Ghanaian startup Oceansmall is empowering small-scale fishing communities with access to markets via its digital platform, overcoming challenges such as low production levels, low income, and poor living conditions.
Formed in 2020 by Caroline Pomeyie, Oceansmall has developed and implemented basic technologies to enhance and streamline the fisheries supply chain. Its delivery application ensures efficient and timely delivery of seafood products, connecting suppliers with clients seamlessly.
“To keep track of the supply chain and strengthen relationships with suppliers and clients, we utilise applications specifically designed for this purpose. These applications not only improve transparency but also contribute to better logistics and supply management,” Pomeyie told Disrupt Africa.
“Recognising the importance of maintaining the quality of seafood, we have invested in a cold van for picking up supplies from suppliers and delivering them to clients. This not only ensures freshness but also minimises post-harvest losses. Additionally, we have established a cold room to efficiently store and manage stock. This facility plays a crucial role in preserving the quality of seafood products, contributing to a reduction in waste.”
All quite simple stuff, in reality, but hugely impactful. Pomeyie said leveraging these basic technologies was “transforming the fishing industry” and improving the livelihoods of communities.
“By combining last-mile market access with technological innovation, we aim to make a lasting impact on the well-being of small-scale fishing communities, one step at a time,” she said.
“At the inception of Oceansmall, we identified a significant gap in the market within small-scale fishing communities. These communities were grappling with challenges such as poor access to profitable markets, inadequate cold storage, logistical inefficiencies, and a lack of financial assistance. The result was high post-harvest losses, low production, and poor living conditions for fisherfolk. The gap we spotted was the need for a comprehensive solution that addressed these challenges holistically. We recognised the potential to create a positive impact by focusing on last-mile market access, and financial services, and implementing basic technologies to streamline the fisheries supply chain.”
The uptake of Oceansmall’s initiatives has been promising. The number of suppliers and clients using its platform has steadily increased, as has the adoption of its technological tools, including delivery applications and supply chain tracking applications. As of now, the startup is only actively operating and selling within Accra, but it has broader impact and plans.
“Our supply chain extends beyond Accra, as we source our seafood stock from fishing communities in Accra, Keta, and Takoradi, covering both the eastern and southern parts of the country,” said Pomeyie.
“This strategic sourcing approach allows us to tap into the diverse seafood offerings from different regions, supporting not only the fishing communities in Accra but also those in Keta and Takoradi. By connecting these communities to our platform, we aim to create a more extensive network that benefits both suppliers and clients.”
She said Oceansmall, which earns a commission or fee for the services provided on its platform, is exploring opportunities to further broaden its operations within these regions and potentially expand to additional areas with similar needs.
“Our goal remains to make a positive impact on the lives of fisherfolk across Ghana, fostering sustainable growth and improving overall livelihoods,” she said.
