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eCommerce, Logistics Set For Growth in Sub Saharan Africa-Study

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Charles Brewer, managing director of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa
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Over the next 10 years, online retail will continue to gain popularity in both developed and emerging markets and as a result, logistics companies are set to play a key role in providing vital supply chain management solutions that are able to evolve with consumers’ changing shopping habits.
 
This is one of the key findings in the DHL Global E-Tailing 2025 study which analyses the role eCommerce will play in consumer’s live in the year 2025, and how it will influence consumerism, retailing and logistics.

The study explores future scenarios with alternative views of what eCommerce globally could look like for consumers and businesses in the near future, depending of various economic factors.

The different future projections are based on a detailed analysis of the most influential factors effecting economies, from energy and raw material prices to technological, political and social factors, to retail and consumption patterns.

The four possible scenarios are Hybrid consumer behavior in convergent worlds of retailing.

Thus, a strong global economy and stable middle class establishes a true model of “Everywhere Commerce” where smartphones and tablets remain consumers’ constant companions.

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Interactive displays are ever-present in city streets, serving as interfaces to the virtual world, and the retail sector targets customers through a variety of channels, such as these interactive displays, as well as offers their goods online and in stationary stores, which results in consumers being able to access and purchase products at all times.

Also, artificial intelligence in the digital retailing sphere implies that the global economy thrives, despite exhibiting significant volatility in preceding years.

A highly developed digital culture evolves in this scenario, which sees all products being sold online, and consumers receiving support of virtual consultants, which will not only check the authenticity of a product and monitor purchase and delivery, but also place the actual order online.

The study further determined the self-presentation in virtual communities, implying the world economy experiences rapid growth and the increase in wealth creates an affluent consumption-oriented middle class, whose values have shifted away from work and more towards leisure.

Therefore, niche retail websites, which offer selective and a dynamically-changing assortment for individual lifestyles, becomes the focal point of regional and global lifestyle communities primarily driving online retail.

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DHL Global E-Tailing 2025 study, then, linked the collaborative consumption in a regionalised retailing landscape to a crisis scenario whereby consumer consumption patterns develop after the global economy suffers another financial crisis.

Under these circumstances, a high degree of protectionism brings international retailing to a complete standstill.

The powerful shift of the economy leads to a substantial change in consumer habits and results in consumers buying locally, as a rule.

According to Sumesh Rahavendra, head of Marketing for DHL Express, Sub Saharan Africa, e-tailing, the sale of goods and services through the Internet, has exploded globally, especially in emerging countries and despite the various possible future scenarios , it is clear e-tailing will continue to boom.

“Currently, eCommerce already makes up 8% of the overall trading volume in Europe. Depending on the scenario, this share could rise up to 40% in developed countries and up to 30% in today’s emerging markets,” said Rahavendra.

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He added that, “The factor which all scenarios have in common is that the competition in electronic retail, whether on global, national or regional level, will become more intense. We don’t know for certain what the world will look like in 2025, but the study’s various scenarios show how rapid the global retail sector, both online and offline, is changing and that logistics will be a focal point of these change processes.

“While e-tailing can facilitate the transaction of the changing consumer trends, the delivery of the product needs to be considered. Many retailers put significant focus to attract customers, but more effort needs to be paid to facilitating flawless delivery to customers. Even more so when deliveries begin being measured in minutes, as opposed to hours and days. This will require logistics to adapt, as well as deliver competitive advantages, such as offering same day delivery and flexible returns.”

“In the future, logistics will take over the role as an enabler for online retailers even more so than today. As a logistics company, we have a good overview on companies in various industries in almost all countries of the world. In Africa, we are continually noticing the rise of e-tailing on the continent and we are increasingly becoming an advisor to these businesses and partner for success, as opposed to a just a traditional service provider”.

On his part, Randy Buday, DHL Nigeria’s country manager, who spoke on DHL’s current involvement with the fast developing ecommerce industry in Nigeria, said, “With the continuous improvement in broadband internet services, growing confidence in online payment, a population of over 160 million and an already thriving e-commerce market, Nigeria is fast becoming a game-changer in African e-commerce.

“We constantly receive requests with regards to our services in the industry and as result we have been able to partner with companies like Jumia, Konga, 3AL and some other the big players in the sector. Some of the most challenging constraints for business operations in Nigeria are transport and logistics, and our logistics infrastructure now enables ecommerce firms like Jumia and Konga service all of Nigeria’s 36 states”.

