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How Jumia is Empowering Rural Communities in Nigeria through E-Commerce
In the rapidly evolving landscape of global e-commerce, Nigeria’s ecommerce market is rapidly growing and is projected to generate a revenue of US$7,627 million by the end of 2023, making it the 39th largest ecommerce market globally. Over the past few years, Nigerian consumers are increasingly turning to online stores for their shopping needs, and the industry has seen tremendous growth. At the forefront of this change in consumer behaviour is Jumia.
After years of operation in 11 African countries and becoming the biggest player in the Nigerian e-commerce market, Jumia launched a report titled “E-Commerce in Rural Areas,” outlining a series of critical lessons that have revolutionised how the company reaches consumers in the most remote corners of the nation. It sheds light on the company’s journey, offering valuable insights into the power of community engagement, strategic partnerships, and the empowerment of local entrepreneurs.
Acknowledging the significant influence that e-commerce can have on Nigeria’s economy, Jumia launched the JForce program, which takes a grassroot approach by involving individual sales consultants within local communities. This approach has yielded 43,000 local sales consultants who play a crucial role in driving consumer education and unlocking potentials of rural entrepreneurship.
Amidst a 40% unemployment rate, Jumia’s JForce initiative is a transformative force, generating employment opportunities and empowering individuals financially. For many, it has become a vital source of income and stability, offering hope in the face of challenging economic conditions.
Notwithstanding the growing internet penetration in Nigeria, there is still a large percentage of Nigerians who do not have access to smartphones. In rural areas where digital literacy is limited, JForce representatives foster trust through personalised interactions and word-of-mouth marketing. This strategy has been a significant driver of the e-commerce market by enhancing accessibility.
The success of JForce activations, plays a crucial role in acquiring new consumers and raising the brand awareness in remote regions. The goal is to bridge the digital divide, allowing rural customers to break free from geographical constraints and access various products.
Furthermore, reaching out to potential customers in remote regions may require a more resourceful approach involving strategic investments in logistics. As part of its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, Jumia established over 250 Pick-Up Stations and forged partnerships with trusted logistic partners to facilitate product delivery to secondary cities and rural areas.
The strategic placement of pick-up stations across various towns ensures that even the most remote corners of Nigeria are accessible, consequently revealing untapped markets.
Although Nigeria’s logistical challenges have often hampered economic development in remote regions, Jumia’s partnership with these local logistics providers addresses this issue to stimulate growth and development within the sector. Such partnerships foster acceptance and adoption of e-commerce, particularly among customers familiar with these local businesses. By leveraging the capabilities of local logistics providers, the company has optimised its last-mile delivery, resulting in enhanced cost-effectiveness and efficiency for all stakeholders involved.
Jumia’s expansion into rural regions has had a remarkable effect on women entrepreneurs, making it an inspiring aspect of their endeavours. In a country where gender inequality has been a persistent issue, witnessing a significant rise in the participation of women in business represents a notable step forward in the economic landscape.
This growing involvement of women entrepreneurs fosters inclusive growth and symbolises progress in promoting gender empowerment. The commendable statistic that over 50% of Jumia Nigeria’s sellers are women illustrates a transformative shift in the business environment, emphasising the promotion of economic inclusivity and empowerment of women. As this trend continues, it holds the potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s overall economic growth and development.
The success of Jumia’s E-Commerce expansion in remote regions in Nigeria reaffirms the company’s commitment to empowerment, accessibility and preparedness for sustained growth. The report highlights a critical takeaway – that businesses can play a pivotal role in driving Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable and equitable economic growth by embracing inclusivity and forging strategic partnerships.
As the nation navigates economic challenges, Jumia’s approach, in the long run, may serve as a blueprint for creating economic opportunities and positively impacting local communities.
Bright Echefu, chief executive officer, Telecom Satellites Limited (TStv), and three co‑defendants appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday on an amended twelve‑count indictment brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges allege money laundering, tax evasion, and investment fraud involving approximately ₦1 billion and $1.3 million.
Bright Echefu, chief executive officer, TStv
In addition to Echefu, the defendants are TStv Executive Director, Felix Igboanuga, Telecom Satellites Limited itself, and Briechberg Investment Ltd.
According to the April 5, 2025, amended charge sheet the EFCC accuses the quartet of defrauding Mr. Tanimu Turaki, Managing Director of Kalsiyam Global and former Minister of Special Duties, alongside BYI General Limited, out of a combined investment of ₦1 billion and $1.3 million. The commission has also included a ₦66 million alleged tax default.
The revised indictment lists:
Count 2: ₦33,909,542.47 in unremitted Company Income Tax
Count 3: ₦13,519,382.00 in unremitted VAT
Count 4: ₦19,488,860.00 in unremitted PAYE
Counts 5–12: Various fraud‑related transactions, including ₦380 million from Kalsiyam Farm, ₦400 million from BYI General Ltd and $1.35 million in loans secured under false pretences.
All defendants pleaded not guilty once again. At the hearing before Justice Mohammed Umar, Echefu’s lead counsel, Senior Advocate Eyitayo Fatogun, informed the court of ongoing settlement discussions with the complainants.
