Akintunde Opawole, co-founder of My Shop Launcher (MSL), has stressed the need for additional e-commerce platforms in Nigeria to propel the government’s digital economy initiative and foster competition within the sector.
Opawale highlighted the demand surge during Black Friday, revealing that existing platforms struggled to meet the high volume of online shoppers, emphasizing the potential for more local players to address specific local needs in the market.
Opawale underscored the dominance of foreign players in Nigeria’s e-commerce landscape and emphasizes the market’s capacity for more participants.
During the last Black Friday, he noted incidents of server downtimes and sold-out products due to overwhelming demand, signaling the untapped potential for local solutions.
In addition to advocating for increased competition, Opawale emphasized the importance of empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with digital skills.
He suggested that the government should implement programmes to enhance the digital capabilities of SMEs, enabling them to bring their products and services online.
Opawale mentioned MSL’s initiative offering a no-code e-commerce storefront for SMEs, reflecting a commitment to supporting the growth and well-being of local businesses.
Founded two years ago, MSL emerged from the recognition of the challenges faced by African merchants managing their businesses manually, showcasing a commitment to addressing the unique needs of the local market.
