News
Woliz raises $2.2 million from Sanlam Maroc for Moroccan corner shops
Moroccan retail technology startup Woliz has taken a $2.2 million equity stake from Sanlam Maroc, the insurer's first long-term private equity move in local startups.
By Propel Africa · 2025-12-29
Woliz, a Moroccan retail technology startup, has received a $2.2 million equity investment from Sanlam Maroc, the Moroccan arm of South Africa's Sanlam Group. Launch Base Africa reported on 29 December 2025 that the deal is Sanlam Maroc's first long-term private equity move in Morocco's startup ecosystem.
What Woliz does
Woliz builds digital infrastructure for neighbourhood retailers. Its connected point-of-sale terminals and software help shopkeepers manage inventory, accept digital payments and connect with distributors, manufacturers, telecoms operators and financial institutions. Kamal El Hardouzi is chief executive.
Rollout
In September 2025, Woliz signed a framework agreement with Morocco's Ministry of Industry and Trade. The first phase aims to put connected terminals into 20,000 neighbourhood shops, and the platform eventually targets up to 90,000 merchants nationwide.
Plans
The new capital will go into expanding the technology stack and supporting a broader on-the-ground rollout. Sanlam Maroc expects the partnership to inform tailored offerings for small merchants, from micro-insurance to embedded financial services. Morocco is the main focus, with longer-term plans to expand to other African markets.
At a glance
- Company: Woliz
- Raised: $2.2 million
- Round or Type: Equity investment
- Investor: Sanlam Maroc
- Based in: Morocco
- Markets: Morocco, with other African markets planned
- Key number: 20,000 shops in the first phase, up to 90,000 targeted