Chief Executive Officer of Alerzo Limited, Mr Adewale Opaleye, has said the innovative e-commerce platform has improved the business fortune of over 80,000 informal retailers across the country.
Alerzo is one of the innovative Business-to-Business e-commerce platforms deploying technology to reinvent the distribution value chain in the informal retail sector.
While speaking on the impact of e-commerce brands on the sector, Mr Opaleye said “We empower retailers in the informal sector through our ecosystem of digital products, so, they are equipped to run profitable and sustainable businesses.
“We’re focused on supplying much-needed products to informal retailers without the usual stress and dangers involved. With our services, we have improved the profitability of over 80,000 retail owners.”
He explained that Alerzo’s services in the sector are mostly targeted at retailers in rural settlements.
The sector has witnessed an increasing rate of investors across Africa in recent years, with strategic partnerships, and collaboration aimed at improving business activities and productivity for SMEs.
According to Per data from research consultancy, Briter, B2B e-commerce ventures in Africa secured more than $256 million in disclosed funding in 2021.
Statista Digital Market Outlook said the e-commerce penetration rate in Africa will continue to increase, and by 2025 reach around 40 per cent. The overall African market is projected to reach $180 billion by 2025.
Adedapo Adesanya