Jumia has partnered with the federal government through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment to accelerate the country’s e-commerce growth and digital inclusion.
To this end, the minister of industry, trade & investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has met with the leadership of Jumia Nigeria to align private sector innovation with national digital economy reforms under the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024.
The high-level meeting in Abuja brought together senior officials from the ministry and Jumia Nigeria’s executives, including chief executive officer, Temidayo Ojo; regional head of public relations & communications, Robert Awodu, and head of legal, Uche Allison.
Discussions centred on strengthening Nigeria’s e-commerce ecosystem, boosting rural access to online marketplaces, and enhancing competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Oduwole urged e-commerce players to study and align with the e-governance bill, which provides a comprehensive legal framework for electronic transactions, data protection, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure whose goal is clear; to drive economic growth, enhance public service delivery, and cement Nigeria’s position as a leading player in the global digital marketplace.
She stated that, “Nigeria’s rapid strides in digital commerce, services, and innovation have placed us at the forefront of Africa’s digital trade. Our leadership in mobile payment solutions is reshaping cross-border trade, expanding financial inclusion, and accelerating digital transactions across the continent. Now is the time to anchor this progress on a strong legal foundation that will ensure its sustainability.”
The minister also urged her team to study Jumia’s e-commerce in rural areas report and to promote its findings on a broader scale.
The CEO of Jumia, Temidayo Ojo said, “The minister’s vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria is both bold and essential. Through initiatives like our E-Commerce in Rural Areas programme, we are bridging the gap for underserved communities connecting more Nigerians to the opportunities of the digital economy.”
Ojo highlighted Jumia Nigeria’s E-Commerce in Rural Areas Initiative designed to bridge the digital divide by extending online shopping access to underserved and rural communities which has engaged thousands of Nigerians through pickup stations, a nationwide logistics network, and JForce (independent local sales consultants).
