An electrical engineer by training and a mother of four, Abir Allam began her journey in 2007 with crochet, creating safe and eco-friendly products for children as an alternative to plastic and silicone. What started as a small craft soon became a vision for something bigger. In 2010, she began exporting, and in 2023, she officially registered Pikadu as a company in Egypt, with the ambition of growing her business across the African continent.
Driven by a desire to go beyond the local market, Pikadu is now expanding into new countries, with growing interest from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal.
Reaching these markets, however, required more than ambition. Trust and reliable ways to get paid quickly became essential.
“We started by getting verified on ManSupport, a digital platform that helps businesses build trust and receive secure cross-border payments across Africa. We also wanted to deliver payments digitally because it is faster, safer, and makes cash flow easier and more efficient. Digital payments are not just a convenience, they are essential. It is safer and faster, and it allows us to receive our payments instantly.”
In Egypt, digital wallets such as InstaPay are used, while in other African countries ManSupport supports transactions, enabling secure payments and helping buyers trust verified businesses. Customer behavior is also evolving, with more people choosing digital over cash to better control their spending.
“Many people do not want to carry cash to avoid overspending. They use digital payments to make better purchasing decisions.”
For Abir, the biggest challenge has not been digital trade itself, but, first, human trust.
“People need to see the product, feel the material, and see the quality. That is why it is important for us to showcase our work at forums like the Private Sector Business Forum and SMEs Exhibition in Cairo. These spaces allow people to see our products, trust what we do, and connect with us. A digital platform would allow that connection to continue and grow beyond the event.”
Like many entrepreneurs, her business started with cash, especially when dealing with suppliers. Over time, the limits of that model became clear, and the shift to digital brought greater control.
“When we switched to digital, we became more focused on receipts and documentation. We know exactly what we spend, on what, and for whom. It made us more aware of our costs and our outcomes.”
For Abir, one lesson stands out for women and young entrepreneurs looking to grow.
“If you want to grow beyond your local market, you must go digital. You need a digital payment gateway to receive your money. It saves time, reduces risk, and ensures your income goes directly to your account. Without it, you cannot scale.”