Ghana’s Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) has launched an internet payment gateway to enable holders of domestic Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards to make payments and purchases online.
The launch of the ‘gh-link e-Commerce’ is set to promote e-commerce and promote the creation of jobs as various services are needed in the e-commerce value chain.
Definition: eCommerce can be defined as the conduct of transactions by electronic means. As in purchases of goods and services from online stores on the Web. These days many people spend quality time on the social media, commenting on issues and chatting with friends.
A number of small businesses in the Ghana are now on the Internet. They provide a platform where goods can be bought online and delivered to the customer’s doorstep. The emergence of retail online outfits such as Jumia, Konga and Kaymu has also increased people’s participation in this e-commerce. Experts observe that the present trend in e-commerce is a revolution that other entrepreneurs have also embraced. Different sectors of the economy are using the business opportunities this platform provides to expand their services.
In this situational analysis article, I take a look at the top eCommerce sites and businesses in Ghana.
1. eShopAfrica.com
Website: eShopAfrica.com
eShopAfrica.com is a fair trade social business creating sustainable businesses for traditional African artisans. Based in Accra, Ghana. eShopAfrica.com has been trading online since 2001 and was one of the first eCommerce sites based in Africa.
The company is registered in Ghana as an export only company promoting products from the non-traditional sector. They claim to invest in their artisans enabling them to find new markets and grow their businesses in a sustainable way.
2. Tonaton
Website: Tonaton.com
Tonaton.com is a website where you can buy and sell almost everything. The best deals are often done with people who live in your own city or on your own street, so on Tonaton.com it’s easy to buy and sell locally.
All you have to do is select your region. It’s completely free to publish a classified ad on Tonaton.com, and it takes you less than 2 minutes. You can sign up for a free account and post ads easily every time.
Tonaton.com has the widest selection of popular second hand items all over Ghana, which makes it easy to find exactly what you are looking for. So if you’re looking for a car, mobile phone, house, computer or maybe a pet, you will find the best deal on Tonaton.com. Tonaton.com does not specialize in any specific category – here you can buy and sell items in more than 50 different categories.
3. Carmudi
Website: carmudi.com.gh
Carmudi allows you to find the vehicle of your dreams. The website’s aim is to strengthen the position of consumers by providing information on the car market, then put in contact with individuals and professional sellers.
They strive to ensure that every ad should provide the accurate information on each vehicle to make your choice easy.
According to the website, “Our role is to help you find the right car and make the link with the owner. As a member of the family Rocket Internet, we bring our unrivaled experience in the launch of hundreds of companies around the world. With our experience and our know-how, as well as a clear understanding of the specifications of the Ghana car market, we offer the best online market place for vehicles in Ghana. We are also the only market place that provides zero-fraud and trusted sellers with full transparancy creating a premium experience.”
4. Heel The World(HTW)
Website: htwshoes.com
According to HTW: “We make high-end bespoke men’s shoes and leather accessories and use some of the proceeds to support people in the start-up space, collaborate with younger fashion brands, and have paid internships annually.”
“In 2010 Fred went to buy a pair of Italian shoes from a boutique in Osu, Ghana. They were beautiful and he showed them to a shoe-shine boy who was walking by, asking him if they could be made in Ghana. To his dismay the shoeshine boy and other people he knew said that it was impossible for the shoes to be done in Ghana. Fred thought, if we cannot make our own shoes here when will we make our own airplanes? He was then a disappointed banker, and he shared his concern with Vijay Manu, a young ICT undergraduate student. The two of them decided to do 2 things: a high-end shoemaking company that worked to empower young people to chase their dreams, no matter how crazy. in February 2011, Heel The World(HTW) was born.”
Ever since it’s inception they have gone on to add Empowerment Beads, and other leather accessories to their product range. They have been featured on CNN, DSTV, etc and won Best Young Fashion Company in Ghana in 2012 and were awarded by the President of Ghana. They are members of the World Economic Forum and African Leadership Network.
5. Lamudi
Website: lamudi.com.gh
Lamudi helps people find their ideal home, land and commercial property. Its goal is to empower consumers with the most thorough information on the market and bring them in direct contact with the agents. Its listings aim to provide consumers with as much information as possible to gain an in-depth insight on each property. Lamudi Ghana is setting the standard for providing a user friendly, highly visual marketing platform for properties and land in Ghana.
