E-Commerce Startup Sabi Lays Off 20% of Staff as It Shifts Focus to Global Commodity Trade
- Sabi has laid off approximately 50 employees, representing 20% of its workforce.
- The startup is shifting its focus from retail services to exporting traceable, ethically sourced commodities.
- Sabi's TRACE vertical has seen increased demand from international buyers for transparency and ESG compliance.
Sabi's strategic pivot towards commodity exports reflects a growing trend among African e-commerce platforms to seek higher margins and scalability. While this shift may enhance profitability, it also poses risks associated with workforce reductions and the challenges of entering new markets. The long-term sustainability of such a model will depend on navigating these growing pains effectively.
