According to research, Africa’s experienced the fastest growth of internet penetration in 2018. After China, Africa is the second-most digitally connected continent. The growth of the internet and the rise of mobile technology has contributed to this. As a result, e-commerce sales increased as the business is booming in the online space. In South Africa for instance, most consumers spend more on fast foods in online shopping. Despite Africa lagging in online businesses because of factors like poverty and literacy, there’s still hope for the growth of e-commerce.
E-Commerce in Nigeria
The e-commerce industry has seen remarkable growth in Nigeria going by the estimates of making $1.3 trillion revenue by 2030. Several e-commerce brands have been witnessed in the continent’s strongest IT network. Some of them are jumia.com. This online store is Africa’s biggest online retailer.
Jumia has outlets in Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Morocco. It deals with a wide range of products like electronics, fashion, and household items. Jumia has come into partnership with global giant brands like Samsung, Nokia, HP, Apple, and Blackberry. This makes it easier for the restocking of their electronic products. Customers are just a click away from making payments of their desired products. Jumia is growing so fast that it is now the 5th local content website in Nigeria.
Konga is the next online retailer in Nigeria. It has outlets in major cities of Nigeria including Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja. Konga deals with products such as electronics, household wares, fashion and clothing, stationery and many others. It’s an e-commerce site popular for its variety of products that increase the customer base. Konga’s warehouses full of goods are strategically located to customers’ residences. This allows them to access their desired goods in a spur of a moment.
DealDey is another amazing online e-commerce platform in Nigeria. Its work is to put its customers in the know on “the best” things in Nigeria’s major cities. For instance, the best food to eat, the best place to visit, the best thing to do in Lagos and Abuja. DealDey was launched in 2011 and has ever since seen tremendous growth. Currently, it makes about 88,0000 purchases, partnering over 1,600 merchants. The unbeatable deals here like the 15,000 discounted deals leave the customers happy. DealDey is an e-commerce service that is growing at a swift rate.
E-Commerce in South Africa
According to a report by Accenture Digital Consumer Survey, the number of smartphone acquisition in South Africa rose from 52% in 2016 to 63% in 2017. The surge in internet access among South Africans has changed their shopping patterns. Consumers now order products at the comfort of their phones, computers, or laptops provided they have an internet connection.
Among the fastest-growing e-commerce platforms in South Africa is Takealot. Founded in 2012, Takealot prides itself in providing customers with a great buying experience. Among its top products are books, games, computers, and TVs. Takealot received a fortune in 2017 after Naspers ( a leading digital company in Africa) offered a US$69 million investment. This was after the giant brand Tiger Global Management invested US$100 million in 2014. As a result, Naspers has 53.4% stakes while Tiger Global Management has 34% stakes.
E-Commerce in Kenya
Kilimall is a new brand in Kenya’s e-commerce industry since it was only launched in 2014. This platform is growing fast because it has expanded operations to Uganda and Nigeria. Kilimall offers a wide base of products such as home appliances, mobile phones, computers, jewelry, among others. The excellent customer satisfaction Kilimall staff offers attracts more consumers to their site. Kilimall has a 7-day free return policy on premium goods. This allows the customers to have the best choice of the product they want.
Kenya’s internet penetration is at 78%, therefore e-commerce buying and selling are excellent. Since most young people want to use western products, platforms like Kilimall act as a link between the buyers and sellers. That is why it has partnered with brands like Huawei, Lenovo, Phillips, and Samsung to provide customers with gadgets and world-class devices.
