Digital platforms key to entrepreneurial success – Jumia

Jumia has emphasised on the need for entrepreneurs to embrace digital platforms to boost entrepreneurship development in the country.

In a statement issued to PUNCH Online on Friday by the Regional Head of Public Relations & Communication, in Sub-Saharan Africa, Jumia, Robert Awodu, Jumia said digital platforms provide a vital gateway for businesses to reach wider markets, connecting local products and services with consumers both domestically and internationally.

The statement noted that despite facing formidable challenges such as limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure and administrative barriers, African entrepreneurs are leveraging digital platforms like Jumia to overcome entrepreneurial obstacles and establish a presence for themselves on the global scene.

Jumia added that by 2050, the continent is expected to double its population, with a substantial portion of the global population being African, maintaining that increasing internet penetration and smartphone adoption rates, forms the backdrop against a new wave of emerging entrepreneurs.

“Central to this wave is Jumia, an e-commerce platform that has not only revolutionised how business is conducted, but has emerged as a pivotal force in empowering local entrepreneurs across the continent.

“For instance, Jumia’s digital inclusion initiative in Africa boosts economic growth by enabling SMEs and local entrepreneurs to reach a wider customer base, bypassing traditional location and infrastructure barriers.

“Through its e-commerce marketplace, Jumia has enabled over 11,000 SMEs to connect with millions of consumers, providing them with unprecedented visibility and access to markets,” Jumia said.

The statement noted that annual events like black Friday, brand festivals and tech week have become landmarks, not just for sales records but as opportunities for small businesses to thrive and expand their customer base.

“Jumia’s impact extends beyond commerce. This is a testament to the brand’s laser-focused approach to leveraging digital technology to drive inclusive economic growth.

“Buttressing this, numerous reports indicate that online marketplaces like Jumia could potentially create millions of new jobs in Africa by 2025, offering employment opportunities and contributing to overall economic stability.

“This growth is not limited to major urban centres. Still, it expands to remote areas as Jumia continues its crusade for rural expansion, enhancing accessibility and choice for consumers while empowering local logistics providers and merchants,” the statement read.

Jumia noted that at the heart of this accessibility is collaboration and innovation, pointing out that with Jumia, entrepreneurs access a supportive ecosystem where knowledge sharing and mutual support lead to sustainable business practices and shared prosperity.

“In conclusion, the rise of African entrepreneurs, sustained by digital platforms such as Jumia, marks a transformative moment in the continent’s economic narrative,” the statement averred.