E-commerce operators say the recent spike in clientele ordering goods online is pushing them to become more innovative to improve service delivery and meet the ever-changing market dynamics.

This has prompted Jumia Uganda to unveil an online grocery shop across the city with free delivery in just over 20 minutes. 

According to Ron Kawamara, the Jumia Uganda Chief Executive Officer, last-mile delivery via micro fulfilment centres within the neighbourhood is a new concept that will revolutionise delivery times for Jumia consumers and make online grocery delivery faster than ever before across the continent. 

“We are absolutely excited about this innovation and we know that it is a game-changer and will directly impact consumer habits across Kampala and later across the country. Our innovations are based on consumer insights generated on a daily basis across our platforms and we know that Jumia Food Mart will meet our consumers at their utmost point of need,” Kawamara said. 

More than 100 locations are now served within Kampala. These include areas of Bukoto, Kitintale, Nsambya, Kiwatule and surrounding areas. 

“Jumia’s quick commerce offering represents our commitment to meeting customers’ insatiable demand for everyday products at the fastest delivery time and at everyday low prices. With a young population and emerging middle class, Africa’s consumers are eager to have access to the quick commerce revolution they see across the world,” said Petero Muzoora, Jumia’s Head of Grocery. 

Jumia has witnessed a great shift to everyday products since the COVID-19 outbreak as a result of consumers ‘shifting preference toward e-commerce, and its new “dark store” concept represents an important step forward in making online shopping more convenient than ever before.

The Africa e-commerce report entitled Jumia Africa E-Commerce Index 2021 cited groceries and everyday essentials as the best-selling products on Jumia during the pandemic, which is a fast-growing category on Jumia.