Business and Brand
Pickup Stations as a Key Enabler to E-commerce Expansion into Rural and Semi-Urban Regions
About fifteen years ago, the idea that a single click could transform shopping into a seamless, convenient experience seemed far-fetched. Today, e-commerce continues to revolutionize the way people buy and sell goods, offering unparalleled accessibility and convenience. However, this immense growth brings its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to delivering products to underserved communities, rural and semi-urban areas. In these regions, poor infrastructure, limited access to delivery routes, and high transportation costs remain significant barriers, preventing many from fully enjoying the benefits of online shopping. To address these logistics challenges, e-commerce companies are increasingly turning to practical and innovative solutions with one standing out in recent times – pickup stations.Overcoming Infrastructure Gaps with Pickup StationsInfrastructure gaps are undoubtedly one of the most significant hurdles for e-commerce players seeking expansion beyond urban centres. Rural areas often suffer from underdeveloped roads and limited or non-existent delivery networks, making traditional door-to-door delivery both costly and inefficient. As a solution to this, pickup stations have emerged as a realistic and effective solution to these challenges, providing online shoppers with a convenient alternative to home deliveries.The concept of pickup stations is quite straightforward: strategically place collection points where customers can easily retrieve their orders. Instead of navigating poorly maintained roads or traveling long distances to distant locations, e-commerce companies can concentrate on establishing central pickup hubs that are accessible to a broader audience. These stations eliminate the need for last-mile delivery, which is often the most expensive and time-consuming part of the logistics chain in rural areas.For example, Jumia, Africa’s e-commerce giant, has embraced this strategy through its City Expansion initiative, deploying pickup stations in remote areas to expand its reach and impact. By positioning pickup stations in key locations, companies like Jumia can overcome the logistical challenges that previously made e-commerce expansion into these regions unsustainable, if not impossible.Making E-commerce More Affordable for CustomersWhilst the infrastructure gaps are major issues being tackled with the advent of pickup stations, another critical barrier for customers in rural and underserved areas is the high and extremely unaffordable cost of delivery which sometimes makes it super expensive for customers who live far from major cities to engage in online shopping. Pickup stations offer a more affordable solution, as customers can opt to collect their packages from a nearby location rather than being subjected to paying exorbitant fees for home delivery.This model allows e-commerce platforms to reduce transportation costs by consolidating deliveries to a single pickup point, ultimately passing the savings on to customers – a win-win for all! Customers in underserved areas can access goods at lower prices, and e-commerce companies can offer competitive delivery options without the need for complex last-mile logistics. Moreso, the cost-effectiveness of pickup stations also means that e-commerce platforms can offer promotions, discounts, and even lower-priced goods compared to traditional retail in these areas. For many rural customers, this makes online shopping not only more accessible but also more efficient.A Deep Dive into Success Stories – Real life impact of Jumia pickup stationsThe benefits of pickup stations extend beyond mere cost savings and infrastructure improvements. They also create significant opportunities for local businesses and foster trust in online shopping within communities. For example, Idrees Luqman Akorede, CEO of Elhay Services, transformed his shop in Sagamu, Ogun state into a Jumia pickup station and observed a substantial increase in foot traffic, resulting in increased revenue.Similarly, Adeniji Ademola Ayobami, CEO of Cart-zone Deliveries in Oyo state, earns a commission on every package picked up from his store. Beyond the financial benefits, Innocent has noticed a positive shift in the community’s perception of online shopping. In areas like Modakeke, where reliable internet connectivity have historically deterred e-commerce adoption, pickup stations provided a secure and convenient way for residents to engage with online marketplaces.Deborah Egbulam, a representative at Jumia’s Chebes Egbu pickup station in Owerri, Imo State, has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of pickup stations. She highlights how these hubs offer unparalleled convenience for customers, allowing them to easily pick up orders and receive assistance with any