Online shopping is one of the most significant technological innovations of recent times. Instead of leaving what you’re doing to visit multiple shops and supermarkets, you can simply order everything you need on your smartphone or computer and have it delivered to your doorstep or a pickup station near you.
Online shopping has evolved, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, moving from a nice-to-have to a critical part of the Nigerian shopping experience.
Whether you're a frequent shopper, a bargain hunter, or just exploring new options, here’s a guide to Nigeria's seven best online shopping apps. This overview covers popular all-purpose apps like Jumia and Konga and options tailored to specific needs.
TLDR: Key takeaways from this article
- Nigeria’s top online shopping apps include Jumia, Konga, and Jiji, each with unique features.
- Most apps offer competitive prices, regular discounts, and reliable delivery options.
- Mobile eCommerce in Nigeria is rising due to increased smartphone usage and Internet access.
- Most top-rated apps, like Jumia, feature secure payment gateways and reliable return policies.
- Discover the best shopping app for your needs, from fashion to electronics or household items.
Overview of online shopping in Nigeria
Growth and trends in Nigerian eCommerce
Increased Internet access and smartphone adoption are driving Nigeria’s eCommerce boom. Major platforms like Jumia and Konga have tapped into this trend, offering a broad range of products. Since COVID-19, the role of online shopping has only grown, emphasizing the importance of digital platforms in everyday life.Be
Importance of mobile applications in eCommerce
While most eCommerce platforms offer a web option, mobile apps have made online shopping more accessible and efficient. They provide Nigerian shoppers with a personalised shopping experience, instant notifications for sales and deals, and in-app payment options, fuelling their popularity. Take Jumia, for instance; the app sends you personalised discounts via push notifications.
Top seven online shopping apps in Nigeria
Below are the seven best online shopping apps in Nigeria:
- Jumia
- Konga
- Jiji
- Kara
- Slot
- Oraimo store
- Oyato
1. Jumia [Best For General Shopping]
Jumia is one of Nigeria’s largest and most popular eCommerce platforms, offering everything from electronics to groceries. Known for its broad product range and regular discounts, Jumia has a reputation for competitive prices and frequent sales events like Black Friday.
Key features:
- Diverse product categories: It offers a wide range of items, from electronics and fashion to groceries, making it a one-stop shop.
- Frequent sales and promotions: Regularly hosts major sales events, like Black Friday, to offer significant discounts across categories.
- Multiple payment options: Supports various payment methods, including pay-on-delivery, which adds flexibility for users concerned with online payment security.
- JumiaPay: Secure a proprietary digital wallet for convenient online transactions.
Pros: reliable delivery, easy-to-navigate app, responsive customer support, and seven-day return policy.
Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.
Cons: Delivery times can vary depending on location, and multiple items ordered together can arrive separately.
Best for: shoppers seeking a wide range of products and competitive pricing.
2. Konga [ Best for Online and offline Shopping]
Notable for its rapid delivery, Konga has established itself as a go-to app for quality goods. With options like KongaPay, it provides secure payment solutions, making transactions smoother for shoppers. Like Jumia, its online marketplace gives vetted businesses a platform to sell to shoppers.
Key features:
- Quality products: focuses on genuine, high-quality items from trusted brands.
- KongaPay offers a secure in-app payment gateway for simplified and secure in-app transactions.
- Reliable delivery service: Known for dependable delivery options that cater to different user preferences and locations across Nigeria.
- Konga Prime is a customer loyalty program that gives exclusive access to promotions, rewards, and partnerships.
Pros: authentic products, secure payment, platform-vetted businesses, and a seven-day return policy.
Cons: Items ordered together come separately, sometimes from the same vendor.
Best for: People who prioritise products and delivery reliability.
3. Jiji [ Best For Buying Cars and Real Estate]
Jiji is an excellent eCommerce platform for buying and selling new and second-hand goods. It’s widely used for buying and selling everything from electronics to cars, making it Nigeria’s largest online marketplace for classified ads. The platform also lets you look up hotels and rentals.
Key features:
- Classified ad listings: Post and search for classified ads, making it simple to sell, buy, and rent directly within the community.
- New and second-hand items: Popular for its wide selection of new and used goods.
- Direct user-to-user transactions: Like a real-life market (think Oshodi Market or Wuse Market), Jiji enables peer-to-peer sales, which leaves room for negotiations.
- Diverse listings across categories: hosts listings from individuals and businesses, covering unique and sometimes rare items.
Pros: Great for deals on second-hand products.
Cons: Quality control is limited; some listings may need to be more accurate.
Best for: bargain hunters looking for used items at great prices.
4. Kara
Kara is an eCommerce platform that focuses on electronics, mobile phones, and home appliances. Its app is designed for quick navigation, making it simple to find what you need.
Key features:
- Electronics and appliance focus: Specialises in electronics, home appliances, and tech gadgets.
- Competitive pricing: Known for affordable pricing on tech products.
- Quick navigation: The app and web are simple to browse.
- WhatsApp shopping. Offers the option of continuing your shopping on WhatsApp for a more personalised shopping experience.
Pros: Great for tech products and accessories, with a seven-day return policy.
