Online marketplace Kaymu Nigeria has the capability to be larger than Nigeria’s biggest e-commerce platforms Konga and fellow Africa Internet Holding (AIH) startup Jumia, according to managing director Massimiliano Spalazzi.
In an interview with HumanIPO on the sidelines of the ongoing Mobile West Africa 2014 conference in Lagos, Nigeria, Spalazzi said while e-commerce platforms stock products in their warehouses, Kaymu offers a platform for buyers and sellers to interact.
He said e-commerce in Nigeria has undergone “an amazing development”, moving from an era where people sold their goods and products via instant messaging to the advent of shopping online.
“On desktop, people have access to more information than via mobile. However this is improving as we are recording increasing number of sales via mobile. This to a large extent is due to trust – as more people trust the platform, they come back and they recommend to their friends,” he said.
He also said the platform is recording increasing sales of electronic and fashion products, while niches such as wedding materials are also enjoying strong sales on the platform.
To ensure security on the platform and guard against fraud, Spalazzi said several measures are in place to ensure sellers are verified.
“We regularly make phone calls, send emails and track the habits of such people on the platform,” he said.
