Chwezi MVP Platform Development - Logistical Company

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) SUMMARY
Project Name: Chwezi MVP Platform Build
Position: Lead Full-Stack Developer / Technical Project Lead (Individual or Agile Freelancer)
Engagement Type: Fixed-Scope, Milestone-Based
Timeline: 8 Weeks (Strict)
Budget: $5,000 USD Maximum (Fixed-Price, all-inclusive)
Project Overview
Chwezi is an emerging cross-border trade and logistics platform for the East and Central African
corridor. We are building a multi-sided ecosystem (Web Platform + iOS & Android Mobile Apps)
that replaces fragmented, informal trade with real-time tracking, digital customs compliance,
and a secure escrow payment system.
We require an elite, highly experienced Lead Full-Stack Freelancer who can take our existing
wireframes/designs and drive the build from day one. You will own the core architecture and
backend, with the flexibility to outsource/subcontract specialized components (such as UI/UX
polishing or localized QA) to your own trusted network to guarantee delivery within our strict 8-
week timeline.
4 Core User Roles to Support
• Client (Importers/Exporters): Post cargo shipments, match with partners, track loads,
manage payments.
• Clearing Agent (Licensed Customs Pros): Accept jobs, upload digital customs
declarations, facilitate duty payments.
• Transporter (Fleet Operators & Drivers): Accept loads, broadcast live GPS tracking,
upload proof of delivery.
• Admin (Internal Chwezi Team): Escrow oversight, KYC/credential verification, dispute
resolution, corridor analytics.
Technical Scope & Critical Integrations
We are not dictating a specific stack. We expect the Lead Developer to choose a highly efficient,
production-ready framework (e.g., Node.js/Python backend with Flutter/React Native for
mobile, or a robust modern full-stack ecosystem) optimized for fast deployment.
• Payment Gateway: Native integration with Mobile Money (M-Pesa, Airtel Money) and
Card payments via Flutterwave or Pesapal.
• Comms & SMS: Multi-country SMS delivery via Africa's Talking; push notifications via
Firebase.
• GPS Mapping: Real-time cargo tracking via Google Maps Platform or Mapbox (requiring
efficient background location refreshes on the mobile app).
• Security: Compliance with OWASP Top 10, TLS/AES-256 encryption, and multi-factor
authentication (MFA) for financial and escrow releases.
• Infrastructure: Scalable cloud hosting (African region preferred, e.g., AWS Cape Town).
Private GitHub ownership transferred to Chwezi from Day 1.
8-Week Milestone & Payment Schedule
Payment will be strictly tied to successful staging deployment and sign-off at the end of each 2-
week sprint:
Milestone Timeline Core Focus Required Deliverable for Release
Milestone
1
Weeks
1–2
Architecture &
Setup
Approved architecture design, database
schema, and live staging environment.
Milestone
2
Weeks
3–4
Auth, KYC, &
Matching
Multi-role user onboarding, registration,
and core shipment matching engine
functional on staging.
Milestone
3
Weeks
5–6
GPS, Escrow, &
Customs
Live map tracking, sandbox escrow
funding/release, and digital document
vault operational.
Milestone
4
Weeks
7–8
Mobile, Admin,
& Go-Live
Mobile apps published, internal admin
panel live, security/QA verification, and
production launch.
Candidate Requirements
• Proven Delivery: Must showcase at least 2 successfully shipped multi-sided platforms,
logistics ecosystems, or fintech products.
• Regional Integration Experience: Deep, hands-on experience integrating East African
payment and communication APIs (M-Pesa, Flutterwave, Africa's Talking).
• Resourcefulness: Strong technical project management skills with a proven track record
of managing/subcontracting supporting developer resources to hit tight deadlines.
• Availability: Must be ready to clear bandwidth and kick off development within 48 hours
of contract award.
Submission Requirements for Platform Consultants
Please provide a concise proposal including a recommended tech stack approach, links to
relevant shipped code/platforms, a confirmation of the $5,000 maximum budget milestone
alignment, and your immediate availability for a 30-minute technical interview.
"We are looking for an individual Technical Lead / Senior Architect who operates as a premium
freelancer and handles their own subcontracting team, rather than a traditional corporate
agency.