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Uganda's steel industry is not known for digital innovation. Roofings Group is changing that.
Roofings Group, the Ugandan steel manufacturer chaired by Sikander Lalani, has officially launched an e-commerce platform developed in partnership with Tech Mahindra, enabling customers to browse products, view pricing, place orders and make payments online from any location in the world. The platform marks the company's most visible step yet in a broader digital transformation strategy it has been executing alongside its manufacturing modernization program.
Lalani, speaking at the launch, credited internal teams for the work behind the rollout. "This platform is a result of collective commitment and long hours of hard work. It reflects our vision of embracing innovation to better serve our customers," he said.
A key focus of the platform is Uganda's diaspora, a segment the company identified as underserved by the existing purchasing process. Previously, Ugandans abroad relied on intermediaries to buy Roofings products. The new platform gives them a direct, secure channel to transact independently, removing a longstanding friction point from what had been a largely offline process.
Executive director Oliver Lalani said the digital push mirrors advances the company has already made in production. Roofings has achieved Level 2 automation at its Namanve manufacturing facility, and the e-commerce launch effectively extends that operational ambition into the commercial side of the business. "This innovation demonstrates our commitment to evolving customer needs and promoting transparency in the steel industry," he said. "Customers can clearly view products, pricing, and available options, something that has not been common in this sector."
The platform supports mobile money, debit and credit card payments, all at no extra cost to the buyer. Customers who purchase online will also access exclusive discounts, giving the digital channel a pricing advantage over walk-in purchases.
Group sales manager Joseph Arinaitwe said the decision to build the platform was driven by consistent customer demand. "There has been a consistent demand for online purchasing options, especially from customers who cannot physically visit our premises. This platform addresses that gap by enabling seamless remote ordering via phone or computer," he said.
The launch positions Roofings among a growing number of East African industrial firms moving to digitize procurement and sales as customer expectations shift and smartphone penetration deepens across the region.
