LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY

Messenger, a logistics platform that provides financing and aggregation for end-to-end logistics and supply chain operations in Nigeria

Amanda Etuk, co-founder of the Nigerian logistics solutions business, Messenger, is an accomplished, results-driven business management professional. She has a depth of experience in supply chain management, logistics and distribution, and sales and marketing. Amanda has a proven track record of business optimization. She has driven the competitiveness of organizations in the healthcare industry, the FMCG sector, e-commerce, and logistics, where her passion lies. In all her roles, she has delivered business and revenue growth and efficiency gains, and successfully strengthened client relationships.

Amanda co-founded Messenger, a logistics platform that provides financing and aggregation for end-to-end logistics and supply chain operations. Messenger efficiently connects businesses to their customers through logistics solutions. Its mobile applications connect individuals and businesses to nearby logistics assets, while also supporting operators through asset financing and operations support.

Messenger is poised towards becoming the preferred partner and a leader in logistics in the city of Abuja with plans to expand to other economically viable cities across Nigeria and Africa. The team has successfully negotiated new businesses and partnerships with the likes of Jumia Food, Omnibiz, amongst many others. Messenger’s delivery-hailing platform is available on IOS and Appstore. The company is currently raising its pre-seed round. The company Messenger recently launched a product called M-Flex which provides short-term financing to logistics and mobility operators, providing succor in the current harsh economic climate as the product helps operators manage cash flow.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree from the University of Lagos and a masters degree in Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management attained at the University of Sussex. Her recent career experience includes senior roles at 54gene, Zippy Logistics (now Loft Africa) and Hygeia HMO.

Lioness Weekender spoke to Amanda Etuk about her entrepreneurial journey, her passion for logistics and supply chain management, and her vision for the future.

What does your company do?

Messenger aggregates and finances logistics assets and operations for companies and gig workers. Simply put we help logistics operators and individuals stay in business by providing them with tools of trade motorcycles and tricycles, while connecting them with customers needing their services.

What inspired you to start your company?

It was around Valentine's day of 2018, we noticed several product and service vendors were almost stranded. At the time in the city of Abuja, there were not many reliable third-party logistics providers, and the sales season provided an opportune moment to launch, capturing the excess demand from other logistics businesses.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

We are one of the few companies focused on logistics providers, we support the unsung heroes who make sales happen.

Tell us a little about your team:

One of the special parts of my entrepreneurial journey is that I get to work with my brother as my co-founder and COO. The rest of the team consists of a Chief Technology Officer, team members in customer experience, sales, finance, and administration.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

I have been more in leadership positions than just typical entrepreneurship and my focus on problem solving has led me down this path.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

We are expanding across Africa as our vision is to facilitate trade and commerce across the continent.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

I am impressed by how tenacious I am, there are many moments where I felt I may have given up, but I am humbled that there is always a reason to keep going. Oh, and the people we employ, seeing the impact Messenger has on their lives is the greatest satisfaction.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

Just start.

To find out more, email: hello@amandaetuk.com or visit the company’s website and social media platforms:

Website: https://www.getmessenger.ng/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/messenger_ng?s=11&t=3J01FWtCXpbYsckOhCAghA

Instagram: https://instagram.com/messenger.ng?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ==

YouTube: https://youtu.be/EQ1wVnSmjHg

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