NAIROBI, Kenya – In a push to bring more small businesses into the digital economy, Jumia hosted a benchmarking tour at its Nairobi facility, giving 30 entrepreneurs a hands-on crash course in e-commerce operations, logistics, and digital payments.
The goal? To help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) unlock new markets, boost efficiency, and scale sustainably.
Behind the Scenes: How E-Commerce Actually Works
For many entrepreneurs, e-commerce can feel like a black box. You list your products online, and somehow—magically—they land in a customer’s hands. But the real magic? Logistics.
During the Jumia warehouse tour, participants got an up-close look at:
Inventory management – because stockouts and overstocking can kill a business.
Order fulfillment & last-mile delivery – ensuring products get to customers, fast.
Cashless transactions – because digital payments are the backbone of modern trade.
“By leveraging e-commerce, SMEs can expand their market reach, improve efficiency, and drive sustainable growth,” said Jumia’s Regional CEO for East Africa, Vinod Goel.
Kenya’s E-Commerce Boom: A Goldmine for SMEs
With internet penetration soaring and mobile adoption exceeding 40pc, Kenya is Africa’s third-largest e-commerce market.
This means more customers are shopping online—but are SMEs ready to take advantage?
For SMEs willing to embrace these fundamentals, the opportunities are massive. But challenges remain—many businesses struggle with market access, marketing skills, and financing.
Scaling an online business takes more than just listing products—it requires training, funding, and the right partnerships.
KEPSA Board Director for SMEs and Startups, Mary Ngechu, emphasized the role of platforms like Jumia in helping businesses navigate the digital shift.
She encouraged entrepreneurs to explore Jumia’s Jiinue Growth Program, which offers affordable financing options to SMEs looking to scale.
“The benchmarking tour underscored the transformative power of e-commerce. By collaborating with industry leaders like Jumia, KEPSA continues to equip entrepreneurs with the right tools and insights to thrive in the digital economy,” Ngechu said.
E-commerce is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. As Kenya cements its place as an African e-commerce powerhouse, SMEs that embrace digital trade will have a competitive edge.
