Jumia has highlighted the importance of digital platforms for entrepreneurs, emphasizing their potential to drive entrepreneurship development in the country. In a statement issued to PUNCH Online by Robert Awodu, Regional Head of Public Relations & Communication for Sub-Saharan Africa, Jumia underscored how these platforms can help businesses reach broader markets and connect local products and services with consumers both domestically and internationally.
The statement acknowledged the significant challenges faced by African entrepreneurs, such as limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, and administrative barriers. However, it also noted that digital platforms like Jumia are helping entrepreneurs overcome these obstacles and establish a global presence.
Jumia pointed out that by 2050, Africa’s population is expected to double, with a substantial portion of the global population being African. This growth, combined with increasing internet penetration and smartphone adoption rates, sets the stage for a new wave of emerging entrepreneurs.
“Central to this wave is Jumia, an e-commerce platform that has not only revolutionized how business is conducted but has emerged as a pivotal force in empowering local entrepreneurs across the continent,” the statement read.
Jumia’s digital inclusion initiative 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 market access.
Annual events like Black Friday, brand festivals, and tech week have become significant opportunities for small businesses to thrive and expand their customer base. Jumia’s impact extends beyond commerce, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to leveraging digital technology for inclusive economic growth.
Reports suggest that online marketplaces like Jumia could potentially create millions of new jobs in Africa by 2025, offering employment opportunities and contributing to economic stability. This growth is not confined to major urban centers but also extends to remote areas, as Jumia continues its efforts to expand into rural regions, enhancing accessibility and choice for consumers while empowering local logistics providers and merchants.
Jumia emphasized that collaboration and innovation are at the heart of this accessibility. Entrepreneurs on the platform benefit from 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 concluded.
