Jumia Nigeria reports surge in mobile phone sales in rural Nigeria

Jumia, the leading e-commerce platform, has recently unveiled an interesting trend in Nigeria’s rural communities. In their comprehensive annual report titled “E-commerce in rural areas,” Jumia highlighted that mobile phones topped the list as the most sought-after items in 2022.

The report reveals that an impressive 18% of all products ordered by rural communities were mobile phones. Following closely behind were beauty products and perfumes, comprising 15% of the orders. Men’s clothing, home appliances, and men’s shoes followed suit, accounting for 9%, 8%, and 7% respectively.

This data underscores the growing significance of mobile technology and its impact on the lives of individuals residing in Nigeria’s rural areas. It also highlights the increasing accessibility and popularity of e-commerce platforms in these communities, where consumers are actively seeking a diverse range of products to cater to their needs and preferences.

Jumia’s report sheds light on the evolving consumer behaviours and purchasing patterns within rural Nigeria, providing valuable insights for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to tap into this thriving market. By understanding these trends, companies can better tailor their offerings to meet the demands of rural consumers and contribute to the overall growth and development of e-commerce in Nigeria.

Reasons for e-commerce Growth in Rural Nigeria

Jumia acknowledged that a significant portion, exceeding 30%, of its deliveries reaches remote rural regions where consumers face limited choices for products. The company attributed the strong performance in these rural communities to Nigeria’s youthful population, predominantly residing in these areas. Jumia also highlighted that the average age of its Nigerian consumers stands at 33 years.

Jumia emphasized, “Nigeria is home to one of the youngest populations in the world, with a good number of its population still residing in rural areas. These areas are often overlooked by traditional retailers, leaving consumers with limited access to a wide range of products and services.” 

“However, the rise of e-commerce in Africa has made it easier for rural consumers to access products that were previously unavailable. These consumers while not all technologically savvy, can leverage e-commerce to meet everyday needs from groceries to electronics, fashion and more”  

Exploring Nigeria’s E-commerce Boom: Thriving Urban Hubs

Delving deeper into the realm of e-commerce growth in Nigeria, an insightful report sheds light on the most promising cities in the country. Surprisingly, Lagos is not the only centre of attention. The study highlights the Southern and Central regions, specifically Calabar, Benin, Abuja, Aba, and Warri, as emerging hotspots for online trade. These cities have witnessed a remarkable surge in the volume of orders, surpassing expectations.

Notably, the report reveals that more than half, a whopping 52%, of all deliveries are destined for primary cities. However, it’s worth mentioning that secondary cities are also making their mark, accounting for a noteworthy 18% of the total share. This signifies the spreading wings of e-commerce beyond the confines of major urban centres, as smaller cities embrace the convenience and opportunities brought forth by online shopping.

With e-commerce gaining momentum across Nigeria, it’s exciting to witness the rise of these urban hubs as drivers of digital commerce. As the online marketplace continues to expand, it opens up new avenues for businesses to thrive and customers to enjoy a seamless shopping experience. Keep an eye on Calabar, Benin, Abuja, Aba, and Warri – the cities where e-commerce dreams are turning into reality.

Jumia’s Success in Rural Areas: Agents and Pickup Stations

Jumia attributes its triumph in rural areas to the presence of JForce agents who act as local marketing channels. These agents play a crucial role in reaching remote regions and connecting rural communities to the world of e-commerce. Additionally, Jumia boasts 285 pickup stations spread across the country, facilitating the delivery of goods to both urban and rural areas.