Treepz Goes Global: Launches in Canada with University of Toronto as First North American Client

In July 2025, Treepz—formerly known as Plentywaka—became the first African‑founded corporate mobility startup to officially launch operations in Canada, securing the University of Toronto‑backed African Impact Initiative as its inaugural client in North America.This milestone reflects not only Treepz’s expansion drive, but also the increasing validation of African tech-led solutions on the global stage.

Founded in 2019 (initially as Plentywaka, rebranded to Treepz in September 2021), the startup has grown rapidly to become a leading corporate mobility and digital travel platform across Africa.

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Its platform enables users to:

• Book daily rides on fixed routes (eg: employee shuttle or bus group transit),
• Aggregate bus travel operators through a digital ticketing and route management system,
• Provide corporate mobility, airport transfers, events logistics, and vacation travel packages.

Treepz operates in 16 cities across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, and reportedly has served over 5 million to 6 million customers to date.

 Canada Launch Highlights & Partnerships

Treepz officially inaugurated its Canadian operations at Brampton City Hall, Ontario, with full participation and official support from the city’s Mayor Patrick Brown. The move also follows its participation in the 2024 World Trade Center Trade Accelerator Programme (TAP) in Toronto, delivered in partnership with the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance. This three‑month accelerator offered mentorship, workshops, and access to global export advisors to help Treepz scale internationally.

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African Impact Initiative: University of Toronto Partnership

Treepz’s first corporate client in North America is the African Impact Initiative, a programme supported by the University of Toronto. Under this agreement, Treepz will manage travel logistics—including flights, accommodations, experiences, and ground transport—for global participants visiting four African countries annually, including South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda.

This partnership represents more than a commercial win—it signifies trust in Treepz’s capacity to deliver cross-continental operations at scale.

Why This Move Matters

• 🇨🇦 Global Validation of African Innovation:- Treepz launching in Canada and securing a major university-backed initiative demonstrates how Africa-born technology firms can compete credibly on global stages. As CEO Onyeka Akumah noted, “This launch is a strong statement of intent… we are proud Nigerians… now serving customers in two continents”
• 💼 Strategic Entry via Institutional Client:-Working with the University of Toronto’s programme offers trusted institutional exposure, showcasing Treepz’s ability to navigate long-haul logistics and complex travel coordination needs. It’s a high-signal partnership with future potential for replicability with other universities, corporations, and NGOs.
• 🛠 Catalyst Program Support:-Treepz’s participation in the World Trade Center’s TAP program and the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance ecosystem gave it mentorship, networks, and strategic access to Canadian markets—key enablers for its launch and operations setup.

Treepz Trajectory & Milestones

Key Achievements Pre‑Canada

• 5–6 million+ passengers served across Africa by mid‑2025, via corporate shuttles, guest transport, school buses, and airport transfers.
• Recognized as the first African corporate mobility startup to complete an official cross-border rental from Lagos to Cotonou (Benin Republic) in August 2024, transporting 96 passengers over a 1,400 km trip—demonstrating Treepz’s operational expertise.
• Winner of Best Startup Pitch in Africa at the 2024 African Union Private Sector Conference in Zambia.
• Acceptance into the 2024 Trade Accelerator Program in Toronto—solidifying its global expansion strategy.

Business Footprint & Clients

Treepz serves major institutional clients across Africa, such as KingMakers (BetKings), Parallex Bank in Nigeria; SamaSource in Kenya; BrighterMonday in Uganda; and several educational institutions in Ghana.

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Competitive Landscape & Strategy

• Asset-Light, SaaS-Driven Model:- Unlike legacy logistics companies burdened by owning and managing fleets, Treepz operates as a technology-first mobility marketplace—aggregating existing transport providers and enabling digital booking and fleet management, which drives scalability and cost efficiency.
• Corporate Mobility Focus vs. Consumer Ride-Hailing:-Treepz’s strength lies in corporate travel, employee shuttles, event logistics, and tailored group transport services—not consumer ride-hailing. This segment offers stable recurring contracts (e.g. universities, corporates) rather than casual individual bookings.
• Global Mobility Tech Positioning:-By embedding travel experiences, flight/hotel bookings, and logistics under one brand, Treepz positions itself as a challenger to global players in corporate travel management—leveraging African roots and flexible platform capabilities.

Challenges & Risk Considerations

1. Market Adaptation and Regulation:-Canada’s regulatory environment, transportation licensing, and insurance norms differ from African markets. Treepz must comply with local standards and operate securely within Canada’s corporate travel ecosystem.
2. Operating Costs and Profitability:-Operational expenses in Canada are typically higher—fuel, vehicle rentals, insurance, logistics costs—so pricing models must adapt accordingly without sacrificing service quality.
3. Service Model Localization:-Accommodating expectations for punctuality, safety, and premium service in Canada may differ from African contexts. Treepz will need to customize its platforms and customer support to meet new standards.
4. Scaling North America Expansion:-Beyond Brampton and the University of Toronto client, replicating its model across Canada (or the U.S.) will require securing additional clients, local partnerships, and possibly adapting offerings to corporate travel norms.

Future Outlook & Expansion Strategy

1. Institutional Client Pipeline:- Treepz is likely to pursue more partnerships with universities, NGOs, corporate campuses, and government entities traveling to Africa—capitalizing on its niche and proven experience.

2. Expansion into the U.S. or Broader Canada:- With regional success, Treepz may explore expansion to other Canadian provinces or U.S. markets, particularly in cities with African diaspora organizations and outbound travel programmes to Africa.

3. Ecosystem Partnerships & Integrations:- Engagement with African diaspora associations, trade networks, and travel platforms can open referral channels. Additionally, integrating global travel tech partners (e.g. flight‑hotel booking engines, travel risk management tools) could expand offerings.

4. Brand & African Tech Diplomacy:-Treepz’s Canadian operations serve as a reminder that African startups can build globally credible services. The company may leverage its success to engage in investor tours, diaspora marketing, and public diplomacy showing African tech innovation.

📌 Quick Facts Summary

🎯 Final Take

Treepz’s launch in Canada, backed by a University of Toronto program, marks a turning point for African tech startups entering global markets. It demonstrates:

• Scalability of Africa‑rooted mobility technology beyond the continent,
• Operational credibility through secured institutional clients,
• Aspiration alignment with global standards and institutional trust.

By combining a SaaS-enabled, asset-light corporate mobility model with early global experience, and through validation from institutional partners, Treepz is transforming into a truly global travel technology player—with its African heritage front and center.