Covid-19: UNDP, Jumia partner to link market vendors with consumers online

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Jumia Uganda, the leading e-commerce company have launched an e-commerce platform to sustain supply chains for micro, small and medium enterprises and connect them with consumers online.

In view of restrictions on movement and social distancing guidelines which were instituted as part of the measures to curtail further transmission of the disease, digital solutions offer some of the most powerful avenues to address current market challenges while boosting online trading and marketing.

This initiative is a strategic opportunity to empower vulnerable groups and those hardest hit in the informal trade sector such as women, youth and persons with disabilities by connecting them with potential buyers.

It will also connect rural farmers with the urban markets, keeping the supply chain for agricultural produce active and providing employment and mitigate effects of the COVID-19 on the economy.

The lockdown measures such as restrictions on movement, stay at home guidelines have impacted business flow, cut off hundreds of informal market vendors from their usual customers, affecting incomes and straining sustenance of livelihoods, with many struggling to stay afloat.

The lockdown also disrupted trade and affected business operations and supply chains of key sectors of the economy.

The innovative e-commerce platform will benefit vendors in five (5) markets; Nakasero, Nakawa, Wandegeya, Bugolobi and Kalerwe, all in Kampala city.

UNDP will provide smartphones, airtime and data to be used by the market vendors, and importantly, support the strengthening of an innovation ecosystem around e-commerce.

On their part, Jumia Food will avail of its dedicated ordering platform via app and website that includes a last-mile distribution network, diverse set of payment methods, quality assurance, and facilitation of training for the vendors.

While officiating at the launch held at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Co-operatives, the minister of Trade, industry and Cooperatives; Amelia Kyambadde welcomed the UNDP-Jumia Uganda partnership saying, “This initiative will create convenient shopping, promote the growth of the ICT industry and usage, contribute to the decongestion and transformation of Kampala into a smart city that will be pleasant for all Ugandans and our visitors, the tourists.”

On her part, the UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah said that the partnership with Jumia Food, will provide, “a safe, convenient and fast service to the citizens of Uganda while boosting trade.”

She said the offer is part of UNDP’s broader effort to deploy digital solutions for business continuity through e-governance and e-commerce, as Uganda responds to the current disruptions and pressures caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Jumia Uganda Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ron Kawamara, said both the market vendors and the buyers will find it easy to use the Jumia Food Vendor App and will offer the consumers a convenient “Stay Home and Shop” service.

“E-commerce digital platforms like Jumia are at the forefront of providing the informal sector and SMEs solutions to keep running and reaching customers during the COVID-19 crisis,” Kawamara said.

“We are very excited to partner with UNDP and offer our platform, delivery tools, training and experience to market vendors to access consumers in need of fresh produce and for consumers to be able to access the produce, safely,” he said. 

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