Jumia Connects 11,000 SMEs, Brands to Consumers

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr Kashifu Abdullahi, has commended the management of Jumia for creating jobs for thousands of Nigerians through its operations in the digital economy ecosystem.

Mr Abdullahi said the firm has had “an impressive journey” since it started operations in Nigeria nine years ago, noting that it has used the platform to connect sellers with buyers.

For the almost a decade it has operated, Jumia has connected over 11,000 SMEs and brands to millions of consumers in Nigeria, boosted hundreds of independent logistics companies by incorporating them into the Jumia logistics network, and empowered many women-owned businesses through various empowerment initiatives.

“For me honestly, it’s an impressive journey. Jumia started as a startup and in very little time you expanded your operations to many African countries and became the first unicorn company in Africa and you are still expanding,” the NITDA chief stated.

“These are the kind of startups we encourage to try and be an innovation-driven enterprise. You look at the global market and huge capital investment and job creation.

“And also, you are innovative and creating a lot of jobs in the ecosystem.

“Aside from the logistics, I think you have an ecosystem you are working on.

“So, those are the kinds of innovation we encourage our startups with; innovation that creates jobs, wealth and prosperity for all.

“So, I wish you more successful years ahead and congratulations on your 9th anniversary,” Mr Adbullahi added.

While commenting on the impact of e-commerce on everyday life and its crucial space in the digital economy, the NITDA boss stated that, “The most profound impact for me is how it makes life more convenient and less disturbing.”

“Before COVID-19, a lot of people didn’t like using online services. When covid came, we were disrupted and the only way to keep going was these online services.

“E-commerce is critical to any online services or digital economy because when you consume a service, you need to make a payment and you can only do that through e-commerce,” he added.