Founded mid-February 2018 SamaPass is a complete ticketing solution, SamaPass wants to be a true vector of African cultural experiences. “Our mission is indeed to promote in Africa and throughout the world this cultural, dynamic and creative Africa.” The first version of the platform is already available in Europe and in 12 French-speaking African countries.
Introduce yourself and your background (briefly)
I am Welcome Hounwanou, 31, co-founder and CEO of SamaPass.
Resulting from a dual degree program Engineer / Master in Marketing and Strategy, I had – before SamaPass – to put my skills mainly in the telecom sector on both operational issues and more strategic consulting missions.
What is your project and its mission?
SamaPass is a secure ticketing solution and a platform for promoting cultural events in Africa or to the diaspora in Europe.
Beyond a complete ticketing solution, SamaPass wants to be a real vector of African cultural experiences. Our mission is indeed to promote in Africa and throughout the world this cultural, dynamic and creative Africa.
What is the problem solved by SamaPass?
Our solution responds to a finding:
Despite a positive dynamic observed in recent years, African cultural heritages suffer from a lack of visibility both within the continent and outside.
Online ticket sales in Africa are still in their infancy in a sector that is still largely dominated by the traditional, rather expensive, physical sales channels (10-15% commission on average per ticket sold)
What is the business model ?
We charge a fixed commission per ticket sold. The solution remains free for free events
How did you get the idea to start your business?
At the genesis of the project – end of 2016 – Honored my brother finishes his 1st year of doctoral thesis in computer science at the University of Laval in Canada and I was a management consultant in an international firm in Paris.
During a telephone exchange, Honoré presents me his idea of creating a digital ticketing solution for the African markets. I am seduced by the concept and note in the same period an abundance of African cultural events in France. We then decided to join forces to set up a digital ticketing solution that is a real vector for promoting cultural events both in Africa and in the diaspora in Europe. Thus was born the idea of launching SamaPass (“my ticket” in Wolof, a Senegalese language).
What is the problem solved by SamaPass?
Our solution responds to a finding:
Despite a positive dynamic observed in recent years, African cultural heritages suffer from a lack of visibility both within the continent and outside.
Online ticket sales in Africa are still in their infancy in a sector that is still largely dominated by the traditional, rather expensive, physical sales channels (10-15% commission on average per ticket sold)
What is the business model ?
We charge a fixed commission per ticket sold. The solution remains free for free events
How did you get the idea to start your business?
At the genesis of the project – end of 2016 – Honored my brother finishes his 1st year of doctoral thesis in computer science at the University of Laval in Canada and I was a management consultant in an international firm in Paris.
During a telephone exchange, Honoré presents me his idea of creating a digital ticketing solution for the African markets. I am seduced by the concept and note in the same period an abundance of African cultural events in France. We then decided to join forces to set up a digital ticketing solution that is a real vector for promoting cultural events both in Africa and in the diaspora in Europe. Thus was born the idea of launching SamaPass (“my ticket” in Wolof, a Senegalese language).
Can you introduce your team?
Our team is currently composed of a core of 4 people: Honoré (CTO), Arthur (Director Ivory Coast), Laurent (Sales Director – BeneLux region) and myself (CEO)
What are the next steps ?
Increase our commercial traction and finalize version 2 of our platform that will be released soon.
What do you need and how can AfrikaTech help you?
We essentially need feedback from the AfrikaTech community (event organizers and participants) about our solution to enrich it so that it serves its mission better.
What are the contacts of the startup? Website, email, Mobile / WhatsApp, links to social networks?
Our central contact node is our website: https://samapass.com/ You will find our contact addresses and links to various social networks.
Leave a Reply