The newly built local web platform aims to change how Batswana recover lost valuables. Retrieve, which was launched on February 24, uses unique identification codes and artificial intelligence to match missing items with their rightful owners. Founder of the tool, Kgomotso Mmoko describes the concept simply: “We match things that are lost with people's inventories.” According to the innovator, the system works by encouraging users to take preventative steps. After registering, the users create a digital inventory of their valuables; from phones, laptops and keys to cars, Omang cards and even animals. “Each item you add to the inventory is given a unique identifier,” Mmoko explained. “That unique identifier is called a Retrieve ID. That is the ID that the user is going to use when their device is lost to report it in the system.” Additionally, users are encouraged to engrave the ID onto their devices or print it as a sticker. “You get the ID and then engrave it onto your gadget or make a sticker for the ID. When it gets lost, people can see that ID that you engraved on your asset,” the founder added. Then if someone finds the item, they can use that code to file a report on the platform, Mmoko noted. “When someone finds the item, they use the Retrieve ID to log in their report. And then we use AI to match those two IDs to the person who lost their items.”
Mmoko said once a match is made, the owner is notified, adding: “So if it's a lost item and when it's reported we notify the person to take the item to the Police.” Currently, Retrieve operates on a subscription model priced at P20 per month, with higher fees for users managing multiple inventories. Mmoko is targeting 10,000 users by 2026 and says the company has remained entirely self-funded saying they have not lobbied for funding. The platform was developed in collaboration with software developer Gontlafela Norman, while Mmoko retains full ownership of the business. According to Mmoko, plans are already underway to expand beyond the web platform. “We are intending to expand it to an application before the end of the year,” he said. He also revealed discussions with an international GPS tracker manufacturer as part of the company’s long-term vision. “We are in talks with a GPS tracker manufacturer in China.”
