As second generation Africans, Caribbeans and Latinos it is our responsibility to honour the sacrifices of our parents and build upon the strong foundations they laid for us. They gave us the tools to dream bigger, and now it’s our turn to create solutions that uplift our communities, preserve our heritage, and address the challenges of today. Oyaah is how we honour their legacy while building a brighter future.
Imagine a world where technology truly connects us, where cultural heritage is honoured and where shopping brings a sense of community, purpose and belonging. That’s the vision behind Oyaah.
At Oyaah, we believe in creating a platform rooted in faith and community values, where the online experience respects cultural heritage and meets the unique needs of AfroCaribbean and Latino communities. Our mission is simple but deeply meaningful: to build an online marketplace where seniors, those with health conditions or impairments and people from all generations can shop confidently, with ease and connection to the ethnic foods and products that celebrate their backgrounds.
We are tired of seeing our mothers, fathers, aunties, and uncles struggling with trolleys and waiting in long lines when they shop. These are the people who laid the foundations for our communities, and they deserve an easier way to access the products they need and love. Right now, there’s a gap in the online world, a gap that leaves many people behind, especially those unfamiliar with technology. A study by Age UK revealed that nearly half of people over 65 struggle to navigate the internet safely. At Oyaah, we see this as a powerful opportunity to revolutionise the way we shop, with an AI powered app designed to make online shopping simple, intuitive and enjoyable.
Our app will be more than just a shopping tool; it will use AI to tailor the experience, providing guidance and support for seniors, those with accessibility needs and anyone unfamiliar with digital platforms. With personalised recommendations and step by step assistance, Oyaah’s AI powered app will transform the shopping experience into one that is accessible, empowering, and culturally relevant.
To test our concept, we’ve launched an initial website that’s already live and accepting orders. www.oyaah.com The feedback we’ve received reinforces the need for this AI driven app that’s welcoming and intuitive for all. Our next step is to develop a tech driven, community focused app that brings convenience and confidence to users while being a source of empowerment.
This journey doesn’t stop online. We’re building a flagship store, an accessible, tech driven space aligned with our motto: “Ditch the trolleys, skip the queues.” But Oyaah isn’t just for shoppers. We’re also committed to supporting entrepreneurs by giving them a space to grow, both online and on our store shelves. We want to uplift our community’s small businesses, showcasing their products on our website and in store, where customers can discover and celebrate the creativity within our own communities.
Youth unemployment in London remains a significant concern. As of the third quarter of 2024, the youth unemployment rate in London was 20.2%, notably higher than the UK average of 13.4%. This issue impacts the potential of many young people, especially in AfroCaribbean and Latino communities, where economic opportunities can be limited. At Oyaah, we are committed to creating solutions that not only improve the shopping experience but also provide opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship.
By empowering young people to become part of Oyaah’s journey, we aim to offer training, internships and employment opportunities that will help bridge the skills gap and provide valuable career experience. We want to create a space where youth can contribute to our mission, learn valuable skills and grow within a supportive, community driven environment.
We’re inviting our AfroCaribbean and Latino communities to help bring this vision to life. We are raising £500,000 to make Oyaah a reality, calling on 1,000 supporters within our community to contribute £500 each. And while every donation is valuable, we are committed to remaining a community powered initiative. As such, we will only accept donations from people within the AfroCaribbean and Latino communities. Should we receive contributions from outside this community, we will respectfully refund them.
At Oyaah, we are more than just a marketplace; we are a Bible believing organisation, grounded in faith and service. Our mission is to bring a trusted, inclusive, and culturally resonant shopping experience to life. We believe that, by coming together, we can create a future where everyone can shop with dignity, connection and joy.
This is Funded by Us, For Us (FBUFU) a purpose driven mission to empower our communities. Let’s build a place where our heritage, values and community spirit shine through every interaction. With your support, we can make this vision real online and in store creating a world where technology bridges gaps instead of creating them. Thank you for standing with us in faith and community.
Oyaah