At 27, Sisay Mandefro is addressing one of Addis Ababa’s persistent challenges: the fragmented and unregulated logistics sector. As a student moving to the city from the region Muger, she faced the chaos of finding a reliable moving truck. Vehicle owners tended to cluster in certain areas, leaving other neighborhoods underserved.
“It wasn’t just inconvenient,” she reflects. “It was a gap that needed to be addressed.”
This personal frustration stayed with Sisay as she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and began her career in software development, including a role at Huawei. Despite her stable career, she couldn’t shake the idea of creating a solution to streamline logistics. Along with her co-founder, Sisay began testing the concept of a tech-enabled platform that could simplify moving services.
Leaving a secure job to start Chap Chap wasn’t an easy decision. “Walking away from stability to pursue something uncertain was a big risk,” she says, “but I believed technology could play a role in solving this problem.”
The early days were filled with challenges. Sisay and her team initially focused on building the product rather than understanding the market’s needs. They tried to tackle all logistics-related issues at once, which quickly became overwhelming. Realizing the importance of narrowing their scope, they decided to focus on dry cargo transportation. Over time, as they listened to customers, they expanded their offerings to include additional services like packing, labeling, and supervised loading.
Chap Chap’s approach is unique in that it doesn’t just connect customers with trucks. It provides a comprehensive solution, offering trained teams of gig workers for packing, loading, and supervision. This model addresses not only the immediate logistics needs of customers but also creates income opportunities for young men and women in the community.
One of Chap Chap’s gig workers, Mesgana Yadeta, used his earnings to start his own pool house business. “Stories like Mesgana’s make this work meaningful,” Sisay shares.
Technology has been at the heart of Chap Chap’s operations. The company’s app allows drivers to connect with customers seamlessly, offering real-time tracking and scheduling options. This integration has made the process simpler and more efficient for users and service providers.
Support from the Mesirat Entrepreneurship Program played a crucial role in helping Chap Chap refine its business strategy. The program provided guidance on marketing, helped recruit gig workers,particularly women,and facilitated partnerships with local associations.
Sisay envisions expanding Chap Chap’s reach to other cities like Adama and Hawassa and exploring opportunities in Ethiopia’s growing e-commerce sector. She’s optimistic about the future but remains grounded in the lessons she has learned: “Don’t assume your solution fits the market right away. Do the research, adapt, and learn from those who’ve faced similar challenges.”
For Sisay, Chap Chap represents more than a business. It’s a step toward addressing challenges in Ethiopia’s logistics sector while creating opportunities for others to grow.
