Jumia, a prominent e-commerce platform, has formally partnered with the Nigerian federal government, specifically through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment, to significantly accelerate the nation’s e-commerce growth and enhance digital inclusion. This strategic collaboration is a direct response to the government's push for a more robust digital economy, aiming to align private sector innovation with national digital reforms currently being spearheaded under the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2024.

A high-level meeting in Abuja served as the nexus for this partnership, bringing together senior officials from the ministry and key executives from Jumia Nigeria. Notable attendees from Jumia included Chief Executive Officer Temidayo Ojo, Regional Head of Public Relations & Communications Robert Awodu, and Head of Legal Uche Allison. Discussions during this crucial gathering centered on several pivotal areas: fortifying Nigeria’s existing e-commerce ecosystem, expanding rural communities' access to online marketplaces, and bolstering the country's competitiveness within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, urged all e-commerce stakeholders to thoroughly study and align with the provisions of the upcoming e-governance bill. She emphasized that this bill is designed to provide a comprehensive legal framework essential for electronic transactions, data protection, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. Its overarching goals are clear: to stimulate economic growth, improve public service delivery, and firmly establish Nigeria as a leading player in the global digital marketplace.

Minister Oduwole articulated Nigeria’s current standing, stating, “Nigeria’s rapid strides in digital commerce, services, and innovation have placed us at the forefront of Africa’s digital trade. Our leadership in mobile payment solutions is reshaping cross-border trade, expanding financial inclusion, and accelerating digital transactions across the continent. Now is the time to anchor this progress on a strong legal foundation that will ensure its sustainability.” Furthermore, she directed her team to meticulously study Jumia’s 'E-Commerce in Rural Areas report' and actively promote its findings on a broader scale, recognizing the importance of extending digital benefits to all segments of society.

Responding to the Minister’s vision, Jumia CEO Temidayo Ojo lauded her commitment to a digitally inclusive Nigeria, describing it as both