The Federal Government has entered into a strategic partnership with Jumia Nigeria to accelerate e-commerce growth, expand rural digital access, and strengthen the country’s legal framework for online transactions under the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024.

In a meeting held in Abuja this week, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, engaged with Jumia executives to align private sector innovation with government reforms aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Jumia delegation was led by Chief Executive Officer Temidayo Ojo, accompanied by Regional Head of Public Relations and Communications, Robert Awodu, and Head of Legal, Uche Allison.

Discussions focused on building a stronger e-commerce ecosystem, boosting rural access to online marketplaces, and ensuring secure digital trade through clearer regulatory structures.

Highlighting Jumia’s role, Ojo said the company’s E-Commerce in Rural Areas initiative is bridging the digital divide through pickup stations, its nationwide logistics network, and independent sales consultants under the JForce programme.

“The Honourable Minister’s vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria is both bold and essential,” Ojo said. “Through initiatives like our E-Commerce in Rural Areas programme, we are connecting more Nigerians to the opportunities of the digital economy.”

Oduwole, in her remarks, urged e-commerce operators to familiarise themselves with the E-Governance Bill, which seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for electronic transactions, data protection, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.

“Nigeria’s rapid strides in digital commerce, services, and innovation have placed us at the forefront of Africa’s digital trade,” Oduwole said. “Now is the time to anchor this progress on a strong legal foundation that will ensure its sustainability.”

The meeting was attended by senior ministry officials and industry representatives, including Secretary of NACEDE (Trade Department), Giwa-Williams Latifat; Director of Special Duties, Aminu Dogondaji; Deputy Director, WTO/Intra-Africa (Trade Department), Zulaikha Abdullahi; Special Adviser to the Minister, Patience Okala; Senior Special Assistant to the Minister, Olajumoke Dan-Okayi; and Managing Director/Chief Strategist of Chain Reactions Africa, Israel Opayemi.