Upkazi is an online marketplace that links global clients with African freelancers across more than 200 service categories, offering fixed upfront pricing and an escrow‑based payment system. The platform provides curated freelancer profiles, integrated chat, rating tools, and a wallet for secure withdrawals, enabling businesses and entrepreneurs to hire talent quickly and affordably without subscription fees.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Clients often struggle to find affordable, reliable freelance talent, especially from under‑represented regions, while freelancers lack a dedicated platform that offers transparent pricing and secure payment handling.
Solution
Upkazi is an online marketplace that connects global clients with skilled African freelancers across more than 200 service categories, from web development and graphic design to legal and translation services. The platform lets buyers browse curated freelancer profiles, view clear upfront pricing, and communicate directly through an integrated chat before placing an order. Payments are held in escrow and released only after the client approves the delivered work, ensuring trust for both parties. Upkazi also provides rating and review tools, a wallet for quick withdrawals to bank accounts, PayPal or cards, and a mobile app for on‑the‑go management. The service is free to join, with no subscription fees, making it easy for freelancers to list gigs and for clients to hire talent in minutes.
Target Audience
Primary customers are businesses, startups, and individual entrepreneurs seeking affordable, high‑quality freelance services, as well as African freelancers looking to monetize their skills on a global platform.
Features
- Marketplace with over 200 searchable service categories covering programming, design, writing, video, business, and more
- Fixed, upfront pricing displayed on each gig with optional tiered packages
- Integrated messaging and custom offer requests for direct client‑freelancer communication
- Escrow‑based payment system that releases funds only after client approval
- Secure wallet supporting withdrawals to bank accounts, PayPal, or credit/debit cards
- Rating and review system to surface top‑rated freelancers and build trust
- Mobile app and web dashboard for order tracking, delivery management, and dispute resolution
- No subscription or listing fees; freelancers set their own prices within a $5‑$995 range