Connect with us

Business

B2B e-commerce as an enabler of micro businesses

Published

4 years ago

on

B2B e-commerce as an enabler of micro businesses

B2B e-commerce as an enabler of micro businesses

By Olorunfemi Adejuyigbe

 

 

 

B2B e-commerce as an enabler of micro businesses

 

The informal retail space in Nigeria has one of the lowest entry barriers. Most people who are into ‘hustling’ – street parlance for those chasing extra income – play in this space.

Characteristically, the majority of informal retail businesses are largely unstructured despite their huge potential. Nigeria’s informal retail business is estimated at $100 billion.

 

 

 

 

The food and consumer goods retail market alone is estimated to be worth over $40 billion, and there are millions of operators in that space.

For those that make retailing their daily occupation, they do face some challenges sometimes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Joyce Chukwu (not real name) typifies the problems an average Nigerian micro retailer goes through.

Delivered of twins recently, Mrs. Joyce has found it more tasking to run her grocery store which is about 30 minutes away from her house, and caring for her three-year-old son alongside her newborn twins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Madam JC, as her customers fondly call her, finds it inconvenient to leave the house very early to beat traffic and get to a popular market where she gets goods for her store. She also moves around in fear of robbery because of cash money she goes to the market with.

These in addition to opportunity costs, dangers of travel, lack of financial advice, inadequate transport for purchased goods are part of the ordeals of women who are engaged in retail business due to Nigeria’s difficult social and economic terrain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is noteworthy, however, that the emergence of B2C and B2B e-commerce platforms has and is creating an environment that is more enabling for micro businesses.

With digital technology, retailers no longer have to deal with those issues highlighted above as e-commerce – one of the key gains of digital revolution – continues to impact our daily life, behaviour and choices, which also portend good for micro businesses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Founder of Alerzo, a leading B2B e-commerce company, Adewale Opaleye, said the beauty of e-commerce platforms lies in their power to leverage technology to create opportunities for businesses including micro retail outlets as well as power them with digital solutions to improve and increase their efficiency.

He stated that with an array of Alerzo’s tech-driven digital solutions, retailers can order and make payment for goods as well as restock online or offline through USSD.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opaleye stated that e-commerce platforms also provide warehousing and fulfilment solutions to suppliers while also delivering ordered goods at free cost to retailers. For example, Alerzo has been providing free delivery services to retailers for over two years.

“On our Alerzoshop retail app, we have a vast assortment available to our customers to choose from, and we offer free delivery in all the over 13 cities we’re currently operational. We change the landscape for them (retailers) through on time delivery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘‘For the past two years, we have delivered to informal retailers at no cost. With our delivery services, retailers save time, energy, and resources that they would have otherwise expended in restocking. These benefits have resulted in 85% of our retailers reducing their two to four times a week restock trips to zero,” he disclosed.

Other areas where B2B e-commerce platforms intervene include providing authentic goods and right pricing to retailers, thereby protecting the end-users from buying adulterated goods and being affected by unreasonable price-hikes especially by unapproved intermediaries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The interventions also include providing credit facilities and financial literacy to retailers which further eases the way they run their businesses.

For Alerzo boss, supporting informal retailers is even a sort of empowerment initiative because majority of the retailers are women, 70 per cent of whom are primary breadwinners and contributing to Nigeria’s economy and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With more informal retailers taking advantage of B2B e-commerce, and Alerzo and other platforms deepening opportunities on how technology can be further harnessed to empower informal retailers, e-commerce will be helping many businesses grow sustainably and thrive in today’s dynamic environment.

Related Topics:

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Business

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

Published

17 hours ago

on

April 24, 2026

By

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

*PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

 

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

 

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

 

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

 

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

 

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

 

Thank you.

Continue Reading

Business

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

20 hours ago

on

April 24, 2026

By

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

 

 

 

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

 

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

 

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

 

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

 

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

 

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

 

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

 

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

 

⸻

 

About Laffmattazz

 

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

 

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

 

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.

Continue Reading

Business

MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

on

April 23, 2026

By

FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers  

MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria

 

 

 

Anyone who has tried to get a loan to buy a house in Nigeria knows the drill: endless forms, property valuation, and eventual down payment of a minimum 25% or more on the property. Sometimes, interest rates could go as high as 30% per annum, while the typical loan limit is N50 million.

 

 

 

Now, FirstBank is making homeownership more attractive.

 

 

 

FirstBank, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has introduced the MREIF Home Loan. MREIF loan is a game-changer, offering a single-digit interest rate of 9.75% per annum, with a loan amount of up to ₦100 million and a repayment period of up to 20 years. This is perfect for salaried individuals, including Nigerians in the diaspora, looking to purchase homes in approved locations.

 

The MREIF loan stands out with its lower interest rate, higher loan amount, and flexible equity contribution as low as 10%. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordable homeownership.

 

 

 

You are one quick decision away from being a landlord.

 

 

 

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home, FirstBank’s MREIF Home Loan is the smartest route to owning property in Nigeria today. Visit the FirstBank website https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ to get started.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

RSS Africa-Newsroom

RSS APO Group – Africa-Newsroom: latest news releases related to Africa

Trending