Nigeria’s First Live Shopping Platform to Launch in April 2025, Aims to Revolutionize Online Selling

Fadekemi Ajakaiye 

Nigerian entrepreneurs looking for a more reliable way to sell online may soon have an alternative as Auqli, the country’s first live shopping platform, prepares to launch in April 2025. The platform seeks to address common challenges faced by online sellers, including abandoned carts, unpaid orders, and social media algorithm restrictions that often limit visibility.

Since its development, Auqli has aimed to create a system that enables sellers to connect with buyers in real time, process transactions instantly, and manage their businesses without depending on third-party social platforms. The platform introduces several features designed to enhance the online selling experience, including live video shopping, cash-on-delivery payment options, integrated logistics, and interactive customer engagement tools that allow buyers to comment, react, and chat in real time.

Many online vendors in Nigeria currently rely on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to market their products, but these platforms were not originally built for e-commerce. Sellers frequently struggle with missed inquiries, unreliable buyers, and fluctuating engagement, making it difficult to translate interest into actual sales. “With social media, sellers are often at the mercy of ever-changing algorithms and unpredictable buyer behavior,” said Paul Jatau, Co-Founder of Auqli. “Visibility doesn’t always mean conversion. Many business owners lose revenue simply because there’s no efficient way to close sales instantly.”

The introduction of live shopping is expected to change how sellers interact with customers. Vendors will be able to host live video sessions where buyers can engage with them directly, ask questions, and purchase products instantly within the same session. To reduce the risks associated with online transactions, Auqli incorporates a buyer verification system to filter out fraudulent orders, ensuring that vendors interact only with serious buyers. “Sellers are tired of chasing payments and dealing with unreliable transactions,” said Odera Joseph Echendu, Chief Executive Officer of Auqli. “With our system, once a buyer commits to a purchase, the sale is finalized immediately. We want business owners to focus on growing their brands rather than constantly dealing with failed transactions.”

To further streamline the process, Auqli offers in-app logistics with multiple delivery options, allowing sellers to fulfill orders efficiently. Buyers will also have the option of cash on delivery, paying only when their order is delivered. This approach not only builds trust but also makes transactions more convenient for customers who may be hesitant to pay upfront. Additionally, Auqli eliminates the need for paid ads by ensuring that sellers can directly connect with their customers without relying on social media algorithms to determine visibility. “Social media is great for exposure, but it doesn’t guarantee sales,” Jatau added. “With live shopping, sellers interact with customers in real time, respond to their questions, and close sales on the spot.”

Beyond live selling, Auqli provides a suite of tools to help businesses manage inventory, process payments securely through mobile money, bank transfers, and digital wallets, and build a loyal customer base through a community-driven marketplace. Sellers will be able to host exclusive live events, product launches, and promotional campaigns, making shopping more engaging and interactive. While details of the platform’s operational model are yet to be fully disclosed, industry watchers will be monitoring its launch closely to see how it influences Nigeria’s growing e-commerce landscape.