Finally, Jumia IPOs. But is it truly an African e-commerce startup?

Jumia has finally listed on NYSE a few hours ago and they’re being touted as the “1st African Tech Startup” to do so. There have been arguments around the above claim since they filed for IPO back in March, so I’m throwing it to the house once again for our opinions (and the implications, if any): is Jumia truly an African e-commerce startup?

Just so you know: From their Form F-1, the startup

  • operated through Africa Internet Holding GmbH, incorporated on June 26, 2012 as a limited liability company under German law.

  • Officially changed its name to Jumia Technologies AG on January 31, 2019.

  • has its executive offices are Berlin, Germany.