Cons: At the time of writing this article, you had to contact them to confirm prices due to inflation-induced fluctuations.
Best for: buyers looking for affordable tech products and home appliances.
5. Slot [ Best For Phones and Gadgets]
Slot is popular for Nigerians looking to get authentic electronics, especially mobile phones. The company guarantees genuine products from trusted brands and has a solid reputation for reliable after-sales service.
Key features:
- Genuine electronics and devices: Guarantees authenticity, especially for mobile devices, computers, and electronics.
- Comprehensive after-sales service: robust after-sales support, assisting users with device setup, repairs, and warranties.
- Warranty: Many products have warranties, providing users with added purchase security.
Pros: Genuine products with warranty options. One-year warranty and seven-day return policy
Cons: Limited options outside mobile devices
Best for: Individuals who want reliable electronics and smartphones
6. Oraimo Store [ Best for Mobile Accessories]
Oraimo online store is a popular choice in Nigeria for reliable tech accessories, including power banks, headphones, and smartwatches. Known for durable, affordable electronics, Oraimo appeals to users seeking high-quality gadgets at competitive prices.
Key features:
- Focus on electronics and accessories: Specialises in accessories like power banks, headphones, and smartwatches. It also has household appliances like vacuum cleaners.
- Promotions: Frequently offers deals and discounts across product categories.
- Warranty and product support: Products come with warranties.
- Free delivery: Free delivery anywhere in Nigeria if you purchase items worth over ₦20,000.
- Cash on delivery: Offers only payment on delivery option.
Pros: quality tech accessories, warranty, cash on delivery, and free delivery above a certain amount.
Cons: Limited to accessories and electronics.
Best for: shoppers looking for reliable accessories at budget-friendly prices.
7. Oyato
Officially launched in 2022, Oyato evolved from LikeParadise, a platform founded in 2017 that offered electronics, appliances, and accessories. Acquired by Oyato Group in 2020, the company was rebranded as Oyato and later introduced its mobile app in 2022. Today, Oyato stands out for integrating a social shopping experience and flexible payment options.
Key features:
- Tech products: Offers a wide selection of gadgets, accessories, and home appliances.
- Pay-later options: Provides financing options for approved users.
- Social commerce: supports shopping via WhatsApp.
- Pre-used items: Features discounted second-hand products.
Pros: Flexible payment, broad tech selection, and simple social shopping.
Cons: Limited to specific categories; app features could be further developed.
Best for: Online shoppers looking for tech items with flexible payment solutions
Comparison of leading apps
1. Product variety
Some apps, like Jumia and Konga, cover many product categories, while others, like Slot and Oraimo, specialise in devices, electronics, and accessories. If you’re looking for a variety of products, Jumia and Konga are top choices, but for specific needs like smartphones, consider apps like Slot. Jiji and Oyato offer both new and pre-owned items.
2. Pricing and discounts
Jumia, Oraimo, and Konga offer frequent sales and promotions, making them popular among budget-conscious Nigerians. While Slot focuses on value with genuine electronics, Oyato offers competitive prices on tech and appliances. Jiji allows you to negotiate prices with the seller.
3. Delivery options
Delivery speed and reliability vary by platform. Jumia and Konga provide delivery to various locations across Nigeria, while apps like Slot offer in-store pickups for quicker access. Jiji’s peer-to-peer transactions often involve in-person meetups for product handover.
4. User reviews and ratings
Based on app store ratings, Jumia scores highly for customer satisfaction. In contrast, Konga was rated poorly. Users rate Jiji's app as intuitive, with Slot noted for genuine products. Oraimo is also praised for its ease of use, though delivery can sometimes be delayed.
FAQs about online shopping apps in Nigeria
Which online shopping app offers the best prices?
Jumia has the best deals due to frequent sales events. However, bargain hunters may find unique deals on Jiji for second-hand goods.
What are the delivery charges for these apps?
Delivery fees vary depending on the location and product type. Some apps, like Konga, offer free delivery on specific items or during promotions, while Jumia can be as low as ₦600 to some locations. You get free delivery if you spend more than ₦20,000 on the Oraimo store app.
How can I ensure the safety of my transactions?
Choose apps with secure payment options, like JumiaPay or KongaPay. Additionally, avoid sharing personal information outside the app’s secure payment channels.
Can I return products if I'm not satisfied?
Most apps, including Jumia, Konga, and Slot, offer a seven-day return policy. Check each platform's return policy to understand the procedure and time limits.
Conclusion
Summary of top online shopping apps
In Nigeria’s rapidly growing eCommerce space, Jumia, Konga, and Jiji stand out as top choices for diverse products, reliable delivery, and affordable prices. Each app offers unique advantages, from Jumia’s wide variety to Slot’s emphasis on genuine electronics.
Recommendations for different shopping needs
- Smartphones and computers: Slot and Oyato.
- Accessories and household appliances: Oraimo and Slot.
- Second-hand and bargain deals: Jiji and Oyato.
- General shopping: Jumia and Konga.
Choosing the right app depends on your shopping needs. This guide will better equip you to enjoy a seamless shopping experience tailored to your preferences.
