Audrey Djiya, a visionary entrepreneur of Cameroonian descent, stands at the forefront of the global tech industry. A graduate of Stanford and Dartmouth, she exemplifies the brilliance and ambition of the African diaspora. With a $2 million funding round and a coveted spot at the prestigious Y Combinator, Audrey has achieved a milestone for African entrepreneurship.
In January 2024, she and her co-founder, Peter Nsaka, launched Zimi, a groundbreaking startup targeting a $2 billion market. By cutting cross-border delivery times from weeks to just 1–2 days, Zimi is revolutionizing international trade and democratizing access for merchants from emerging markets to the U.S.
A Remarkable Journey of Ambition and Resilience
Born to Cameroonian parents, Audrey turned her multicultural heritage into a driving force for innovation. Her journey—from Washington to Silicon Valley and Lagos—is a masterclass in determination and ingenuity.
After excelling at Dartmouth College, where she led several student organizations, Audrey began her career in finance at Nomura and CME Group. Her tenure at Deloitte as a consultant allowed her to tackle complex challenges, including developing a housing app for refugees.
Her transition to the tech world saw her take strategic roles at Zola.com and Peloton Interactive, sharpening her expertise in product development and consumer insights. Her time in Africa, working with startups like Carbon and Duplo (both backed by Y Combinator), reinforced her belief in the transformative potential of technology on the continent.
Zimi: Transforming Cross-Border Commerce
Zimi’s mission is bold yet simple: break down logistical and financial barriers for merchants in emerging markets. By streamlining shipping costs, enabling payments in U.S. dollars, and expediting delivery times, Zimi addresses critical pain points in cross-border trade.
This innovative platform is bridging a significant gap in global commerce, creating unprecedented opportunities for African entrepreneurs to thrive in international markets.
A Vision Rooted in Her Cameroonian Heritage
Deeply connected to her roots, Audrey is committed to bridging Africa with global markets. Her involvement in Venture for Africa underscores her dedication to nurturing the African startup ecosystem while harnessing global opportunities.
Inspiring a New Generation
Audrey Djiya is more than an entrepreneur; she is a beacon of African resilience and innovation. Her ability to combine academic excellence, professional expertise, and social impact makes her a role model for the next generation of changemakers.
Through Zimi, Audrey is proving that challenges can be transformed into opportunities and that African innovation has a critical role to play on the global stage.
The editorial staff