Learn how to create an engaging shopping experience that meets the needs of modern shoppers.

Picture this: It’s the early 2000s and shopping meant getting dressed, braving the traffic, and jostling through crowds at the Alaba market. But then something happened – eCommerce arrived! And suddenly, you could sit on your couch, click a button and have your favorite products delivered right to your doorstep. It was a game-changer, and Nigerians quickly embraced it.

Fast forward to today, and eCommerce has become a key player in the Nigerian retail space, generating billions of Naira in revenue annually. From Jumia to Konga, to newer players like Jiji and Ajebomarket, eCommerce has transformed the way we shop.

But what’s next for eCommerce in Nigeria?

What eCommerce trends and predictions should we expect for 2024?

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the current state of eCommerce in Nigeria, explore upcoming trends and predictions, and discuss how businesses can stay ahead of the curve. So buckle up, and let’s get started!

Overview of eCommerce in Nigeria  

Ecommerce is booming in Nigeria, with more and more people embracing online shopping as a convenient way to access products and services. Here are 5 statistics that paint a picture of just how fast eCommerce is growing in Nigeria:

• In 2020, the eCommerce market in Nigeria was worth over $12 billion, with projections to reach $75 billion by 2025. That’s a 525% increase in just five years!

• As of January 2022, there were over 109 million internet users in Nigeria, making it the country with the largest number of internet users in Africa.

• Jumia, Nigeria’s largest ecommerce platform, reported a gross merchandise volume (GMV) of 27% year-over-year from $198.9 million to $252.7 million. And Jumia’s revenue reached $47.6 million, a 44% rise from Q1 2021’s revenue of $33 million.

• The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated eCommerce growth in Nigeria, with more people turning to online commerce to avoid crowded markets and stores.

So, who are the top players in the Nigerian eCommerce space? Jumia, Konga, and Jiji are some of the biggest eCommerce platforms in Nigeria, offering a wide range of products and services to customers across the country. These platforms have played a significant role in driving eCommerce growth in Nigeria and continue to innovate and improve their services to meet customer needs.

However, eCommerce businesses in Nigeria also face several challenges, including poor logistics infrastructure, and limited access to finance. These challenges can make it difficult for businesses to operate efficiently and scale their operations.

Despite these challenges, the future of eCommerce in Nigeria looks promising, with the rise of social commerce, increased focus on mobile shopping, and growing demand for niche eCommerce stores. As eCommerce continues to evolve, businesses that stay ahead of the curve and prioritize customer experience are likely to come out on top.

eCommerce Trends for 2024 

The world of eCommerce is constantly evolving, and it’s important for businesses to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and predictions to remain competitive. Here are some of the top eCommerce trends we can expect to see in Nigeria in 2024:

Increased use of mobile eCommerce  

With the increasing use of smartphones, it’s no surprise that mobile shopping is on the rise. Consumers are becoming more comfortable with making purchases on their phones, and ecommerce businesses are responding by optimizing their websites and apps for mobile use.

The rise of social commerce  

Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are increasingly becoming popular channels for eCommerce sales. These platforms are providing businesses with new opportunities to reach consumers and increase sales through targeted advertising. As social media usage continues to grow, we can expect to see more businesses leveraging social commerce in 2024.

Expansion of artificial intelligence and machine learning in eCommerce  

Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies are being used to improve the customer experience in eCommerce. AI-powered chatbots are being used to provide personalized customer service, while machine learning algorithms are being used to make product recommendations based on a customer’s browsing history. In 2024, we can expect to see even more eCommerce businesses utilizing these technologies to enhance the shopping experience.

Increased focus on sustainability and ethical practices  

Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental and social impact of their purchases, and eCommerce businesses are taking notice. Many businesses are adopting sustainable and ethical practices, such as reducing packaging waste and ensuring fair labor practices in their supply chains. In 2024, we can expect to see a continued focus on sustainability and ethical practices in eCommerce.

