Techrectory
Africa’s leading e-commerce giant, Jumia, has unveiled its Q2 2023 financial results, revealing a stark 28.1% drop in its customer base, signaling the company’s ongoing struggle against the relentless tide of inflation in its core markets: Nigeria, Ghana, and Egypt.
The company reported that its active user count plummeted by 1 million, sliding to 2.4 million in Q2 2023 from the 3.4 million recorded in the same period last year. Concurrently, the Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) dwindled by 25.1%, from $271.1 million in Q2 2022 to $202.3 million this year.
Jumia’s predicament was exacerbated by the economic challenges confronting its major operating areas. Inflation rates surged, with Ghana reaching an alarming 43%, Egypt at 35%, and Nigeria hitting an 18-year peak of 22.8% in June 2023.
These harsh economic conditions have significantly impacted consumer purchasing power, prompting a decline of 36.5% in orders – a drop from 10.3 million in Q2 2022 to 6.5 million this year.
Francis Dufay, CEO of Jumia Group, acknowledged the tough operating environment and reiterated the company’s commitment to cutting losses and moving towards profitability.
He emphasized that the proactive cost-cutting measures, along with strategic adjustments, have led to a 66% year-over-year reduction in Adjusted EBITDA and Operating losses. The CEO expressed optimism by stating, “We remain confident in the long-term growth potential of our markets and our ability to capture this opportunity in a profitable manner.”
Jumia’s path to recovery hasn’t been without strategic recalibration. A prior shift towards delivering groceries and everyday items was reversed, and a renewed focus on key categories, such as Appliances, is showing promise.
The introduction of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services aims to bolster order volumes, especially in markets familiar with this payment model, like Egypt.
While the company grapples with dwindling user numbers and reduced sales, it’s important to recognize the external factors, like inflation and economic volatility, that are shaping its performance.
Jumia’s efforts to adapt and find profitability amid these challenges reflect the resilience and determination essential for navigating turbulent economic waters. As of June 30, 2023, the company’s liquidity position stood at $166.3 million, highlighting the financial considerations that underscore its pursuit of sustainable growth in an evolving landscape.
