As part of ongoing reforms under the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024, the Federal Government of Nigeria has partnered with e-commerce behemoth Jumia Nigeria to expand digital access to underserved communities and accelerate the growth of the nation’s e-commerce sector.
According to a statement released recently, Jumia Nigeria executives met with Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, in Abuja this week to align private sector innovation with government plans to expand digital commerce and enhance competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Chief Executive Officer Temidayo Ojo, Regional Head of Public Relations and Communications Robert Awodu, and Head of Legal Uche Allison were all part of the Jumia delegation.
The main discussion topics were strengthening Nigeria’s e-commerce ecosystem, increasing rural communities’ access to online marketplaces, and fortifying the legal framework for digital transactions.
Jumia’s commitment to closing the digital divide in Nigeria
Ojo emphasised Jumia’s dedication, stating that the company’s E-Commerce in Rural Areas program is helping to close the digital divide by providing online shopping access through independent sales consultants, a nationwide logistics network, and pickup stations as part of its JForce program.
“The Honourable Minister’s vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria is bold and essential,” Ojo said. “Through initiatives like our E-Commerce in Rural Areas programme, we connect more Nigerians to the digital economy’s opportunities.”
Call to action
Oduwole called on e-commerce companies to research and support the E-Government Bill, which aims to create a thorough framework for digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, data protection, and electronic transactions.
“Nigeria’s rapid strides in digital commerce, services, and innovation have placed us at the forefront of Africa’s digital trade,” Oduwole said. “Now is the time to anchor this progress on a strong legal foundation to ensure its sustainability.”
Senior Ministry officials and industry representatives attended the meeting, including Giwa-Williams Latifat, Secretary of NACEDE (Trade Department); Aminu Dogondaji, Director of Special Duties; Zulaikha Abdullahi, Deputy Director, WTO/Intra-Africa (Trade Department); Patience Okala, Special Adviser to the Minister; Olajumoke Dan-Okayi, Senior Special Assistant; and Israel Opayemi, Managing Director and Chief Strategist at Chain Reactions Africa.
Jumia’s Q2 2025 performance
Techpression reported last week that in Q2 2025, Jumia reported reducing losses and increasing revenue growth, fueled by higher customer demand in key African markets, such as Nigeria.
According to its SEC filing, revenue increased by 25 per cent to $45.6 million from $36.5 million in 2024.
An improved product mix across core markets and strong trading in Nigeria were significant factors in the jump.
Jumia’s operating losses dropped to $16.5 million, an 18 per cent decrease.
The loss before income tax and the adjusted EBITDA loss decreased by 28 per cent to $16.3 million and 17 per cent to $13.6 million, respectively.
The results for this quarter show that its operational and restructuring investments are starting to bear fruit.