'Nigeria can become Africa's e-commerce hub' ? The Nation

If the Federal Government puts the necessary infrastructure in place, Nigeria could become Africa?s e-commerce hub, an online marketing specialist, has said.

Managing Director/ Chief Executive, sunglasses.com.ng, said with the potential in terms of demographics and Internet dynamics, the government could power Nigeria to become the African hub for e-commerce, adding that the push has the potential to boost employment and generate revenue.

Allowing the benefits of technology start-ups in the country to permeate the industry will definitely attract foreign investment and will help Nigerian and international entrepreneurs to grow and create successful companies.

?Also facilitating fast, reliable and affordable internet to Nigerians will help boost e-commerce, and this, the Federal Government is trying to do through various initiatives by the Ministry of Communication Technology and other agencies, such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency of Nigeria (NITDA) and others,? he said.

Hr said in the UK, e-commerce accounts for about 10 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), translating to $200 billion, adding that by 2016, it is expected to contribute more than construction, healthcare and the education sectors to the economy.

?UK has 52 million internet users, while Nigeria has 48 million, and most likely, Nigeria will surpass UK in terms of the number of internet users by the end of 2013. That means a lot in terms of potential contributions to the economy. This underscores the potential Nigeria has and where it could be heading to in few years time,? he said.

He explained that lack of awareness and distrust are some of the challenges confronting operators in the segment. ?That is why we allow customers to pay on delivery. Nigerians are afraid of being duped,? he added.

Source: http://thenationonlineng.net/new/business/nigeria-can-become-africas-e-commerce-hub/

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