E-Business
OyaOya Unveils Africa’s First Online On Demand Commodities Trading Platform
The OyaOya platform rides on cutting-edge technology to connect four essential components together in a seamless and efficient flow – a marketplace for vendors to present their products, customers to select a product, commodity transporters and an escrow payment system for secure transactions.
Khalil Halilu, chief executive officer, OyaOya, announced the pilot run of the marketplace with 3,000+ registered vendors already saying that it opens Africa’s first Commodity on Demand hub leveraging technology to raise the bar for the commodity value chain across the continent.
Nigeria and other African economies are projected to increase shares of the global sales due to growing participation in e-commerce and accelerated growth forecast expected out of developing economies, the OyaOya CEO said.
“OyaOya aims to have 10% of farmers and 40% of petroleum product traders on its platform by the end of 2018”, Halilu said while explaining that the platform will also provide a one-stop-shop for commodity market information.
“We are also mindful that today’s urban dweller is a very busy person. He or she does not have the time to go out for cooking gas or shop around for groceries. Similarly, businesses want access to the best items at the best prices, delivered to them with ease. This is where OyaOya comes in. The platform provides the customer access to vendors, giving him or her choices based on brand, price, time it takes to deliver and even a vendors rating by other customers”, Halilu said.
Apart from providing a one-stop-shop for commodity market information, OyaOya will also fill the gap for driving efficiency and effective distribution across Nigeria and other African economies, also the escrow payment system will compliment government’s effort going cashless he added.
“OyaOya is an enterprise based on our user friendly online platform designed to connect customers to vendors within close proximity for easy and secure on demand transactions. We believe that buying and selling does not have to be tedious, or time-consuming. We do all the heavy-lifting so you do not have to. We bring a highly innovative and confident team together to make sure we deliver value and quality, when and where you need it – no hassle, no hustle”, Halilu said.
According to the OyaOya CEO, “it is settled long ago that Africa is the commodity-capital of the world, yet the continent has not been able to effectively distribute its resources amongst its people. Farmers face several challenges including trying to get their products to market, inadequate information on how, where and at what price to sell produce. This is compounded by customers not being able to locate them, a mismatch between transporters and owners of commodities, among other factors that have undermined the global competitiveness of the local commodity merchants.”
He explained that, “commodity prices are volatile and extremely difficult to predict and this is due to several challenges faced in the African commodity ecosystem. Some products like petroleum are priced high while some agricultural products are underpriced. Take Benue State for example in the Middle Belt of Nigeria where farmers tend to lose their produce to decay as they cannot get access to customers on time, resulting in losses in both produce and profit.”
OyaOya is positioned to be a key partner of choice to the commodity ecosystem and drive improved performance for the entire value chain. OyaOya is working with reputable organisations such as Interswitch, National Association of Road Transport Owners NARTO, Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending NIRSAL, Nigeria Commodity Exchange Commission, Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria IPMAN, Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria CMAN,Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers and several Agricultural cooperatives he added.
“OyaOya will become a household name in Africa for efficient delivery of quality goods by bringing client and vendor together on a simple, competitive online platform”, according to the CEO. The OyaOya app, which is available on both Apple App Store and Google Play Store, is built from the ground up to bring three components together – customers, vendors and services like delivery, in an ecosystem that is both fast and efficient.
“It is a system for customers searching for different types of commodities with multiple buying options, it is also for business owners looking for a platform to gain more customers and expand profit opportunities. OyaOya provides a user-friendly and secure platform that connects the user to potential customers for easier on-demand transaction without the hassle of physical marketing”, Halilu said.
The OyaOya platform is envisioned to facilitate linkages that guarantees value conversion of exported primary products to become competitive through transformation further up the value stream. Halilu also noted that the company is encouraged to launch and complement ongoing policy thrusts in Nigeria to achieve economic diversification that enhances the competitiveness of several sectors of the economy.