“There are moves to settle this matter and there was a meeting on Saturday between myself and the Nominal Complainant as it is about investment,” Fatogun stated.
“The Defendants have paid some money and I was thinking that the matter be adjourned for report of settlement.”
EFCC counsel A.S. Tomwell confirmed receipt of those payments but emphasized the necessity of entering a plea before considering any adjournment. The court thus ordered the formal reading of the charges and adjourned the trial to October 15, 2025.
The government of Ghana has ordered MultiChoice Ghana to reduce DSTV subscription costs by 30%, noting the significant appreciation of local currency and growing dissatisfaction with current rates.
This comes as Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has fined MultiChoice Nigeria ₦766,242,500 for breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).
According to Mr Babatunde Bamigboye, head Legal, Enforcement & Regulations, NDPC, the investigation, which commenced in the second quarter of 2024, was triggered by suspected breach of privacy rights of Multichoice subscribers and illegal cross-border transfer of personal data of Nigerians.
MultiChoice, which operates across Africa, continues to lose revenue and subscribers.
Ghana’s minister of communication, digital technology, and innovation, Samuel Nartey George, made the call last week during a meeting with a DSTV team led by Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng, group executive for regulatory and corporate affairs.
According to a ministry statement, George said the government’s responsibility is to respond to Ghanaians’ concerns over high DSTV pricing and outdated content offers.
The Minister pointed out that despite a 30% increase in the cedi’s value over the past five months; DSTV prices have not reflected the positive economic trend.
The statement went on to say the minister is therefore calling for a 30% price reduction to match the cedi’s appreciation and to pass on economic benefits to consumers.
According to the statement, while MultiChoice has implemented promotional packages, people prefer a direct price reduction over temporary discounts.
George said feedback from public engagements revealed that many users are dissatisfied with DSTV’s content, describing it as outdated save for Premier League football. They also believe that the current cost is not justified.
”To address the concerns, he said MultiChoice Ghana has until July 21 to formally respond to the government’s request. The Minister expects a concrete proposal by this date, allowing time for further engagement before the end of July,” the statement said.
In response, Dr. Modimoeng acknowledged the government’s concerns and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to dialogue.
The MultiChoice team reacted positively to the minister’s request and committed to provide input by July 21st. They emphasised the need of balancing public interest and business sustainability.
This is the continent’s latest pricing conundrum for the pan-African pay-TV business, following fee disputes with Nigerian and Malawian authorities.
In Ghana, the demand for price cuts comes as MultiChoice is under pressure, having lost revenue and subscribers in the financial year that ended March 31, 2025. Last month, the company announced its financial year-end results.
In a statement to shareholders last month on the Stock Exchange News Service, the company said the past two financial years have been a period of significant financial disruption for economies, corporates and consumers across Sub-Saharan Africa due to challenging macro-economic factors.
Combined with the impact of structural industry changes in video entertainment, such as the rise of piracy, streaming services and social media, this has materially affected the overall performance of the MultiChoice Group, it noted.
Over this period, MultiChoice said the group lost 2.8 million active linear subscribers and had to absorb a R10.2 billion negative impact on its top line due to local currency depreciation against the US dollar.
For the year, the company reveals that linear subscribers were down 1.2 million, or 8% year-on-year, to 14.5 million active subscribers, with the loss evenly split between South African (600 000) and rest of Africa (600 000).
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has fined MultiChoice Nigeria ₦766,242,500 for breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).
NDPC is a public institution that processes data in furtherance of its mandate as Nigeria’s data protection authority and relies on recognised lawful bases for data processing, such as consent, legal obligation, and contract.
The fine was contained in a statement signed by Mr Babatunde Bamigboye, head Legal, Enforcement & Regulations, NDPC.
According to him, the investigation, which commenced in the second quarter of 2024, was triggered by suspected breach of privacy rights of Multichoice subscribers and illegal cross-border transfer of personal data of Nigerians.
“The NDPC found, among others, that Multichoice violated the data privacy rights of subscribers and their friends who are not necessarily subscribers.
The Commission also found that Multichoice carries out illegal cross-border transfer of personal data relating to data subjects in Nigeria.
The depth of data processing by Multichoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary, and disproportionate.
This is a grave affront to fundamental right to privacy as enshrined in Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In line with its standard remediation procedure, the Commission directed Multichoice to carry out appropriate remedial measures.
However, the Commission found the measures undertaken by Multichoice in this regard unsatisfactory.
For want of cooperation, the Commission has directed Multichoice to pay ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigerian Data Protection Act.
“Nigeria is entitled to protect her citizens and data sovereignty under both international and extant municipal laws, as these have far-reaching implication for rule of law, national security, and economic growth.” the statement said.
Babatunde also revealed that, Vincent Olatunji, national Commissioner, NDPC, has directed that all outlets through which Multichoice is collecting personal data of Nigerian citizens should be investigated for non-compliance.
He added that any outlet that processes personal data in violation of the NDP Act is liable to penalty under the Act.
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