FIRMS JOIN FORCES TO PROMOTE ONLINE SHOPPING IN TANZANIA

The number of Internet users in Tanzania is estimated at nine million. This is said to have been attracted by completion of the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) and the booming number of mobile phone users.

Dar es Salaam. Africa Internet Group (AIG), a network of companies offering online services, is targeting Tanzania’s middle class to transform the country into online shopping culture.

The group of firms like Carmudi, Kaymu, Jumia, Hellofood and Lamudi which also operate in Tanzania said that it was important to shift attention to online shopping as it remained simple and safe.

In their unity, the group says given the current internet penetration through mobile phone which is at about 20 per cent, it is an opportunity for the youth to use the technology for productive activities.

“Unlike Kenya where most people use internet for searching opportunities, here in Tanzania most of internet use is for chatting. This has to change,” said Lamudi country manager Godlove Nyagawa. He said there is hope of change as some people have started using internet on their mobile phones for searching properties, cars, dressing, ordering food and finding opportunities available.

“We have noticed the increasing number of youth going online searching for opportunities and properties.

We hope the trend will continue changing in a positive way,” he said.

AIG’s experience shows that the impact of growing middle class in Tanzania is felt and this is because of kind of goods and services that are highly demanded by youth with possible disposable income.

Carmudi which mainly deals with vehicles online testifies that its main customers are youth who seek vehicles to mainly accommodate family needs. “The most vehicles that are of choice are of Toyota brands, but not VX which are mainly affordable to the rich,” said Carmudi managing director William Day.

The Citizen