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E-commerce Staking Big on the Future of Africa’s Economy

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The reaction that trailed the entry of e-commerce into the African market is still fresh in memory for those conversant with events in the industry. The negativity was strong enough to put off timid investors.

The naysayers had all available indexes to be right: a continent with over a billion people, majority of whom live in rural settlements with low internet connectivity. The infrastructure needed for such a digital-based venture isn’t commonplace on the continent.

Ten years down the line, the sturdy investors are still in business. E-commerce has since proven its viability on the continent, with a customer base that keeps growing every year.

The activities are also spreading into rural communities as investors swarm the continent. From the humble beginning of B2C, the culture is fast spreading into the informal retail market. According to Per data from research consultancy, Briter, B2B ecommerce ventures in Africa secured more than $256 million in disclosed funding in 2021.

Statista Digital Market Outlook said e-commerce penetration rate in Africa will continue to increase, and by 2025 reach around 40%. The overall African market is projected to reach $180 billion by 2025.

“E-commerce brands have always staked big on the future of Africa since their first entry about a decade ago. The odds were there but they saw the potential. The exploit of e-commerce forerunners has encouraged several other investors to venture into Africa. Now the B2Bs are taking it further,” said industry expert and analyst, Samuel Elegba.

One of the innovative B2B platforms leading the impact on the Nigerian retail market is Alerzo. “We empower retailers in the informal sector through our ecosystem of digital products, so they are equipped to run profitable and sustainable businesses.

“We’re focused on supplying much-needed products to informal retailers without the usual stress and dangers involved. With our services, we have improved the profitability of over 80,000 retail owners,” said Chief Executive Officer of Alerzo Limited, Adewale Opaleye.

Speaking further, Elegba explained that the impact e-commerce brands have on businesses in Africa is conspicuous and will play a crucial role in the future of Africa’s economy.

“They are providing a platform for SMEs to thrive. And given the crucial roles of the SMEs to the global economy, investment of e-commerce firms in this sector makes them a critical part of every digital conversation and projections across Africa.

“Some will still want to talk about whether they are profitable or not. But don’t forget that the investors had made a standpoint from inception: their aim was to drive acceptance based on impact, and the rest will fall in line. And as we can see, every region in Nigeria and Africa is feeling the impact of e-commerce.”

The growing rate of investment in e-commerce across Africa is good for the future, especially for SMEs. With partnerships, collaboration and continuous innovation, e-commerce firms are not only improving business activities and productivity, but are staking big on the digital future of Africa’s economy.


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E-Business

Breaking Barriers: QNET’s Product Expo Opens Doors for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

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QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, in partnership with Transblue Nigeria Ltd, hosted a successful Product Expo at Anchor Events Place, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event showcased QNET’s diverse product line, addressing misconceptions and empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs.

Mr. Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director of Transblue Nigeria Ltd, emphasized the expo’s significance: “This is our opportunity to showcase our products, tackle misconceptions, and educate people about QNET’s direct-selling approach.”

QNET’s partnership with Transblue has yielded multiple workshops and exhibitions, promoting economic viability and youth empowerment.

Ajisafe highlighted the benefits: “QNET has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s tax revenue, and our programs teach entrepreneurship skills, enabling individuals to build their own businesses.”

Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, Tincan Island Port Strategic Command, Lagos, praised QNET’s potential: “The product line is amazing, people-centric, and has great potential in Nigeria. It’s impressive, and I recommend it to young Nigerians.”

Ofoyeju emphasized QNET’s capacity-building opportunities: “This can generate wealth, increase productivity, and engage youth meaningfully, keeping them away from crime and illicit activities.”

The expo featured health products, luxury watches, jewelry, and educational materials, demonstrating QNET’s commitment to enhancing lives through innovative products.

As QNET continues to expand its presence in Nigeria, the partnership with Transblue is poised to empower entrepreneurs, promote economic growth, and foster a positive impact on Nigerian youth.


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ALX Nigeria Champions Innovation and Growth at Akwa Ibom Tech Expo and Ogun Digital Summit

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ALX, Africa’s leading tech accelerator, recently demonstrated its commitment to tech skills acquisition and fostering inclusive growth across Nigeria by participating in two significant industry events: the Akwa Ibom Tech Week and the Ogun Digital Summit.

Ruby Igwe, Country General Manager for ALX Nigeria, attended the Akwa Ibom Tech Expo, where she participated in a panel session discussing the topic ‘Leveraging Innovation for Inclusive Growth’.

She emphasised the critical role of building an inclusive community encouraging freedom and innovation through tech skills empowerment.

“ALX is an organisation focused on development, providing opportunities for the millions of African and Nigerian youths that make up our community. We recognise the uniqueness of each member of our community and encourage them to be themselves.”

Ruby stated. “When we think about innovation we encourage our community members to come from a problem-solving approach. Focusing on the problem and interrogating it with the right data will only lead to coming up with the right solution.”

Nkechi Belinda Idinmachi, Fellowship Specialist at ALX Nigeria, spoke at the event and highlighted the global talent shortage driven by widespread digital transformation across organizations.

“There is a massive shortage of talent globally with a projected spike of 83 million by 2023. ALX is on a mission to create more opportunities for young Africans, and to date, we have trained over 200,000 young people across Africa. We have mastered training at scale with our infrastructure.” She stated.

