AfroBuy Uganda
Overview
AfroBuy is a multi-vendor e-commerce ecosystem designed specifically for the Ugandan market. It bridges the gap between local merchants and digital consumers by providing a seamless platform for buying and selling goods ranging from electronics to fashion.
The project consists of two main components:
- The Web Platform: A responsive marketplace for browsing and vendor management.
- The Mobile App: A Flutter-based application for on-the-go shopping.
Key Features
1. Localized Payment Integration
Unlike international platforms, AfroBuy is built for the local economy. I integrated MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money APIs to allow secure, instant transactions without requiring credit cards.
2. Multi-Vendor Dashboard
Merchants have their own dedicated portal to:
- Upload and manage product listings.
- Track orders and revenue in real-time.
- Manage inventory levels.
3. Real-Time Order Tracking
Customers can track the status of their delivery from "Processing" to "Out for Delivery" via the mobile app, utilizing geolocation services to ensure accurate drop-offs.
Tech Stack & Architecture
- Backend: Django (Python) was chosen for its robust security features and rapid development capabilities. It serves as the REST API hub for both the web and mobile clients.
- Database: PostgreSQL handles the complex relational data between users, vendors, products, and orders.
- Mobile: The mobile application is built with Flutter, ensuring a high-performance native experience on both Android and iOS devices.
- Infrastructure: The platform is hosted on a scalable VPS with Nginx as the reverse proxy, the apps on both play store and apple store.
Live Platform
The platform is currently live and serving customers in Uganda. You can visit the website or download the application to see it in action.