JUMIA Gathers Nigerian Decision Makers to Discuss E-Commerce Development in Nigeria

– June 15th , 2013 – JUMIA, Nigeria’s #1 retailer, held the first e-commerce conference in Lagos, Nigeria on Friday, 12th of July. JUMIA gathered influencers and decision makers, to discuss the opportunities that e-commerce embraces for the Nigerian retail market.
Special guest at the event was Mrs. Omobola Johnson (Minister for Communications Technology of the Federal Ministry of Nigeria) who delivered the keynote address on “eCommerce and ICT (information and communication technology) in Nigeria: an Engine for Job Creation and Economic Growth”. Other speakers at the event were Randy Buday (MD of DHL Nigeria), Tayo Oviosu (CEO of Pagatech), Titilola Shogaolu (Chief payment& Value added Services Officer, Interswitch), Rolayo Akhigbe (Divisional Head, Transaction branding, First City Monument Bank), Ekundare Olubunmi (Country Manager, Intel West Africa), Tunde Kehinde (MD/Co-founder Jumia.com) and Raphael Afaedor (MD/Co-founder Jumia.com).
In her keynote, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Minister for Communications Technology of the Federal Ministry of Nigeria, addressed the possibilities that lay in the new technological developments:
“First i will like to applaud Jumia.com for a well-organized event (the 1st eCommerce conference in Nigeria). The ICT industry is the primary driver of growth in the Nigeria economy thanks to companies like Jumia.com who have not only pioneered online retail trade in Nigeria, but also showed Nigerians worldwide that running such a business model within our shores is possible. E-commerce has opened doors for the upcoming generation of young Nigerian entrepreneurs, and especially enterprises like Jumia.com have provided a platform for these young Nigerians to express their creativity while acting as a job creation engine engine to hundreds of young Nigerians. Further, these are the companies that have attracted important investors and have a great impact on Nigeria as a country as well as a market place. In line with plans of government at the federal level our country needs companies that know how to make use of these developments to help reshape Nigeria’s economy.”
Partners at the conference included First City Monument Bank, DHL, Interswitch, Intel, PAGA, Zenith Bank, GT Bank and Sleek.
Speaking also, Tunde Kehinde and Raphael Afaedor, MD/Co-founders of Jumia.com, “We pioneered the online retail market in Nigeria and it is great to see what significant impact this has brought to the nation’s economy as mentioned by our keynote speaker the Honorable minister of Communications Technology. We have shown it is possible and thought it was time to get various stakeholders on board discuss issues and ways forward for eCommerce in this market.”
Nigeria, one of the upcoming emerging markets in recent years continues to grow and attract foreign investors for the retail market. According to a study from the renowned institute euromonitor, Nigeria’s GDP based on purchasing power increased by 21,67% in the last 4 years. In same period, Internet users grew by 46% in the country.
Rocket Internet co-CEO’s Africa Jeremy Hodara and Sacha Poignonnec: “E-commerce has opened doors for the upcoming generation of talented and young Nigerians. We have seen numerous talent and aspirations in hundreds of young Nigerians and using our platform assist these individuals in fulfilling these ambitions and ultimately contributing to the nations growth technologically, economically and socially. JUMIA became the number one retailer in Nigeria within one year, with the same passion we will continue to raise the bar with a promise to remain Nigeria’s number 1 shopping destination.”
About JUMIA
Founded in 2012, JUMIA has grown to be the 4th most visited Nigerian website, http://www.jumia.com.ng/, with over 500 employees. The website enjoys about 70,000 unique visitors daily, with a daily subscriber base of over 150,000 people. Last month, JUMIA has launched the largest e-commerce campus in West Africa spanning over 10,000 square meters in Lagos, Nigeria.
At JUMIA, customers across the continent can shop the widest assortment of quality products at affordable prices – offering everything from fashion, consumer electronics, home appliances to beauty products. JUMIA is active in five countries, including Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Kenya and last month launched in Ivory Coast.
JUMIA is part of the of the africainternetholding.com. Beside other 5 fast-growing ventures in 9 African countries the African Internet Holding´s vision is to introduce and accelerate the online shift in Africa. The Africa Internet Holding is taking care about entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as for Africa, its people, and its culture.