Nigerian B2B e-commerce company Sabi has announced a major operational shift, focusing entirely on TRACE, its traceability platform for commodities. The restructuring included laying off approximately 20% of its workforce, around 50 employees, as the company streamlines to serve the increasing demand for transparent sourcing tools. With TRACE, Sabi aims to provide end-to-end visibility and verification for African mineral and agricultural exports, meeting new global standards.
The Rise of TRACE and Decline of Legacy Services
Founded in 2021 by Ademola Adesina and Anu Adedoyin Adasolum, Sabi initially supported Africa’s informal trade sector through logistics and financing tools. However, by late 2023, TRACE began emerging as the core product, gaining traction among global buyers of minerals and agricultural goods seeking compliance with ESG and traceability regulations. The company has since consolidated its services, retaining only its Market product for FMCG and dedicating its resources to TRACE’s development and expansion.
Empowering Small Producers Through Verification and Visibility
TRACE is currently active in Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania, helping export commodities like lithium, copper, tin, monazite, and beryllium. The platform enables global buyers—especially in the US, UK, Europe, and Asia—to access verifiable data on sourcing conditions and product quality, with over 50,000 tonnes of commodities already moved through it. Sabi’s CEO Adasolum emphasized that this verification helps small producers access new markets by meeting international standards.
Blockchain and Compliance at the Core
At the heart of TRACE is Flare, a blockchain-powered digital passport that captures ESG metrics, sourcing history, and lab test results for each commodity batch. Developed in partnership with blockchain firm Minespider, the system ensures transparency and trust throughout the supply chain. This is especially crucial as international buyers tighten due diligence, driven by incidents like Apple’s 2024 suspension of sourcing from the DRC following allegations of “blood minerals.”
Adapting to a Changing Global Landscape
Sabi’s intensified focus on traceability aligns with broader shifts in global trade, where ESG compliance and traceable supply chains are now critical business requirements. In early 2025, the company extended its partnership with Minespider and supported new lithium processing facilities in Nigeria, with capacity to handle up to 1,000 tonnes per day. These moves aim to fortify Africa’s role as a trustworthy source of critical minerals in a market under increasing scrutiny.
Balancing Restructuring with Long-Term Vision
Though the layoffs were a difficult but necessary part of the transition, Sabi maintains that the decision strengthens its long-term vision. The job cuts affected multiple departments and reflect the company’s sharper focus on scalable, impact-driven growth. A spokesperson said the company remains committed to supporting African merchants and enabling responsible sourcing across the continent.
Backing from Investors Reflects Market Confidence
Sabi’s shift comes after significant investor interest, including a $38 million Series B round in 2024 that valued the company at $300 million. The startup has raised close to $60 million to date and facilitated over $1 billion in annualised merchandise value. The backing underscores confidence in platforms that digitise and professionalise African trade, particularly as compliance becomes more central to global commerce.
Sabi’s transformation into a traceability-first platform represents a bold pivot driven by urgent global needs and market momentum. With TRACE, the company aims to bridge the trust gap between African producers and international buyers through verified data and transparent supply chains. As CEO Adasolum noted, this is not just a product shift—it is a market correction, giving Africa’s commodities the credibility they need to thrive in the global economy.