Nigerian Startup Sabi Exits Other Sectors to Focus on Commodities

STARTUP VENTURE CAPITALApril 2, 2025 at 9:53 AM UTC

TLDR

Norrsken22-backed startup Sabi has narrowed its business focus to commodities, exiting other sectors to double down on mineral and agricultural supply chains through its TRACE platform
The Nigerian startup initially served the informal retail sector through fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)
TRACE integrates Flare, a blockchain-powered passport system, to track ESG data and quality specifications from source to buyer

Norrsken22-backed startup Sabi has narrowed its business focus to commodities, exiting other sectors to double down on mineral and agricultural supply chains through its TRACE platform. Launched in 2021, the Nigerian startup initially served the informal retail sector through fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). It now operates three verticals: FMCG via Market, and mineral and agricultural commodities via TRACE.

TRACE addresses long-standing supply chain gaps in Africa by enabling suppliers to list inventory, access testing services, and trace commodity origins. Minerals processed so far include lithium, tin, copper, and beryllium, with supply from Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.

TRACE integrates Flare, a blockchain-powered passport system, to track ESG data and quality specifications from source to buyer. Since launch, it has facilitated over 50,000 tons in exports to off-takers in the US, UK, Netherlands, Singapore, and Asia. Sabi’s pivot comes amid rising global scrutiny on ethical sourcing. Its infrastructure helps small and medium suppliers in Africa meet global quality and compliance standards.

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Key Takeaways

Sabi’s TRACE launch aligns with rising global pressure on mineral traceability and compliance. The move comes as firms like Apple face legal challenges over “blood minerals” sourced from Africa. In 2024, the DRC filed a lawsuit against Apple’s subsidiaries over alleged sourcing of illegally extracted minerals. Apple suspended sourcing from the region, citing due diligence limitations. This global attention highlights the demand for clear ESG standards and traceability in sourcing critical minerals. Africa holds about 30% of the world’s known mineral reserves but lacks infrastructure for consistent, verifiable exports at scale. Sabi’s TRACE aims to fill this gap. By onboarding small and medium mining operations and providing tools to meet international standards, the startup helps unlock global markets for African suppliers. TRACE’s model may influence how mineral value chains operate across Africa, where informal mining dominates. The future of the sector depends on building transparent, tech-enabled supply chains that meet growing global compliance demands.

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Sabi

TRACE

E-commerce

B2B E-commerce

Norrsken22