CITAD Unveils E-commerce Platform, ShopB.Africa

By Mustapha Salisu

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has launched an e-commerce platform, ShopB.Africa, designed to empower businesses across Africa.

Developed by a team of eight young innovators from the Itas community in Bauchi State, the platform was officially unveiled today at CITAD’s office in Kano.

Speaking at the event, Engr. Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, Executive Director of CITAD, explained that the platform aims to help small business owners take their enterprises online at minimal cost.

“Establishing and managing a website can be demanding, but ShopB.Africa provides small-scale business owners with an affordable alternative. They can register their businesses without needing website development or online marketing skills,” he said.

“It is a customized platform where all you need to do is upload your products, provide descriptions, and list the types of goods or services you offer. From there, you can easily connect with your customers,” Ya’u added.

He also urged the Nigerian government to prioritize digital justice, ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender or location, has access to the internet.

Earlier, Nura Sa’id, the lead developer of ShopB.Africa from Intelligent Technology Associate Solution, highlighted the platform’s unique features.

“The platform allows small and large enterprises to create their own e-commerce websites in just five minutes,” Sa’id said.

“It is similar to well-known e-commerce platforms like Temu, Jumia, and Alibaba. However, unlike traditional e-commerce, where businesses operate under a single marketplace, ShopB.Africa allows users to create their own standalone e-commerce websites, making their products directly available to customers.”

Sa’id further explained that business owners can market their stores using social media tools and receive direct payments for sales.

“We also provide support by connecting businesses with logistics companies to facilitate delivery,” he added.