In a move aimed at driving growth and expanding its footprint in Nigeria, Jumia, a leading e-commerce giant, has revealed significant leadership changes. Massimiliano Spalazzi, who has been at the helm as CEO of Jumia Nigeria for 11 years, will step down in December 2023. This comes as part of the company’s strategic vision for the future.

Spalazzi, a pioneer employee of Jumia, has played a crucial role in shaping the company’s trajectory. His departure opens the door for Sunil Natraj, the current CEO of Jumia Ghana, who was appointed last year. Natraj is set to assume his new role in January 2024, marking a seamless transition in leadership.

The announcement of Natraj’s appointment was made by Francis Dufay, CEO of Jumia Group, during a media parley held recently in Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. Dufay emphasized the company’s commitment to being a Nigerian company rather than limiting itself to Lagos. “We want to continue what Spalazzi started,” Natraj affirmed during the event.

Natraj outlined ambitious plans for Jumia’s expansion, revealing the company’s intention to reach more Nigerian cities. Among the cities under consideration are Akure and Ilorin, with additional focus on locations along the route to Ibadan, Warri, and Benin in the first quarter of 2024. The overarching strategy is to build an extensive network that spans the entire country.

“We are targeting cities with a population of more than 20,000 people,” explained Dufay. Drawing inspiration from successful expansion models in Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal, the CEO highlighted Nigeria as Jumia’s most significant market. Despite facing challenges, including a workforce reduction in the fourth quarter of 2022 and adjustments to advertising budgets, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to growth.

As Jumia navigates its evolution, the leadership changes underscore a strategic shift towards a more expansive and customer-centric approach. The focus on reaching a broader audience and diversifying services aligns with the company’s vision for sustained success in the dynamic e-commerce landscape.