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VENTURES AFRICA – That the Boko Haram insurgency and Ebola outbreak in Nigeria should be associated with whatsoever positive benefit will be considered preposterous in many quarters, including mine. But that in fact is the case with Nigeria’s E-commerce industry which is experiencing significant growth as more people try to avoid public places and shop from the comfort of their homes. Of course this is not to say that E-commerce merchants are complicit in those twin tragedies, now that would be downright preposterous.
Preposterous is not the issue here however, prosperity is, which is exactly what the E-commerce industry is enjoying thanks in part to these national challenges that have presented them opportunities for further growth.
The logic is simple; with the pervasive fear of the Ebola Outbreak and apprehension over the Boko Haram insurgency, more people are turning to online retail platforms where they get what they need- from wares to accessories and gadgets, and even foodstuffs, ask ahiaonline.com. They also get these goods delivered at the convenience of their homes or work-places, can pay with their ATM cards via the internet or PoS, thus no need to even go to the bank to withdraw money.
This means the much feared crowded places can be avoided with its attendant risks and hassles inspired by Ebola and Boko haram, especially for the very cautious.
Not just logic though, facts on the ground also prove the increased patronage of online stores in this period of heightened caution and fear. Elias Schulze, CEO of Kaymu Africa whose Nigerian branch is the country’s leading online marketplace, some days ago told Ventures Africa “we have seen a consistent steady growth in the double digits between this last 5 week period over the 5 weeks before”. Kaymu’s burgeoning growth is not exclusive, other popular online stores like Jumia, which has the same owner as Kaymu- AIH Holdings, Konga, DealDey are all experiencing a similar trend in increased business, sources, who wished not to be named, revealed.
However, this is not to say that the E-commerce industry is… (READ MORE)
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