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The Global E-Tailing 2025 study was initiated by Deutsche Post DHL with participation of the trend research institutions Z_punkt and See More as well as numerous international experts from retail, logistics and academia.

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Breathe Life Foundation Empowers Young People to Breathe Life

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Breathe Life Foundation partnered with Teach Nigeria Fellow, Ms Bunmi Rotimi, to deliver a respiratory health awareness session for over 200 senior students of Cleggs Girls High School, Surulere, Lagos.

The session equipped students aged 15–19 years with practical knowledge about the risks associated with smoking, vaping, and shisha, while challenging the misconception that shisha is a safer alternative to cigarettes or other substances.

Through an engaging and interactive discussion, students explored the influence of peer pressure and learned practical strategies for making healthier, more informed lifestyle choices.

They also gained a better understanding of common environmental triggers of asthma and other respiratory conditions, including cigarette smoke, generator fumes, bush burning, mosquito coil smoke, candles, charcoal, and firewood.

The session highlighted an important reality: young people may not always recognise how seemingly routine lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can gradually affect their respiratory health, quality of life, and long-term wellbeing.

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For Breathe Life Foundation, this reinforces the importance of shifting the conversation from treatment to prevention through awareness and education. By equipping young people with the knowledge to identify risks and make healthier choices early, the Foundation is helping to build a generation that is more conscious of – and better prepared to protect – its respiratory health.

Breathe Life Foundation is dedicated to advancing respiratory health, an often-neglected public health priority. Healthy lungs are essential to life, yet respiratory diseases remain among the world’s leading causes of death and disability, even though many are preventable and treatable.

 

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ASUS and Konga Unveil West Africa’s First Flagship Experience Store in Lagos

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Nigeria’s technology retail landscape reached another significant milestone on Monday, August 3, 2026, as global technology giant ASUS, in partnership with Konga, officially commissioned its first flagship experience store in West Africa.

ASUS and Konga Unveil West Africa’s First Flagship Experience Store in Lagos

Strategically located at 16 Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos; the heartbeat of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, the state-of-the-art facility represents a major investment in customer experience, product accessibility, and digital innovation.

The launch also reinforces Konga’s growing reputation as a preferred gateway for leading global technology brands into the Nigerian market.

The landmark event attracted Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who officially commissioned the store.

Also in attendance were the Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh; Chief Operating Officer of Konga, Dave Omoregie; VP Omni-channel & Commercial Planning, Melvin Onochie; and Head of Marketing and Communications at Konga Group, Victor Oluwaleye.

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The ASUS team was led by E.EMEA General Manager, Aaron Tsai, alongside Business Development Manager, Sunnie Chen; Sales Manager, Mohammed Kazim; Gaming Product Manager, Joy Chen; Marketing Manager, Adeola Odeleye; and Sales Specialist, Williams Okenna.

The Honourable Minister described the facility as a defining achievement for Nigeria’s digital economy, noting that it is far more than the opening of a retail outlet.

He called it a strong vote of confidence by a global technology brand in Nigeria’s innovation, science, and technology ecosystem and the immense potential of its market.

He noted that his presence underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, describing such partnerships as essential to achieving Nigeria’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy driven by private enterprise and enabled by government.

The Minister paid tribute to Leo Stan Ekeh, describing him as one of the foremost architects of Nigeria’s digital transformation.

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He announced that Ekeh had recently agreed to champion the Federal Government’s Youth and Students in Innovation initiative, a flagship programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with entrepreneurial and technology skills.

According to him, Ekeh’s decades of visionary entrepreneurship have played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s technology ecosystem and attracting prominent technology companies into the Nigerian market.

Using the occasion to address the international business community, the Minister encouraged global investors and brands to look beyond establishing commercial operations in Nigeria and actively partner with the government in driving national development.

He assured investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that safeguards investments and delivers sustainable returns.

Speaking at the event, ASUS E.EMEA General Manager, Aaron Tsai, expressed appreciation to partners, government representatives, and customers for their support.

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He explained that the flagship store was conceived to provide consumers with direct access to authentic ASUS products, and expressed confidence that the partnership with Konga will further accelerate the brand’s growth and strengthen customer engagement in the region.

The experience centre features dedicated sections showcasing ASUS’ complete portfolio of premium laptops, gaming devices, AI-powered PCs, and cutting-edge innovations. A standout attraction is an interactive digital display that allows visitors to explore ASUS’ latest technologies virtually before making purchase decisions, creating a more engaging and informed customer journey. Plus, every ASUS device purchased through the flagship store or online on Konga comes with a special one-year replacement warranty at no extra cost.

