Interview with Kamel Haddar – Founder & CEO of temtem One
Interviewer (Founder Magazine): Kamel, thanks for speaking with us! Let’s begin with your journey. What inspired you to build Temtem originally, and what motivated the pivot to temtem One?
Kamel Haddar:
Temtem started back in 2017 as Algeria’s homegrown ride-hailing service, aiming to make mobility affordable and reliable MAGNiTTMENAbytes. The decision to evolve into temtem One stemmed from seizing the opportunity during the pandemic. We saw a major gap—we needed solutions for diaspora members to send gifts and services back home. That became the foundation of our super-app vision We are TechAfrican Preseed.
About the Startup
Q1. What is temtem One, and what problems does it address for Algerians and the diaspora?
A: It’s a unified super-app offering a broad range of services—from ride-hailing, delivery, mobile top-ups, and home services to a digital gift card mechanism for diaspora users. It’s designed for convenience, helping users send goods or pay for services for loved ones seamlessly
Q2. Can you elaborate on how temtem One supports the diaspora-Algeria connection?
A: We built a platform that enables diaspora members to easily send items or pay for services in Algeria—whether it’s a phone delivered in under an hour or everyday essentials—creating real impact for families at home
Growth and Achievements
Q3. How fast has temtem One scaled so far?
A: While early Temtem had 200,000 users and thousands of partners , temtem One has expanded across multiple countries—Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Senegal, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire—strengthening its diaspora-to-home ecommerce and services footprint
Q4. What fueled your pivot and growth amid the pandemic?
A: The pandemic accelerated mobile services demand. We adapted quickly and expanded offerings—from e-commerce to home services—solidifying our transition into a super-app
Challenges & Strategy
Q5. As a serial entrepreneur behind CasbahTech, ATLAS, and more, how do you balance multiple ventures?
A: It’s a juggling act—temtem One is flagship, but through CasbahTech, we’re developing several platforms including iMadrassa and digital services. Balancing them requires focus, delegation, and aligning each venture’s vision
Q6. What are the key challenges you’ve encountered scaling both ride-hailing and your broader super-app in Algeria?
A: Overcoming trust gaps, integrating diverse services under one umbrella, and educating both users and merchants on the value of digital platforms were significant hurdles—but necessary ones for meaningful impact
Vision & Ecosystem
Q7. What’s your long-term vision for temtem One?
A: We aim to evolve into the definitive North African super-app, scaling further across the continent, improving diaspora access, and promoting digital services that elevate everyday living
Q8. As an ecosystem builder, what advice do you have for entrepreneurs in emerging markets?
A: Embrace local needs first. Combine technology with empathy. Starting with services people trust—like ride-hailing—and layering value can organically build better platforms.