SwapVend has announced the official launch of its Minimum Viable Product (MVP) on Saturday, 23 August 2025.
SwapVend is a South African built digital platform connecting informal traders to opportunity and support by making them visible. By combining grassroots insight with bold technology, SwapVend aims to rewrite the story of economic access – one person at a time.
Already described as a “digital taxi” for its ability to transport township traders into the digital economy, SwapVend is reimagining inclusion by creating a platform that requires no startup capital, and no digital fluency to participate, only ambition.
This MVP marks the first step in a broader vision to make informal economies more visible, supported, and connected.
The Team
SwapVend was co-founded by:
- Ashmita Singh, Chief Alignment Officer (CAO) – a visionary strategist with a strong track record in township development and inclusive infrastructure. Her work at AB InBev, Youth Employment Services, and Safe-Hub has centred on connecting people to opportunity, with a values-first approach that anchors SwapVend’s mission.
- Matthew Donnell, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – a multidisciplinary builder of educational and innovation platforms, including Educ’ish and Workeneur. Matt brings a deep passion for outcome-based, user-centric design and leads the technical build of SwapVend’s platform architecture and user experience.
Supporting the co-founders is:
- Cindy Pillay, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) – an Australian based brand and communications strategist with 15+ years of experience helping organisations listen better, connect with people, and build trust where it matters most. Cindy leads SwapVend’s brand positioning, growth strategy, and engagement across sectors – ensuring the platform’s purpose is clear, compelling, and widely felt.
What the MVP Offers
SwapVend’s MVP introduces a suite of innovative, inclusive tools:
- Hybrid access model – no smartphone required; onboarding via physical touchpoints and assisted support
- AI-powered Digital Mentor – guiding SwapVend users on their business journey
- Kasi Maps – improving local visibility and discovery for township traders
- Learning Modules – accessible, practical education tailored to the realities of informal entrepreneurship
- Hybrid Marketplace – connecting local sellers with formal buyers and scalable partnerships, with the ability to trade and remove the cash barriers.
Coming soon: Deployment of our first in-township SwapVend Digital Taxi and SwapVest VC for impact-aligned investment, and community-based finance tools inspired by stokvel models.
A Call to Collaborate
SwapVend is actively inviting:
- Public sector partners to align with inclusive township revitalisation strategies
- Corporate partners to explore inclusive procurement pipelines
- Investors and funders seeking scalable, impact-driven solutions grounded in real community needs
