Glovo, Nigerian ministry of communications, innovation & digital economy, NIPOST, and industry leaders unite to address E-Commerce challenges in Nigeria

The Nigerian e-commerce industry is at a turning point, driven by rapid digitalization and the need for stronger logistics infrastructure.

Recognizing this, Glovo, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy through its agency, the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), convened a landmark stakeholder forum to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector.

The event brought together policymakers, technology leaders, and private sector players to explore solutions for bridging Nigeria’s logistics gaps and accelerating the integration of digital and physical infrastructure to support e-commerce growth.

In her keynote address, Tola Odeyemi, Postmaster General of NIPOST, representing Hon. Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani, underscored the importance of logistics and nationwide accessibility in building a thriving digital economy. She highlighted NIPOST’s expansive physical infrastructure and its potential to serve as a backbone for last-mile delivery solutions. “By aligning our vast network with digital platforms, we can create an efficient logistics framework that benefits businesses, especially SMEs, and ensures that e-commerce reaches every corner of Nigeria,” she stated.

“A key moment of the event was the presentation of selected highlights from Glovo’s Yellow Effect Report by William Benthall, Global Director of Government Relations at Glovo. The report provides an in-depth look at Africa’s digital commerce landscape and Glovo’s five-year journey, with a strong focus on Nigeria. The highlights emphasized how innovative logistics solutions and digital integration can empower local businesses, drive economic growth, and enhance supply chain efficiency.”

“We chose to launch this report in Lagos because of Nigeria’s critical role in Africa’s digital commerce ecosystem and its vast market potential. Our findings highlight key opportunities in leveraging technology and strategic partnerships to drive sustainable growth. Over the past five years, Glovo has supported 45,000 businesses—95% of them SMEs—generating over €1 billion for partners and aiding 4,000 at-risk businesses. With a 20-percentage-point drop in cash orders, we’re also driving financial inclusion. By collaborating with policymakers, industry leaders, and local businesses, we aim to power the digital economy, enhance logistics efficiency, and create a more resilient and inclusive marketplace for all.”

One of the defining moments of the forum came during the fireside chat session, Empowering Local Economies Through Strategic Partnerships in E-commerce, where Lamide Akinola, General Manager of Glovo Nigeria, shared how Glovo is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize e-commerce operations. She explained that AI plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency across the value chain—from streamlining delivery logistics and predicting demand patterns to improving the overall user experience. “With AI-driven insights, we can help SMEs scale faster, reduce inefficiencies in last-mile delivery, and ensure that customers get the best possible service,” Akinola noted. She also highlighted Glovo Local, an initiative designed to equip SMEs with the digital tools, training, and financial resources needed to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven economy. The session was moderated by Chidera Akwuba, Regional Head of Government and Public Relations, Sub-Saharan Africa at Glovo. “Bringing together stakeholders from across the industry is essential to driving meaningful change in Nigeria’s e-commerce sector,” said Chidera Akwuba, Regional Head of Government and Public Relations, Sub-Saharan Africa at Glovo. “This forum was a crucial step in fostering strategic partnerships that will help address logistical barriers and unlock new growth opportunities.”

The discussions extended beyond logistics, touching on the broader barriers affecting Nigeria’s e-commerce ecosystem. A panel session featuring industry leaders from NIPOST, Jumia, GIG Logistics, and Glovo— represented by Kola Adeniyi, Head of Commercial Glovo Nigeria, explored key regulatory, technological, and operational challenges that must be addressed to unlock the sector’s full potential. The panel emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration to ensure that policies, infrastructure, and technology work in harmony to create a seamless digital marketplace.

Beyond established players, the forum also served as a platform for emerging companies like Grid Code and Smart Parcel, which showcased their innovative logistics solutions and engaged with potential investors. Their presence reinforced the event’s role as a catalyst for fostering new investment and innovation in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.

As the forum drew to a close, Tola Odeyemi reaffirmed NIPOST’s commitment to supporting the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. “E-commerce is not just about transactions; it’s about creating access, empowering businesses, and building an interconnected economy that benefits all Nigerians,” she stated. The discussions from the forum are expected to shape future policy frameworks, investment opportunities, and strategic partnerships that will drive long-term industry growth.

For Glovo, the event reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging AI, fostering strategic partnerships, and supporting SMEs to advance e-commerce in Nigeria. By collaborating with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy through NIPOST, Glovo is playing a pivotal role in building a more inclusive and efficient digital commerce ecosystem, one that ensures businesses of all sizes can thrive in the evolving digital economy.