By Emma Okonji
Jumia, an e-commerce platform in Africa has announced a partnership with Reckitt Benckiser, the global health products manufacturer to help African consumers access hygienic products at the lowest price.
The partnership, which will cover all the eight markets where Jumia operates, such as Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa and Uganda, is expected to provide a steady supply of hygiene products such as soap bars, disinfectants, and liquid hand wash at affordable pricing. These products are facing a growing demand from consumers taking hygiene precautions to prevent the spread of the Covid-19, also known as Coronavirus. In the partnership deal, Jumia will not take commission on Dettol, JIK and Harpic, and will reinvest the initial commission into discounts on the consumer price.
Reckitt Benckiser is financing free shipping nationwide on all listed products. Consumers will be able to access all products from the “Stay Safe” page on Jumia, co-owned with Reckitt Benckiser.
Senior Vice President, at Jumia Group, Romain Christodoulou, said: “At Jumia, our primary concern is the health and well-being of our teammates, consumers, partners and communities. We strive to continue operating so that customers continue to use e-commerce as a safe way to shop in this challenging time. We are proud to work closely with Reckitt Benckiser through the “Stay Safe” campaign, which shares consistent information about COVID-19 and provides access to key hygiene products at the most affordable price possible for our consumers.”
The partnership will also provide critical information around Coronavirus. Reckitt Benckiser has created the Mythbuster website to help update consumers on risks and best practices to avoid the virus from spreading. Jumia is creating several awareness campaigns which direct consumers to both the ‘Stay Safe’ page and the ‘Mythbuster’ website.
Senior Vice President, RB Health Africa/Middle East/Turkey, Bart Meermans, said: “Reckitt Bencksier is delighted to partner with Jumia to ensure that access to the highest quality hygiene and health products is a right, not a privilege. By financing nationwide free shipping in all markets where Jumia operates, from capital cities to more rural areas, Reckitt Benckiser is providing a fair access to supply for all consumers, regardless of their location.”
The Director General of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission of Nigeria (FCCPC), Mr. Babatunde Irukera, said: “The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission welcomes the proactive, innovative and socially responsible approach Jumia and Reckitt Benckiser have adopted in addressing potential supply shortages in key hygiene products, ensuring affordability and accessibility, and promoting awareness regarding COVID-19. FCCPC appreciates this and encourages similar dynamism that is consumer centred and provides value to consumers and society at large. We look forward to successful outcomes from this collaboration and will provide required regulatory support that the intention for affordable access is not frustrated or exploited by any, and that those who demonstrate corporate social responsibility are not at a competitive disadvantage against those who do otherwise.”
