC’s due diligence identified road safety, security, and gender-related risks as key operational concerns.

The institution also assessed labor practices, environmental standards, and driver management systems during site visits across Togo, Benin, and Cameroon.

Scaling Africa’s mobility infrastructure

Founded by Gregory Costamagna, Raphael Dana and Nigerian Emeka Ajene, Gozem continues to position itself as a leading SuperApp in West and Central Africa, bridging transportation, fintech, and digital services.

If approved, the financing would accelerate Gozem’s fleet expansion, deepen driver financing access, and strengthen its competitive position in Africa’s mobility-tech landscape.