Cawine Technologies is revolutionizing the way Ugandans purchase and receive drinks and eats through its innovative FinTech platform, launched during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the 5th season of the #40Days40FinTechs initiative by HiPipo, Cawine is showcased for its significant impact on the digital economy and its commitment to inclusivity.
The birth of Cawine Technologies
The idea for Cawine Technologies emerged from a relatable dilemma faced during the pandemic: the difficulty of accessing food and drinks due to lockdowns and movement restrictions.
Co-founder and chief product officer Christine Nimusiima recounts a moment at a friend’s party when the group realized they were running low on supplies. With shops closed or operating under strict hours, they brainstormed a solution. This led to the creation of the Cawine app, initially focused on delivering cakes and wine, hence the name “Cawine.”
“One day, we were at a friend’s party and we ran short of food and drinks. One of our friends asked what we would do to address this issue, considering that even for the shops that were open, we couldn’t access them as it was past movement hours. Actually, even one of our friends had a birthday but we couldn’t get him a cake. So, one of us suggested that we could come up with a platform that can ease the purchase and delivery of drinks and cakes. Initially we developed the Cawine APP to deliver Cakes and Wine thus the name Cawine,” says Christine.
A comprehensive delivery solution
Launched in 2021, Cawine has evolved into a robust digital platform that facilitates the purchase and delivery of a variety of food and beverages across Uganda. The platform comprises three distinct applications:
- Client App: For customers to place orders.
- Vendor App: Designed for service providers, including bakeries and restaurants.
- Courier App: For delivery partners to transport orders to customers.
This multi-faceted approach ensures that all stakeholders in the supply chain—from vendors to couriers—are integrated into the process, enhancing efficiency and user experience.
“When an order is received by the clients, they prepare it and when it is ready, they give it to the Courier who will then deliver it to the customer’s preferred location.”
Embracing digital payments
Cawine Technologies promotes cashless transactions, offering various payment options including mobile money and bank cards, alongside cash payments. This focus on digital payments not only ensures safety for all parties involved but also aligns with global trends towards financial inclusion.
With over 2,000 app downloads and a user base that is predominantly female, Cawine is making strides in empowering women in the tech and business sectors.
Impact and recognition
Cawine’s participation in the #40Days40FinTechs initiative underscores its role in promoting financial inclusion and innovation within the Ugandan market. This initiative, part of HiPipo’s broader Include Everyone program, aims to spotlight fintech solutions that cater to underserved populations.
With over 150 participants in the last four years, #40Days40FinTechs continues to be the world’s premier showcase event for innovations that are enabling underserved populations to join the digital economy space. This is done with inspiration and collaboration of partners; Level One Project, Mojaloop Foundation, INFITX, Cyberplc Academy, Ideation Corner, and Crosslake Technologies.
Most importantly, the initiative owes its continued success to the generous support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
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