questions or inquiries. This hands-on support helps build trust and encourages more residents to participate in the digital economy.What is the potential impact across the E-commerce Ecosystem?The next question would be about the long-term impact of pickup stations. The answer is quite simple: as e-commerce continues to expand across Africa, pickup stations are becoming the bedrock for solving logistics challenges, particularly for companies looking to tap into underserved markets. E-commerce players can also benefit from adopting this model as it creates opportunities for businesses to scale while addressing the unique logistical challenges of rural and semi-urban areas.By expanding the reach of e-commerce into previously inaccessible regions, pickup stations are further driving wider growth for the industry. As more companies leverage this model, the e-commerce ecosystem will become more inclusive, empowering individuals in remote communities to participate in the digital economy. The impact of this model extends beyond logistics and affordability, it is ultimately reshaping how people in rural areas engage with e-commerce. Communities that were once excluded due to logistical barriers are now becoming integral parts of the online shopping world. Jumia’s City Expansion initiative is a testament to the potential of pickup stations, showcasing how innovative logistics solutions can bridge the e-commerce divide.The Future of E-commerce Re-evaluatedPickup stations represent a transformative solution to the logistics challenges faced by e-commerce companies in underserved and rural areas. By addressing infrastructure gaps and offering more affordable delivery options, they have the potential to reshape the future of e-commerce across Africa. As more e-commerce players adopt this model, the industry will continue to expand into new markets, providing greater access to goods and services for all.Jumia’s efforts demonstrate the power of logistics innovation, but the broader message is clear – “pickup stations are key to unlocking growth and inclusivity in the e-commerce industry”. As companies look to the future, embracing this strategy will be essential to reaching more customers and building a truly connected digital marketplace.
Business and Brand
Verve Expands Payment Frontiers with Global Partnerships and Contactless Innovation
Verve, Africa’s largest domestic payment card and token brand, has continued to strengthen its position as a leader in digital payments through a series of strategic partnerships and technological advancements. The brand remains committed to providing seamless and secure transactions across a growing network of acceptance points.As part of its global expansion, Verve has recently partnered with leading international and regional payment platforms, including Temu, AliExpress, PalmPay, and FortisPay. These integrations enhance Verve cardholders’ access to global e-commerce marketplaces and digital payment solutions, reinforcing the brand’s mission to facilitating easy transactions across borders.Building on this momentum, Verve has also accelerated its adoption of contactless payment solutions, strengthening its presence across key fintech and payment service provider platforms, including Opay, PalmPay, Global Accelerex, Interswitch, and Paystack terminals. This development aligns with the growing demand for faster, more secure digital payment methods, benefiting both merchants and consumers.Commenting on these milestones, Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director, Verve International, stated:”At Verve, we remain committed to driving innovation in digital payments while ensuring our cardholders enjoy secure and hassle-free transactions. Our recent integrations with global e-commerce platforms and the growing acceptance of our contactless solutions reflect our dedication to advancing financial inclusion and enhancing payment experiences.”With over 75 million Verve cards issued to date, the brand continues to expand its footprint across ATMs, PoS terminals, online, agency banking outlets, e-commerce platforms, and mobile applications. As Verve consolidates its leadership in Africa’s payment ecosystem, it remains focused on delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower individuals and businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
L-R: Chibuzor Mela, Head of Partnerships, Palmpay; Uche Uzoebo, Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, SANEF; Chika Nwosu, Chief Executive Officer, PalmPay Nigeria; Paul Ohakim, Vice President, Issuing & Acquiring (Africa), Verve International; Sofia Zab, Chief Marketing Officer, PalmPay; Chidi Oluaoha, Divisional Head, Growth Marketing, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Interswitch; during the Official Launch of the Verve powered PalmPay DebitCard at the Tech Unite Africa event recently held in Lagos.