“We are pleased that OyaOya will lead the charge economic diversifications that enables our economy to achieve innovation, job creation and broad-based growth that would improve the lives of broad segments of the population. Khalil Halilu, the OyaOya CEO who holds a Degree and Masters from the University of Hertfordshire, is an industrialist & Techprenuer with vast experience in ICT, manufacturing and trading.
Recently he has occupied himself exploring new disruptive technologies and has refocused his approach towards creating solutions that will quench the thirst of a technology-savvy market. Khalil has worked with several manufacturing and trading industries in Nigeria such as Gongoni Co Ltd, New Anaerobic Digestion LTD UK and much more, giving him an understanding of the challenges in buying and selling of commodities across the African sub region.
Non-profit think tank and research network Research ICT Africa (RIA) has developed the Just AI Framework of Inquiry. The contextually-grounded and action-oriented position paper aims to help African policymakers, researchers and technologists navigate the complexities of developing artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
Developed by RIA executive director Pria Chetty and RIA deputy director Dr Araba Sey, as part of the second phase of the Africa Just AI project, the framework responds to the urgent need to ground AI policy in Africa’s historical and contemporary contexts.
As AI technologies proliferate across every sector of society, the Just AI Framework of Inquiry reframes global debates on ethics and fairness by centring justice as the fundamental quality AI systems must embody, according to RIA.
Rather than replicating governance models designed for high-income economies, the framework calls for an approach that reflects Africa’s diverse democratic systems, development priorities and epistemic traditions, it says.
Through nine interrelated inquiries, from structural inequality and data justice, to democratic governance and environmental sustainability, the Just AI Framework of Inquiry equips policymakers, technologists and researchers with the tools to design and evaluate AI systems that actively promote equity, inclusion and care.
“The framework’s justice-oriented lens connects human rights, ecology and economy, guiding both research and regulatory reform to ensure AI advances public interest outcomes. It aims to move beyond aspirational ethics toward actionable mechanisms for embedding justice across the AI value chain,” notes Dr Sey.
The framework provides a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, moving beyond a narrow focus on technological risk to examine the interplay of AI with sustainable development, security, economic policy and governance.
“It recognises that effective AI governance requires a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise in law, data science, economics and social sciences. This is crucial for developing integrated economic policies and governance frameworks that can address the full spectrum of AI’s societal consequences from labour market transformations to the regulation of intellectual property and competition,” Dr Sey adds.
The next phase of this project will test the framework’s application through participatory engagements with policymakers, civil society and research partners.
According to RIA, tech regulation, when developed through a justice-oriented lens, has the potential to unleash the developmental benefits of advanced innovation. Likewise, when AI systems are governed through justice-oriented frameworks, they can deliver equitable outcomes across diverse societies.
Yet, RIA is of the view that the dominant approaches to AI governance today − anchored in ethics, fairness and responsibility − remain inadequate. They are largely self-regulatory, driven by Global North actors, and designed for high-income countries with vastly different social, political and infrastructural realities. RIA’s research shows these frameworks often fail to recognise the uneven socio-economic contexts that shape life across the African continent.
“We have spent the past three years engaging deeply with this challenge: asking what it means to govern AI in ways that are truly just for Africa,” Chetty explains.
“We see a pressing need for a more deliberate and contextualised approach to AI governance; one that allows African countries to shift from being mere consumers of AI tech, to becoming co-creators of AI systems that reflect our development priorities, democratic values and lived experiences.
“Justice in AI requires more than inclusive aspirations. It demands redress of historical harms and inequities, attention to extractive data and value flows, and a commitment to ensuring that AI’s transformative potential is shared, not concentrated.”
Wild Fusion Digital Centre (WDC), a technology training center based in Lagos and EC-Council, a global leader in cybersecurity certification have partnered to officially launch an advanced ethical hacking programme.
Pix credit…. EC-Council
The announcement was made at a ceremony at WDC headquarters attended by training officials and local business representatives.
The initiative is designed to meet the growing demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria and across Africa.
