E-commerce relevance can not be overemphasized, being the technological advancement of Commerce. Commerce alternatively is called trade, which entails the act of buying and selling.
Trade is crucial for the economic development of any society. The use of technology to develop platforms where trades can be conducted virtually has made trading borderless and by extension, the economy limitless.
These platforms called e-commerce sites have tremendously increased production and distribution rates of goods and services globally.
In Africa, various e-commerce startups have emerged over the years. There are over six hundred e-commerce startups in Africa with the highest number of these startups in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Some of these startups not only cater to other African countries, they now have global consumerism. There are lots of these startups, however, here are the top five e-commerce startups in Africa.
Jumia
Founded in 2012 with its headquarters in Lagos, Jumia has gone ahead to become the best-funded e-commerce site in Africa. This e-commerce clientele cuts across different continents.
Small, Medium and even large enterprises connect with their potential customers on their platform, Jumia’s e-commerce prowess spans various industries. In 2014, Black Friday sales were introduced by Jumia.
Jumia in 2015 introduced a payment gateway called Jumia pay, to enable their customers to pay for goods without stress. Jumia has in 2016 and 2017 made the list of MIT’s 50 smartest global companies.
Jiji
This is another Nigerian e-commerce site, founded in 2018. Jiji presents a marketplace platform that both buyers and sellers can meet and carry out transactions.
Jiji can be accessed from its mobile app which is available for both Android and iOS devices. Jiji, in 2018 was the most downloaded app in Nigeria.
Buyers simply search for the product they want to buy, chat up or call the seller and when goods are delivered, payment is made.
However, for sellers, the procedure is different, first the seller signs up using their phone number and email address or with either their Google account or Facebook account.
Then they proceed to take interactive pictures of their goods, display them with the price and goods description and send. Jiji moderator reviews it and uploads it to their platform once the goods pass their verification process.
Takealot
This e-commerce startup is one of the oldest in Africa, founded in 2011 and located in South Africa, Takealot has been impressing customers with its versatile catalogue.
One of the attributes of Takealot that makes it stand out among other e-commerce in Africa is its consistency in providing up-to-date products and at a fair price too. Takealot mobile app is available for both Android and iOS users.
Kilimall
This e-commerce startup was founded in 2014 in Kenya. It is currently Kenya’s biggest e-commerce site and has also garnered customers outside Kenya.
Kilimall offers a variety of products on its platform but it is majorly known for its assorted phone products and accessories offerings.
Kilimall also has a 7-day window period in which goods can be returned after purchase for a full refund in cases where customers are not satisfied with the product.
Copia Global
This e-commerce startup has its headquarters in Kenya. Founded by Jonathan Lewis and Tracey Turner in 2012.
Copia Global uses both online platforms and strategically placed agents to meet their customers’ needs. This added to the high penetration of their services in Kenya.
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