The Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA, has launched an online marketplace known as “ASMATA E-commerce Plus” to help traders across markets in the state buy and sell products digitally.
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The platform was introduced at the Onitsha Main Market, one of the biggest trading hubs in Nigeria, as ASMATA said the initiative is aimed at helping traders adjust to modern business trends, improve transactions and reduce the stress linked with physical buying and selling.
Speaking during the unveiling, the President General of ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna, described the platform as a major opportunity for traders in Anambra to grow their businesses beyond physical shops.
According to him, the platform will allow traders to showcase products online, attract more customers and continue business activities easily through digital channels.
Anuna said the response from traders during the launch showed that many people are already interested in the project.
“I am impressed by the large turnout of traders who came to witness the introduction of the ASMATA E-commerce Plus platform because it was less than 24 hours when we informed the market leadership that the event is taking place,” he said.
“The platform is an opportunity that will help the growth of businesses for every shop in all Anambra markets. We urge traders to embrace the platform because it has many benefits that align with today’s digital world.”
He also praised the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for the restructuring efforts going on at the Onitsha Main Market.
According to him, traders are satisfied with the ongoing redevelopment of the market based on its original master plan.
The ASMATA Onitsha Zonal Chairman, Chief Eric Uwaoma, also described the online marketplace as a positive step for traders in the state.
Uwaoma said he was among the first people to register for the platform and encouraged other traders to join.
“I am the first to procure the form and register and I know others will follow suit. Good things are coming to traders in Anambra and we commend the state government,” he said.
Also speaking during the event, the Chairman of Sokoto Road Market, Emeka Mbachu, urged traders to take advantage of the platform, noting that online business is becoming important in modern commerce.
The Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chief Chijioke Okpalaugo, said the platform would have long-term economic benefits for traders and markets in the state.
He added that ASMATA’s leadership has continued to focus on programmes that improve traders’ welfare and business opportunities.
The Application Developer of the platform, Mike Nnebo, explained that the ASMATA E-commerce Plus platform was created to help traders move transactions online for faster sales and delivery.
According to him, traders will be able to upload products online for customers to view and purchase from different locations.
Nnebo said the platform is particularly important for traders affected by the ongoing reconstruction at the Onitsha Main Market.
“The platform will help traders upload their products and showcase them to the public to make purchases,” he said.
“While the construction of a new structure is ongoing, the platform will afford traders the opportunity to still be in business doing online transactions pending when the new structure is completed.”
He added that the platform works both online and offline, while support agents will help monitor transactions and product delivery.
