Advancement of Nigeria’s E-Commerce Sector: A Strategic Alignment
In a pivotal initiative aimed at propelling Nigeria’s e-commerce landscape and enhancing digital inclusion, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, convened with Jumia Nigeria’s leadership. This meeting was intended to harmonize private sector innovations with national digital economy reforms encompassed in the forthcoming National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024.
The high-profile assembly, held in Abuja, showcased prominent officials from the Ministry alongside Jumia Nigeria’s executives, such as Temidayo Ojo, Chief Executive Officer; Robert Awodu, Regional Head of Public Relations & Communications; and Uche Allison, Head of Legal.
Key topics of discussion revolved around fortifying Nigeria’s e-commerce ecosystem, augmenting rural access to digital marketplaces, and enhancing overall competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Emphasizing Jumia’s dedication, CEO Temidayo Ojo remarked, “The Honourable Minister’s vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria is both audacious and imperative. Through initiatives like our E-Commerce in Rural Areas programme, we are bridging the chasm for underserved communities, thereby connecting more Nigerians with the prospects of the digital economy.”
Mr. Ojo elaborated on Jumia Nigeria’s E-Commerce in Rural Areas Initiative, which seeks to mitigate the digital divide by granting access to online shopping for rural and underserved communities. This initiative has engaged thousands of Nigerians through an extensive pickup station network, a comprehensive logistics system, and JForce, comprising independent local sales consultants.
In a warm welcome to the Jumia team, Dr. Oduwole urged stakeholders in e-commerce to familiarize themselves with the E-Governance Bill. The legislation promises a robust legal framework encompassing electronic transactions, data protection, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure, fundamentally aimed at stimulating economic growth, enhancing public service delivery, and solidifying Nigeria’s stature as a formidable player in the global digital marketplace.
“Nigeria’s rapid advancements in digital commerce, services, and innovation have positioned us at the forefront of Africa’s digital trade,” Dr. Oduwole emphasized.
“Our leadership in mobile payment solutions is not only transforming cross-border transactions but also expanding financial inclusion and accelerating digital interactions across the continent. Now is the opportune moment to underpin this progress with a robust legal infrastructure that guarantees its sustainability,” she affirmed.
Additionally, the Minister encouraged her team to scrutinize the findings of Jumia’s E-Commerce in Rural Areas report and to advocate for these insights on a broader platform.
Present at the meeting were senior Ministry officials and industry luminaries, including:
- Mrs. Giwa-Williams Latifat, Secretary of NACEDE (Trade Department);
- Aminu Dogondaji, Director of Special Duties;
- Zulaikha Abdullahi, Deputy Director, WTO/Intra-Africa (Trade Department);
- Mrs. Patience Okala, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister;
- Mrs. Olajumoke Dan-Okayi, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister;
- and Mr. Israel Opayemi, Managing Director and Chief Strategist at Chain Reactions Africa.
Source link: Thegazellenews.com.
