Nigeria’s informal retail economy—largely driven by neighbourhood kiosks, open-market traders, and small distributors—moves billions of naira daily, yet remains one of the most fragmented and underserved sectors in the country. Now, a new wave of founders is stepping forward with a digital solution designed to organise this massive but chaotic ecosystem, helping small retailers access inventory, credit, and data-driven tools that can transform their businesses.
At the centre of this innovation is a team of young entrepreneurs who recognised a persistent problem: despite their economic importance, informal retailers operate largely offline. They juggle multiple suppliers, inconsistent pricing, manual bookkeeping, and unpredictable access to working capital. These challenges limit their growth and often force them into unfavourable credit cycles or stockouts that weaken profitability.
The founders’ platform aims to fix this by building a digital infrastructure layer for informal retail. Through a mobile app, shop owners can order inventory from multiple distributors at once, compare prices, track sales, and manage stock digitally—capabilities that were previously available only to larger, more formal businesses. The solution also introduces embedded credit, allowing retailers to access small working-capital loans based on their purchasing history and transaction data.
Beyond digitising transactions, the startup is building a data engine that maps retailer behaviour and supply-chain patterns across cities. This visibility helps distributors optimise delivery routes, manage demand fluctuations, and eliminate inefficiencies that increase product costs. It also creates opportunities for FMCG companies to engage retailers directly, run targeted promotions, and reach previously invisible markets.
Early adoption has been strong. Pilot tests in major markets like Lagos, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt show that retailers who adopt the app increase their inventory turnover and reduce stockouts significantly. Many also report improved record-keeping, helping them qualify for credit and make better financial decisions.
For the founders, the mission goes beyond technology. They see their platform as a pathway to formalisation—giving millions of small retailers the digital tools, financial access, and operational support needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. As Nigeria’s informal retail backbone becomes increasingly connected, these entrepreneurs are positioning their solution as the infrastructure that can power the next phase of commerce in the country.
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