In his remark, Chief Operating Officer of Konga Group, Dave Omoregie, said the flagship store reflects Konga’s deliberate strategy to give Nigerian consumers a seamless blend of online and offline retail.

He noted that Konga’s logistics network, payment infrastructure, and nationwide retail footprint uniquely position the company to support global brands like ASUS at scale, while ensuring customers enjoy authentic products backed by reliable after-sales service.

According to him, the partnership demonstrates what becomes possible when world-class technology brands trust Nigerian platforms to deliver exceptional experiences, adding that Konga remains committed to setting the operational standard for authentic technology retail across the country.

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The launch further reinforces the enduring partnership between ASUS and Konga, built on shared values of innovation, authenticity, and customer satisfaction.

It also highlights Konga’s continued evolution beyond traditional e-commerce into a comprehensive omnichannel technology ecosystem that combines online convenience with physical retail experiences.

For Nigerian consumers and businesses, the new ASUS Flagship Experience Store represents more than a retail outlet; it is a symbol of confidence in Nigeria’s technology market. It highlights Konga’s commitment to bridging the gap between global technology brands and Nigerian consumers. With its robust logistics infrastructure, digital payment solutions, and nationwide physical retail presence, Konga continues to set the standard for authentic, accessible, and reliable technology retail across Africa.

The flagship store opening featured guided product demonstrations, immersive technology experiences, exclusive launch-day offers and customer engagement activities celebrating this historic milestone.

Customers can begin shopping immediately at the ASUS Flagship Experience Store, located at 16 Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos. Visitors can explore authentic ASUS products, experience live product demonstrations, receive expert guidance, and access dedicated Starlink customer-support services.

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SERAP Asks Tinubu to Probe Alleged N6.79Bn Missing Police Funds, Firearms

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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), attorney general of the federation and minister of Justice; Olatunji Rilwan Disu, inspector-general of Police, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that more than ₦6.79 billion in public funds were missing, diverted or misapplied within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.

SERAP Asks Tinubu to Probe Alleged N6.79Bn Missing Police Funds, Firearms

The allegations are contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2022 Annual Report, published on September 9, 2025.

In a letter dated August 1, 2026, and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, deputy director, SERAP,  the organisation urged the government to ensure that anyone implicated in the report is prosecuted and that all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition are recovered.

“Anyone suspected to be responsible—including contractors, companies and public officials implicated in the report—should be promptly prosecuted, while all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition should be fully recovered, secured and properly accounted for.”

SERAP described the Auditor-General’s findings as a serious breach of public trust.

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“The Auditor-General’s findings suggest a grave betrayal of the public trust and raise serious concerns about corruption and the management of public funds, police exhibits, firearms and ammunition.”

The organisation also expressed concern over allegations involving missing firearms, unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, and poor storage of weapons.

“The report also raises serious concerns over missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, creating significant risks to public safety and national security.”

According to SERAP, the alleged diversion of funds meant for policing and the reported irregularities have weakened the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The diversion of funds meant for policing, abandoned security projects, missing firearms and ammunition, and the misuse of police exhibits undermine the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force, weaken public confidence and may contribute to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.”

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The organisation said the Auditor-General’s report documented several alleged financial irregularities, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, irregular procurement, unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims and payments for services allegedly not rendered.

“The report documented numerous alleged financial irregularities within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, and irregular procurement.”

“The report also documented unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims, payments for services allegedly not rendered, and other suspected diversion and misapplication of public funds amounting to over ₦6.79 billion.”SERAP further cited allegations of missing firearms and ammunition, failures to properly account for recovered weapons and exhibits, and insecure storage of firearms.

“The allegations also include missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for recovered firearms and other exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, posing serious risks to public safety and national security.”

The organisation gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its demands, warning that it would pursue legal action if no response is received.

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“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal action to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

SERAP also argued that the allegations, if left unaddressed, would violate constitutional provisions requiring the government to combat corruption and safeguard the welfare and security of Nigerians.

Among the specific findings cited from the Auditor-General’s report were allegations of payments for abandoned and unexecuted police projects worth hundreds of millions of naira, inflated contract values, unretired cash advances, irregular procurement processes, unsettled insurance claims exceeding ₦681 million, over ₦1 billion in uncleared insurance policy liabilities, missing firearms and ammunition, unauthorised release of police exhibits, and contracts allegedly awarded without due diligence by the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.

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