The Chief Executive Officer, Konga.com, Mr. Sim Shagaya, has said despite the huge challenges in Nigeria, online shopping firms can experience geometrical growth.
He listed some of the challenges as the absence of proper logistics system; lack of trust in online transactions; absence of formal retail and a poor road network.
Shagaya, who has just been honoured as the Entrepreneur of the Year at the CNBC/All Africa Business Leaders Award in West Africa, made the position known in a statement on Monday.
He said, despite these challenges, the industry was set to revolutionise the way Nigerians buy and sell, by applying technology to the environment.
For instance, he said, “In the last one year, Konga.com has laid the solid foundations of a technology and logistics company, building a system by which buyers and sellers find each other and interchange goods and money, providing unprecedented levels of retail convenience, choice and customer satisfaction.
“The company’s vision and early success saw the start-up receive investment from Kinnevik of Sweden and Naspers/ MIH of South Africa; two companies passionate about helping businesses grow. In less than one year of operations, the company’s workforce has grown from that daring team of seven to a bigger team of over 200 committed and patriotic individuals who see the company as a service to Nigeria and Africa.”
He said a key strength of Konga’s operations was in its understanding of the Nigerian people and its focus on customer centricity, understanding that Nigerians have a voice, and want to be heard.