Adaobi Ilono, founder of Tanglo, an innovative online marketplace platform that is revolutionizing the way businesses and consumers engage in e-commerce in Sierra Leone. Born to a Nigerian father and a Sierra Leonean mother in Makeni, she spent her formative years in Sierra Leone before moving to Nigeria in 2016 to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at Babcock University. Currently, Adaobi resides in Germany, where she is pursuing her master’s degree in Chemical Biotechnology.
Growing up in a family business environment, Adaobi developed a keen sense of entrepreneurship from an early age. In 2021, while still in Nigeria, “I started Tanglo in 2021, while I was still in Nigeria, back then we ran errands for people from Sierra Leone in Nigeria. It was more of an errand/personal shopper/ logistic vibes. “ she noted during an interview with Salone Messenger, a global multimedia and public relations firm based in Sierra Leone. she embarked on the journey of creating Tanglo. Initially, the platform operated as an errand and personal shopping service for individuals from Sierra Leone in Nigeria. Adaobi’s inspiration for Tanglo came about when a friend sought her assistance in finding and purchasing law regalia in Nigeria. The positive response from her friend’s acquaintances sparked the idea of monetizing her services and connecting people to suppliers in Nigeria, ultimately facilitating transactions and shipping goods to Sierra Leone.
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Recognizing the growing trend of online shopping in Sierra Leone, Adaobi observed that the market was fragmented, with businesses primarily advertising on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. This limited visibility posed a challenge for potential customers who lacked access to these platforms or the specific contact information required. Determined to streamline the marketplace, Adaobi envisioned Tanglo as a unified platform that would provide users with a wide range of products and services. Whether someone is searching for shoes or seeking professional services like haircuts, Tanglo aims to be the go-to platform for all their needs.
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At Tanglo, simplicity is key. “We offer simplicity here at Tanglo. We operate at subscription bases, we have three packages, gold, silver and bronze. The bronze is free, you can upload just 1 item, be it a product or service, while the gold you can upload 10 listings per month while the silver 5 listings per month. “ She stated Adaobi’s vision for Tanglo is to provide a user-friendly experience that brings together buyers and sellers in a seamless manner.
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As Adaobi Ilono prepares to launch the Tanglo platform, she remains committed to revolutionizing the online marketplace in Sierra Leone. With her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to simplifying the shopping experience, Adaobi is poised to make a significant impact on the e-commerce landscape, connecting individuals and businesses in a way that has never been done before.