The programme offers internationally recognized certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified SOC Analyst (CSA), and Blockchain Finance Certified (BFC).
WDC stated the training is conducted in-person and emphasizes practical application, ensuring participants master techniques for detecting and correcting vulnerabilities in computer systems.
The center noted that the training allows individuals and corporate teams to obtain these international-level qualifications without leaving the country.
WDC highlighted that the need for the training is urgent due to the increasing complexity of cyberattacks and a shortage of qualified experts.
The Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) has pointed to a persistent talent deficit, while the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 33% growth in cybersecurity jobs between 2023 and 2033.
The training programme is being launched amid significant growth in the digital sector.
An analysis by Mordor Intelligence estimates the value of the African cybersecurity market at $0.6 billion in 2024, with projections to reach $1.28 billion by 2029, driven by a compound annual growth rate of 13.5% over the period.
Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce giant, Konga, has officially announced the dates for its highly anticipated Konga Yakata 2025, Nigeria’s biggest annual Black Friday sale.
The month-long shopping festival will run from Saturday, November 1st to Sunday, November 30th, 2025, promising shoppers across Nigeria a more exciting, rewarding, and value-packed experience than ever before.
To build anticipation, Early Bird Deals kicked off on October 26th and will run through October 31st, giving early shoppers a head start on some of the year’s most incredible bargains. This exclusive pre-sale window allows customers to secure limited-time offers before the official Yakata sale commences.
Since its inception, Konga Yakata has redefined Black Friday shopping in Nigeria. Evolving beyond a retail event, it has become a nationwide celebration of value, convenience, and trust, firmly positioning Konga as the go-to destination for millions of Nigerians seeking genuine products at the best possible prices.
According to the management of Konga, the 2025 edition of Yakata will surpass previous years with new innovations, expanded product categories, richer customer experiences, and unmatched discounts. This year’s event will feature engaging activities such as Treasure Hunts, Combo Day, Week of Wonder, Flash Sales, Live Auctions on Konga Radio 103.7FM, Giveaways, Freebies, and the same-day delivery option on KongaNow items, ensuring every shopper enjoys an unforgettable experience.
The campaign will also extend across multiple channels, online at www.konga.com and in Konga Retail Stores nationwide, offering customers flexible shopping options and exclusive in-store deals.
A wide range of products will be available across various categories, including Laptops, Desktops and Accessories, Mobile Phones and Tablets, Home and Kitchen Appliances, Electronics, Fashion, Groceries, Baby, Kids & Toys, and Wines & Spirits. Shoppers can expect massive discounts on top brands, including HP, Samsung, Apple, Haier Thermocool, iPower, Tecno, L’Oréal, Zinox, Nexus, Infinix, Nokia, iTec, Polystar, Nivea, and Lenovo, among others.
In line with its mission to promote financial inclusion and digital convenience, KongaPay is offering shoppers an instant 10% discount when they pay with their KongaPay wallet during the Yakata sale. The company has also encouraged customers to download and activate their KongaPay app ahead of the sale for a seamless checkout experience, extra savings, and exclusive wallet-based deals.
Speaking on the upcoming sale, the management reaffirmed Konga’s commitment to customer satisfaction, genuine products, and affordable pricing. “Konga Yakata is not just a sale; it’s a celebration of trust and value,” a company spokesperson noted.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their location or budget, can experience the joy of shopping for authentic products at unbeatable prices. This year, we are going even further with more deals, more engagement, and more innovation to delight our customers.”
Over the years, Konga Yakata has become an integral part of Nigeria’s retail calendar and is widely regarded as the benchmark for Black Friday sales in Africa. It has empowered millions of customers to access premium products, strengthening Konga’s position as a trusted household name in e-commerce.
As the countdown begins, Nigerians are urged to stay alert, prepare their shopping lists, and keep their devices close. Shoppers are also encouraged to follow Konga’s social media channels for firsthand updates, flash alerts, and exclusive Yakata offers.
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