PalmPay, one of Africa’s fastest-growing fintech platforms, has collaborated with Verve, Africa’s largest domestic card scheme, to officially unveil its new Debit Card. This partnership aligns with Verve and PalmPay’s ongoing commitment to promoting a more financially inclusive economy by widening its reach and value in the digital payment ecosystem. With over 35 million users and a network of 1.1 million agents and merchants across Nigeria, PalmPay is building one of the continent’s most dynamic fintech ecosystems. The launch of its debit card represents a key milestone in PalmPay’s transformation from a mobile wallet and agent network into a comprehensive digital financial services provider – offering integrated solutions for payments, savings, credit, insurance, and now, card access.This collaboration also strengthens Verve’s commitment to meeting the evolving payment needs of Nigerians following its issuance of over 75 million cards in Nigeria alone, a remarkable achievement that highlights the trust Nigerians have placed in the Verve brand: And with collaborations like this, Verve does not seem to be slowing down.The PalmPay Debit Card, powered by Verve, is seamlessly integrated with the PalmPay wallet, combining the convenience of a traditional bank card with the speed and flexibility of a digital platform, and access to PalmPay’s unique financial ecosystem.Key Features include:● Zero maintenance fees● Easy in-app application and nationwide delivery● Exclusive cashback and merchant rewards● Full wallet integration, including access to high-yield savings (up to 16% APR, paid daily)● Seamless offline and online payments across the Verve networkThe card is accepted at all major payment terminals within Nigeria, offering both debit and contactless options. With this launch, PalmPay aims to redefine the everyday banking experience – making it more accessible, reliable, and rewarding.Alongside the standard debit card, PalmPay is also rolling out PalmPay Premium, a tailored offering for high-volume users. Benefits include:● A dedicated PalmPay Premium Card● Priority customer support● Higher transaction cashbacks and savings interest rates● Exclusive merchant rewards and advanced financial toolsThis premium service reinforces PalmPay’s commitment to empower users at every stage of their financial journey – from first-time account holders to high-earning professionals seeking more from their financial tools.“PalmPay is dedicated to using technology to broaden financial access,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria. “This collaboration enables us to offer secure, widely accepted payment cards integrated with the full power of PalmPay’s ecosystem. Together, we’re reshaping how Nigerians experience digital finance.”Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director of Verve International, added: “We are proud to partner with PalmPay on this important milestone. Our alliance with PalmPay reflects our shared mission of accelerating financial inclusion and delivering payment innovation that meets the needs of African consumers.”PalmPay Debit Cards, powered by Verve, will be widely accepted across Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Merchant Outlets, Digital and Online platforms, including Google, YouTube, Spotify, Netflix, Showmax, AliExpress, Temu, Prime Video, Facebook Ads, Microsoft, Uber, Flywire, among others, ensuring seamless transactions for users.
Business and Brand
Empowering Women in Tech: Glovo, She Code Africa, and Lagos State Celebrate FirstBootcamp Graduation with 100 women.
Top 2 Capstone Project Winners and Overall Best Graduating Students Recognized for
Innovation and Excellence
LAGOS, NIGERIA – March 2025 – Glovo, a leading multi-category app in partnership with She
Code Africa and the Lagos State Government—through the Ministry of Commerce,
Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, led by H.C Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, and the
Ministry of Science and Technology, led by H.C Dr. Olatubosun Alake—proudly celebrated the
graduation of 100 women from the Women in Tech Bootcamp. This transformative 12-week
program was designed to equip women with technical skills, mentorship, and career
development opportunities in the tech industry.
The graduation ceremony, held in March to commemorate Women’s Month, aligned with the
theme “Accelerate Action,” which emphasizes the need for swift and decisive steps toward
gender equality in STEM and beyond.
The Women in Tech Bootcamp provided participants with specialized training in Frontend
Development, Backend Development, and Mobile Development. In addition to technical training,
the program incorporated career coaching, soft skills workshops, and hands-on capstone
projects to prepare participants for real-world careers in tech. This holistic approach ensured
that participants not only gained technical expertise but also the confidence and resources
needed to navigate the tech industry successfully.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Lamide Akinola, General Manager of Glovo
Nigeria, emphasized Glovo’s commitment to driving diversity and inclusion. She stated:
“At Glovo, we believe that true innovation comes from diverse perspectives.
