In order to reduce data costs and boost e-commerce in Nigeria, Jumia, leading online shopping destination in Africa, launched its free internet service with MTN, Africa's leading cellular telecommunications company. The move means it won’t charge users of its mobile network for the data they consume while using the Jumia app.
According to Google Africa, 76% of its users access Google via their mobile device. "The figure for Jumia is quite similar with 70% of users accessing Jumia on their phone – and a significant number through the app with 255% more app downloads on both iOs and Android in the first 6 months of 2015 than through the entire year of 2014. In order to provide the best customer experience, it is time for Jumia to make its services available for more people, anywhere at anytime," declared Nicolas Martin, CEO Jumia Nigeria.
The greatest barrier to extending internet mobile access in Africa is the cost of data. In Lagos, one gigabyte of data on mobile networks—the only means of accessing the internet for most—is about $12. With this in mind, Jumia has been rolling out initiatives to bring down the cost of connectivity to provide people with full access to online shopping through jumia.com without data charges.
"We are proud of this new partnership with MTN that will lead to an increasing value for our customers. We believe that a betterinternet access, and even more mobile, will foster economic development for both small businesses and Africa as a whole", further commented Nicolas Martin.
All through the year, starting today the Jumia app is free to download and surf on with over 150,000 products waiting to be selected. Android, Blackberry, and iOS smartphones can now browse the Jumia website via the Jumia mobile app with absolutely no data charges. Other sites available through the app include Jovago, Africa’s leading hotel booking online platform and Kaymu, #1 online shopping community in Africa.