Lamudi Ghana already has over 400 properties listed on their website from individuals and the largest agencies and developers including Orel, Pelican Propertiesand Broll Ghana. Lamudi helps individuals find their perfect property and gives property owners an online presence. Well integrated with various social media platforms, individuals can save their favorite properties to their Lamudi accounts and send them to friends and family over email, Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
6. Jumia
Website: jumia.com.gh
Jumia is essentially one of Africa’s largest online shops for Fashion, Electronics, Home appliances and more.
The website offers a wide selection of products including Men & Women’s Fashion, Mobile Phones, Computers, Electronics, Home Appliances and many more, bringing them right to your doorstep.
Apart from Ghana, Jumia is also available in Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya and Ivory Coast.
According to the company, it offers consumers a wide selection of styles and brands, 100% convenience with our 24/7 online access from your home or office, secure payment such as Bank Deposit/Online banking and Cash on Delivery, exceptional customer care service, fast next-day delivery and returns after 7 days.
7. OLX
Website: olx.com.gh
OLX, another classifieds platform focused on emerging markets, both mobile and online. OLX is the next generation of free online classifieds. They act as a venue to allow our users who comply with their terms to offer, sell, and buy products and services listed on the Website.
Although you may be able to conduct payment and other transactions through the Website, using third-party vendors such as PayPal, OLX is not in any way involved in such transactions.
8. Baahe.com
Website: baahe.com
Baahe.com is the subsidiary store to Kaizen Global Consult which specializes in the sales of high quality and affordable electronic devices as well as sales consultancy.
According to the website: “We at Baahe.com (Kaizen Sales Consult) are dedicated to serving you in the comfort of your offices and homes by our payment on delivery policy.”
9. Tisu
Website: tisu.com.gh
Tisu is a local daily deals and discounts website for the very best that Accra has to offer. The website claims to give consumers an easy & fun way to get huge discounts while discovering new places all across the city.
With new deals every 24 hours on restaurants, spas, travel, entertainment & electronics, consumers can now discover valuable local experiences at an unbeatable price
According to the website: “We understand the importance of employees and our clientele. Our sales team work hard getting our valued customers the best deals in town. Our customer service department will address any concerns in a swift manner.”
Ringier Ghana is the parent company of Tisu. Ringier is a Swiss multimedia organization with offices in 13 countries around the world.
10. Zoobashop
Website: Zoobashop.com
Zoobashop.com is a Ghanaian-owned online retail store that offers a variety of electronics, home appliances, items of fashion etc., at decent prices. It currently delivers to all addresses in Accra and Tema, and expects to expand its delivery coverage in the not too distant future.
Zoobashop allows several modes of payment, from the conventional cash-on-delivery to online credit/debit card payments, so paying for the things you buy is easy and convenient.
11. Souq Afrique
Website: store.souqafrique.com
Souq Afrique is a company that celebrates African creativity. The website stocks products that are made in Africa or inspired by Africa.
Its goal is to be the one-stop-shop for Afro-centric goods not only within the continent, but also internationally.
The company strives for professionalism, hard-work and dedication in all of its endeavors in the hopes of being an example of the success that can be achieved when Africa is inspired.
12. Kaymu
Website: kaymu.com.gh
According to Kaymu it is the one of the top online shopping communities in Ghana. It essentially connects buyers with sellers and vice-versa.
According to the website founders: “We believe that the internet can break economic barriers and change the way business is done. Therefore, we want to bring e-commerce into the lives of Africans, to empower local entrepreneurs by helping them take their business online and to make shopping easy and accessible to everyone.”
Kaymu was launched in December 2012 by Africa Internet Group, the e-commerce pioneer in Africa and it is backed by Millicom, MTN and Rocket Internet. The company has spread to over 32 countries across Africa, Asia and Europe today with new countries being launched every month.
Edited by Darryl Linington
About the author:
Anang Tawiah is a New York City based Management Consultant specializing in Investment Risk and Technology Strategy. He continues to guide many Blue chip companies and Governments as a Business and Technology Consultant. Please direct all follow up questions, concerns, request for speaking engagements and presentations regarding my articles and research to my Facebook Page listed below.
You can read more of his analysis or reach him for further professional consultations and or guidance at the following links: WordPress: www.anangtawiah.com – Facebook: www.facebook.com/AnangTawiah