This bootcamp is just the beginning—one of our many steps in a long-term
commitment to empowering women in technology and creating more
inclusive opportunities in the industry. We are proud to champion diversity,
and this initiative is one of many to come as we continue to accelerate action
towards gender equity in STEM.”
A key highlight of the event was the Top 2 Capstone Project presentations, where outstanding
teams showcased innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges such as financial
literacy, food waste reduction, and academic productivity. These projects were judged based on
functionality, problem-solving approach, teamwork, and presentation skills.
The winning teams of the Backend and Frontend Capstone Project competition were:
- Group 1, led by Linda Gift Awo and Abisola Odusanwo, with team members:
- Aminat Ismaila
- Adebisi Adesanya
- Nafisat Akokhia
- Elizabeth Gabriel
Reflecting on their experience in the program and the capstone project, Linda Gift Awo and
Abisola Odusanwo, leaders of the winning group, shared:
“This bootcamp has been a game-changer for us. Not only did we gain
technical skills in backend development, but we also learned the power of
collaboration and problem-solving. Winning the Capstone Project competition
has given us the confidence to pursue careers in tech and contribute to
innovative solutions in our communities.”
Their project, titled Food Waste Management App, connects restaurants, grocery stores, and
individuals with surplus food to charities and food banks—promoting sustainability and social
impact.
The second runner-up for the Capstone Project presentation was Group 2, led by Shukurat
Akanbi and Melody Anaka, who emerged as first runners-up.
In her opening remarks, Omotola Spence, Expansion Manager at Glovo Nigeria, reflected on
the program’s broader impact:
“This graduation is not just a milestone—it’s a movement. The Women in
Tech Bootcamp represents Glovo’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in the
tech industry and accelerating action towards gender equity. We are proud of
the achievements of these 100 women and confident that they will drive
meaningful change in the digital economy.”
Ada Nduka Oyom, Founder and Executive Director of She Code Africa, added:
“At She Code Africa, our mission has always been to create pathways for
women to thrive in technology. The impact of this bootcamp goes beyond
technical training, it’s about building confidence, fostering community, and
accelerating action towards greater representation of African women in
STEM.”
In addition to the Capstone Project winners, the top two best-performing students were also
recognized for their excellence:
- Abisola Odusanwo, who scored over 90%
- Shukurat Akande, who scored over 80%
Abisola Odusanwo shared her excitement:
“Before this bootcamp, I never imagined myself writing code or building
applications. Now, I have the skills, mentorship, and network to thrive in the
industry. The support from Glovo, She Code Africa, and my peers has been
incredible, and I am excited for what’s next.”
Shukurat Akande expressed:
“This experience has helped me unlock new potentials. I feel more confident,
more capable, and more ready than ever to contribute meaningfully to the
tech ecosystem.”
Graduates will continue to receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to career
pathways through the She Code Africa community, thanks to Glovo’s ongoing support.
With the success of this inaugural program, Glovo awarded the winning Capstone Project team
monetary prizes, tech gifts, and other exciting rewards—reinforcing its commitment to fostering
gender inclusivity in tech. Glovo, She Code Africa, and the Lagos State Government reaffirm
their dedication to creating sustainable opportunities for women in technology, ensuring that this
initiative marks the beginning of a long-term movement toward inclusivity in the industry.
This program lays the groundwork for future collaborations, expanding access to digital skills
and creating more career pathways for women in tech.
About Glovo
Glovo is a pioneering multi-category app that connects users with businesses
and couriers, offering on-demand services from local restaurants, grocers,
supermarkets, and high-street retail stores. Founded in 2015 in Barcelona, Glovo
operates across 23 countries in Europe, Central Asia, and Africa, with a vision to
build the largest online marketplace, giving everyone access to anything in their
city within minutes.
For more information, please visit: https://about.glovoapp.com/
About She Code Africa
She Code Africa is a community-driven organization focused on empowering and
supporting young girls and women across Africa in pursuing careers in
technology through training, mentorship, and community engagement.
For more information, please visit: http://www.shecodeafrica.org
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