Alassane Diallo is the founder of Vndach, an app that combines four networks into one, a marketplace, a social network, an event network, and a professional network. The idea grew out of a simple frustration. “The most widely used platforms dominating the advertising and e-commerce markets in Africa are predominantly foreign,” he says. His objective is to build something different, a reliable super network platform made in Africa, for Africa, and for the rest of the world.
From Pressing Buttons to Building an App
Alassane’s path into tech started long before he owned a computer. “I have always been passionate about computing. But above all, it’s a matter of curiosity,” he says. As a child, he’d watch his siblings use the family desktop, then try it himself, pressing buttons until things started to make sense. During his teenage years he didn’t have his own machine, so he relied on internet cafes, paying small amounts for half hour blocks of time. It wasn’t until his first year of university, in 2024, that he got a computer of his own, and only because his father sold part of his land in the village to buy it for him.
Even without his own equipment, Alassane kept teaching himself mobile and web development. “I love to create and innovate,” he says, “I am passionate about computing in general, and my dream is to create digital tools that will have a positive impact and make daily tasks easier for everyone.”
Building Vndach Alone
Money has been the main obstacle so far. “The main challenge is having the financial means to cover small expenses,” Alassane says. “I manage as best I can with my student grant, but it remains difficult.” Development has also fallen entirely on his shoulders. “I am the sole developer and designer, which is why the development of Vndach took me about 2 years.”
Why Vndach Is Different
Alassane is direct about what sets Vndach apart from the platforms it’s up against. “Vndach is the first Super App designed by Africans for Africans, it speaks our languages, accepts our payment methods, and understands our culture,” he says. “Facebook and Instagram are American tools adapted for Africa. Vndach was born in Africa.” He believes it’s the only multi network super app built with this level of structure, and the only one positioned to compete with LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook at the same time.
The Ecosystem Around Him
Alassane sees real strength in Senegal’s tech ecosystem, alongside real gaps. He points to the New Tech Deal, the Startup Act, new data centers, and financing support through the DER/FJ as evidence that government backing for young entrepreneurs is genuinely there. But funding access remains hard to come by, and support structures like CTIC are overwhelmed by their own popularity, receiving hundreds of applications a month and leaving founders waiting months just for an interview. That’s part of why he sees the Kosmos Innovation Center differently. “With it being very attentive to young entrepreneurs and offering exceptionally high quality training, it is one of those opportunities you just have to seize.”
The program hasn’t started for him yet, so there isn’t a lesson to share from it just yet. What he’s hoping for is straightforward, quality training and the support to help Vndach reach its potential.
What’s Next
Alassane’s timeline is ambitious. In six months, he wants Vndach’s first users and partners in place. In five years, his sights are set on the entire world. “Once a project like this gets on track,” he says, “it moves forward at full speed.”