Growth of niche eCommerce stores  

Niche eCommerce stores that cater to specific products or target markets are gaining popularity. These stores can offer a more specialized selection of products and provide a unique shopping experience for consumers. In 2024, we can expect to see more niche eCommerce stores popping up and thriving.

These trends highlight the ever-changing landscape of eCommerce as we speak. As businesses adapt to these trends, they will be better positioned to provide a top-notch shopping experience for their customers and stay ahead of the competition.

Predictions for eCommerce in Nigeria for 2024  

As the eCommerce landscape continues to evolve, businesses must adapt to stay ahead of the game. Here are some predictions for eCommerce in Nigeria for 2024:

eCommerce businesses shifting to regional markets  

With the competition in the eCommerce space heating up, businesses are likely to focus on capturing regional markets to increase their customer base. This shift towards regional markets could lead to more localized content, faster delivery times, and increased customer engagement.

Increased competition and consolidation of eCommerce platforms  

As the eCommerce industry grows in Nigeria, we can expect to see increased competition among eCommerce platforms. This competition is likely to lead to consolidation, with larger players acquiring smaller ones to gain market share. Retailers may also choose to partner with eCommerce platforms to reach a wider audience and increase their online sales.

Growth of ecommerce payment solutions  

Payment solutions are an essential component of eCommerce, and we can expect to see an increased focus on creating more efficient and secure payment solutions for Nigerian consumers. More payment options will be made available to cater to the diverse needs of the Nigerian market.

eCommerce businesses prioritizing customer experience  

In a highly competitive market, customer experience will be a key differentiator for eCommerce businesses. eCommerce businesses will need to focus on providing excellent customer service, including fast and efficient delivery, hassle-free returns, and personalized experiences to win over customers.

Government policies to support eCommerce growth  

The Nigerian government is expected to implement policies that will support the growth of eCommerce in the country. This could include incentives for businesses to adopt eCommerce, investments in digital infrastructure, and improved regulatory frameworks to protect customers and promote fair competition.

Challenges Facing eCommerce in Nigeria in 2024

As eCommerce continues to grow in Nigeria, small businesses face numerous challenges that threaten their success. Here are some of the most pressing challenges facing small eCommerce businesses in Nigeria in 2024:

Poor logistics infrastructure  

Logistics is one of the biggest challenges facing small eCommerce businesses in Nigeria. The transportation and delivery of goods across the country can be expensive and unreliable, and small businesses often struggle to keep up with the logistics demands of their online marketplace. This can result in delayed deliveries, damaged goods, and dissatisfied customers.

Cybersecurity threats  

As more consumers shop online, cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly common. Small eCommerce businesses are especially vulnerable to cyber attacks, which can result in the theft of sensitive customer data or even financial losses. Retailers need to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect their businesses and customers from these threats. 

Limited access to finance for eCommerce businesses  

Access to finance is a major challenge for small eCommerce businesses in Nigeria. Many small businesses lack the necessary capital to invest in marketing, inventory, and other essential aspects of their business. This can limit their growth potential and hinder their ability to compete with larger ecommerce brands.

Difficulty implementing digital transformation tools for small eCommerce businesses.  

Digital transformation tools are essential for small eCommerce businesses to compete with larger retailers. Unfortunately, many small businesses lack access to these tools or struggle with their implementation. This can hinder their ability to offer personalized experiences to their customers, streamline their operations, and keep up with the latest eCommerce trends.

Wrapping Up

To stay competitive, eCommerce brands should embrace these trends, invest in the latest technology, and prioritize the customer experience. The importance of digital transformation cannot be overstated, and businesses that fail to evolve may get left behind.

At Basecode Tech, we understand the challenges that small eCommerce businesses face in keeping up with the latest trends. That’s why we offer a range of services to help businesses implement digital transformation tools, improve their online presence, and scale their operations.

In conclusion, the future of eCommerce in Nigeria is bright, and by staying ahead of the curve, businesses can reap the benefits of this growing industry. Get in touch with us at Basecode Tech to learn more about how we can help you stay ahead of the game.