Following the Akwa Ibom Tech Week, ALX also had a notable presence at the Ogun Digital Summit, which brought together innovators, industry leaders, and tech enthusiasts from across the country.

At both events, participants had the opportunity to engage with the award-winning tech career accelerator and learn about the world-class offerings available within the ALX ecosystem.

From state-of-the-art tech hubs to a vibrant community, and world-class tech programmes, ALX continues to reaffirm its commitment to nurturing the next generation of African leaders.


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QNET’s Amezcua Workshop in Lagos: A Glimpse into Wellness & Innovation

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QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, in collaboration with its Nigerian partner Transblue Limited, hosted the Amezcua Product Workshop at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja GRA, on Friday.

L-R: Bernhard Gaksch, QNET’s Category Manager and Global Trainer, Mr. Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director, Transblue Nigeria Ltd, Biram Fall, Regional General Manager of QNET for Sub-Saharan Africa and Prof.Abiodun Adebayo, Vice-Chancellor Covenant University at the Amezcua Product Workshop at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja GRA, on Friday.

Biram Fall, Regional General Manager of QNET for Sub-Saharan Africa, who delivered an insightful speech highlighting the company’s commitment to enhancing lives through innovative products.

In his address, Fall emphasized QNET’s dedication to ethical and legal standards, noting that the company has been operating in Nigeria for the past two years through various channels across over 25 countries.

He highlighted QNET’s unique business model, which combines direct selling with an e-commerce platform, enabling the company to serve a diverse customer base and provide entrepreneurial opportunities for financial independence.

“The global direct-selling industry is highly competitive, valued at approximately $167.7 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $204.9 billion by 2032,” Fall stated.

“These significant figures act as a catalyst for growth in Nigeria’s direct-selling market, which is expected to expand considerably, thereby supporting the country’s economic development.”

Fall also shared that several of QNET’s products, including EDG3, Prospark toothpaste, and Physioradiance face serum, have been certified by NAFDAC in Nigeria.

He reflected on last year’s product workshop in Lagos, which featured experts like Dr. Shafi Shaik and Professor Abiodun Adebayo, and set the stage for a successful product expo.

The workshop focused on the Amezcua line, including the Amezcua Chi-Pendant 4 and the Bio-Disc 3, designed to harmonize and energize the body.

Fall also discussed the Amezcua E-Guard X, which offers protection from electronic radiation.

Before concluding, Fall announced QNET’s second Product Expo in Lagos, scheduled to start on November 16th, 2024, at the Anchor Events Place in Ikeja.

The expo will showcase QNET’s lifestyle and wellness products and provide insights into the company’s business model and commitment to quality.

“We are dedicated to being a leading global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling organization and look forward to welcoming our media partners to the event,” Fall concluded.

Mr. Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director of Transblue Nigeria Ltd, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of the partnership in connecting Nigerians to QNET’s global network and empowering the youth.

He highlighted QNET’s “Say No” campaign launched in November 2023 to raise awareness about the dangers of fraudulent job offers used by scammers to lure victims into human trafficking in Nigeria, Senegal, and Burkina Faso.

This ongoing campaign underscores the urgent need to protect youth from falling prey to unscrupulous individuals and organizations.

Ajisafe noted that QNET has collaborated with government agencies like the Nigerian State Consumer Protection Agency on Consumer Rights Day to eradicate harmful market practices and champion fairness and accountability.

He also mentioned QNET’s participation in the Training Program for Nigerian Youth, a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, aimed at equipping young individuals with essential skills and knowledge to safely navigate the job market.

Ajisafe highlighted QNET’s impressive efforts to implement youth empowerment initiatives in Nigeria, including the Signature of Financial Literacy Program, which has equipped over 1,350 youths with employability and entrepreneurial skills to achieve financial independence.

These initiatives reflect QNET’s commitment to debunking misconceptions about the company in Nigeria, promoting transparency, and fostering innovation among youths through education and training.

Bernhard Gaksch, QNET’s Category Manager and Global Trainer, highlighted the importance of wellness solutions in today’s tech-driven world.

“Every electronic device, from smartphones to smart TVs, emits electromagnetic fields, which research suggests may contribute to issues like headaches, fatigue, and other serious health problems,” he explained.

QNET’s response includes products inspired by nature and backed by advanced science. Among them is the Bio-Disc 3, which restores water’s natural molecular structure, improving hydration, detoxification, and immune function.

“The best water comes from a stream, but as it travels, it loses energy. The Bio-Disc revitalizes this energy,” Gaksch stated, adding that its benefits extend to plants, pets, and food.

Complementing the Bio-Light 3, which uses sequenced light technology to accelerate healing, targeting chronic inflammation, muscle pain, and migraines. Gaksch noted its effectiveness in promoting faster recovery and nerve repair.

To combat harmful EMFs, QNET introduced the Chi-Pendant 4 and Amezcua eGuard X, which protect against 5G radiation and other electronic emissions.

The Chi-Pendant preserves the body’s natural biofield, shielding users from stress and fatigue, while the eGuard X transforms harmful EMFs into beneficial frequencies, creating a safer environment. “It’s like protecting yourself from tobacco, but for the wireless age,” Gaksch remarked.


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