Bigstore Africa, the latest entrant in Kenya’s eCommerce scene, has unveiled its platform following a successful angel funding round.
The online store, specializing in home appliances and authentic gadgets, raised an undisclosed amount from local and international investors. This funding will drive the platform’s expansion within Kenya, offering consumers an extensive range of products.
Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer H.M Ongere expressed that the undisclosed investment, including contributions from angel investors in Kenya, Africa, and the USA, positions Bigstore Africa for substantial growth, solidifying its presence in Kenya’s evolving eCommerce market.
“Our goal is to bring back trust in e-commerce in Kenya by connecting customers across Kenya directly to trusted merchants on our platform. We’ve experienced and seen how people are conned when buying online or receive counterfeit and fake products from dubious sellers and many cases of variations of what you order vs. what is delivered with other platforms currently in the market,” Mr. Ongere said.
With the capital raised from its recent funding round, Bigstore Africa aims to fortify its platform infrastructure, prioritizing scalability and an optimized user experience.
The undisclosed investment will be strategically deployed to enhance technology, ensuring the platform’s robustness to accommodate increased demand. This includes investments in server capabilities, network infrastructure, and cybersecurity measures to fortify the overall platform resilience.
Additionally, a significant portion of the funds will be allocated to the development of user-centric features, improved navigation, and a seamless checkout process, fostering an enhanced and intuitive shopping experience for consumers.
In the heart of Africa’s eCommerce surge, Kenya’s digital market is booming with a projected 15% growth by end 2023, reaching a staggering US$2.3 billion in revenue. Fueled by factors like widespread internet access, smartphone adoption, and affordable data, Kenya’s tech-savvy population embraces online shopping.
Dominated by sectors like electronics (41%) and fashion (31%), key players including Avechi, Jumia, and Kilimall are driving the retail shopping wave. Social media integrations and localized payment solutions contribute to this eCommerce revolution, positioning Kenya as a dynamic player in Africa’s rapidly evolving digital commerce landscape.
Embarking on Kenya’s burgeoning eCommerce scene requires entrepreneurs to navigate crucial steps. The steps to start an ecommerce business begin with strategic product selection and thorough market research, aspiring business owners must then craft a comprehensive business plan, establish a captivating online presence, and secure reliable suppliers.
As the eCommerce market in Kenya anticipates significant growth, projected from US$3,238 million in 2023 to US$2,662.8 million by 2027, entrepreneurs are encouraged to scale their ventures wisely. Implementing effective marketing strategies, investing in automation, and prioritizing exceptional customer service are paramount.
The evolving landscape demands continuous refinement, prompting entrepreneurs to optimize their websites, explore new marketplaces, and leverage positive customer reviews.
In the dynamic world of eCommerce, user experience (UX) emerges as a linchpin for success. Bigstore Africa’s strategic focus on infrastructure enhancement aligns seamlessly with industry trends, acknowledging that a positive UX is a catalyst for increased sales, customer loyalty, and reduced cart abandonment.
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By prioritizing faster load times and mobile optimization, Bigstore Africa positions itself at the forefront of delivering an efficient and satisfying online shopping experience.
In an era where UX directly influences purchasing decisions, Bigstore Africa’s commitment to optimal UX design reflects a forward-thinking approach in the competitive eCommerce landscape, ensuring sustained customer satisfaction and business growth.
In the evolving landscape of kenya e Commerce, Jumia, Magento, Shopify, Kilimall, Jiji, and Masoko emerge as prominent ecommerce platforms catering to diverse consumer needs.
What sells faster in Kenya? Leading the market, electronics constitute 25.3% of revenue, with clothing and shoes dominating online purchases. The sector is robust, with a projected value exceeding KSh 277 billion by 2024.
Aspiring entrepreneurs can tap into this thriving industry, where affordable options like Kilimall coexist with giants like Jumia online buying.
The popularity of online buying platforms underscores Kenya’s dynamic digital market, offering profitable prospects for those navigating the diverse and growing online business ecosystem.
