GHANA – A new entrant in the e-commerce industry of Ghana is set to launch an online shopping market debut Shopnaw, providing tailor-made technology platform and marketing opportunities to support sellers, buyers and delivery partners.

Shopnaw a brand of Ghanaian incorporated limited, Big Ben Express will feature products categories ranging from groceries, restaurants, local markets, made in Ghana products, pharmacy, fashion to health and safety.

Speaking ahead of the grand launch, the founder and CEO, Mr Benjamin Osei Asante, said that Shopnaw customers comprise both buyers and sellers on the platform which will enable them to interact with each other on its portal.

To utilize the platform, sellers who include retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and brands will sign up without any initial investment cost while buyers on the other hand will access the app and web portal without any charge.

Benjamin indicating that Shopnaw will expose sellers to millions of buyers he stated that, “We do not compete with our sellers, we complement them. Our platform is used to create a digital presence of their businesses and sell to millions of consumers and other businesses.”

Benjamin emphasised that apart from the free sign up cost for sellers, they would enjoy exclusive benefits such as no commission charged on items sold, no mark-ups on prices, upfront payment on pickup to sellers, wider market reach and affordable delivery of goods to consumers.

He further added that, “We also provide delivery services to the doorsteps of consumers. Shopnaw provides advertising solutions to help businesses find, attract and engage millions of Shopnaw customers every step of the way.”

The e-commerce industry has had its successes and challenges yet the industry continues to thrive because of the many benefits it delivers to users.

Jumia, leading e-commerce player in Africa has announced it has completed the closure of its entire operations in Cameroon, firing all its staff amid mounting losses.

The closure, which started in 2014 comes a few months after an alleged fraud which cost the business up to US$1 billion.

In 2017, the online retailer closed its Rwandan e-commerce business over quality issues, focusing on its food delivery services in the country.

The firm further says it is shifting to focus more on its payment platform, Jumia pay while cutting back on the e-commerce business. Additionally, there is unconfirmed information that the platform is mulling pulling out of Congo and Gabon.

The company will now operate in 13 countries including Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, and Algeria.