Berlin-based Rocket Internet is set to launch an e-commerce
shopping solution in Kenya dubbed Jumia. According to its pre-launch website,
the online retail portal will offer a platform to purchase electronics, books, DVDs
among other items and have them shipped directly to their premises.
Launched by the Samwer Brothers in 2007, Rocket Internet
boasts of over 50 companies in over 40 countries including Groupon and Zalando in
France, HelloFood in Kenya, Ghana and Senegal, Kaymu and Azmalo in Nigeria and
Pakistan, Wimdu and Glossybox in South Africa as well as Jumia in Egypt,
Nigeria, and Morocco.
The company which is known for cloning models of other
eCommerce pioneers, in 1999 founded German eBay clone Alando before selling it to eBay for a cool US$50 million later
that year.
This Rocket Venture will have to brace itself for stiff
competition in Kenya from established Naspers/MIH Internet East Africa’s Mocality Deals and Ringier Kenya’s Rupu.
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According to some credible sources, Nigeria’s leading online
megastore konga.com also wants a piece of Kenya and may be launching later in
the year.
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