African fintech firm Payaza Africa has introduced Shopaza, an AI‑driven commerce platform aimed at helping merchants across the continent launch online stores, manage sales, and expand beyond local markets. The unveiling took place at a launch event in Lagos that gathered business leaders, technology experts, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of digital commerce in Africa.
Overview of Shopaza
Shopaza is positioned as an all‑in‑one digital commerce solution that enables merchants to build branded storefronts, manage inventory, and process payments without requiring deep technical expertise. The platform targets small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) that currently rely heavily on social media channels such as WhatsApp and Instagram for sales but lack a dedicated online store.
Key features
- AI‑powered onboarding that guides users through store setup in minutes.
- Smart selling tools that suggest optimal pricing and product listings based on market data.
- Integrated payment gateway supporting multiple African currencies and popular local payment methods.
- Inventory management dashboard that syncs sales across online and offline channels.
- Analytics suite providing insights on customer behavior, sales trends, and cross‑border demand.
AI‑driven capabilities
During the Lagos event, Payaza executives highlighted that the platform’s artificial intelligence engine automates repetitive tasks such as product categorisation, image optimisation, and order routing. According to a company statement, the AI‑powered store builder reduces the average time to launch a functional online shop from several days to under an hour for most users.
“The platform features AI‑powered onboarding and smart selling tools that enable users to get set up quickly, easily manage storefronts, and optimize pricing and product listings for improved performance,” a Payaza spokesperson said at the event.
Promoting cross‑border opportunities
Beyond facilitating domestic sales, Shopaza is designed to support cross‑border trade by simplifying currency conversion, tax calculations, and shipping logistics. Payaza notes that the platform will allow merchants to list products in multiple African currencies and receive settlements in their preferred local currency, thereby reducing friction that often hinders intra‑African e‑commerce.
The launch coincides with a period of growing e‑commerce adoption across the continent. Industry reports indicate that Africa’s online retail market is projected to surpass $75 billion by 2025, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and improved payment infrastructure.
Panel discussion insights
A major highlight of the Lagos launch was a panel discussion titled “Building a scalable e‑commerce business across Africa.” Participants included:
- Tracy Ajoku – Founder, Saint Tracy’s
- Chioma Ifeanyi-Eze – Founder, AccountingHub and Chioma Business School
- Ola Daramola – CEO & Co‑founder, Bluebulb Financials
- Kelechi Ekugo – Senior Country Director, US‑Nigeria Council for Food Security, Trade & Investment
- Seun Alley – Founder & CEO, Fez Delivery
The panellists explored how technology, artificial intelligence, and robust financial infrastructure can help African businesses overcome common growth barriers such as payment limitations, fragmented customer bases, and the complexity of adopting digital tools. They emphasized that while many African entrepreneurs possess innovative products and strong community ties, access to reliable digital commerce platforms remains a critical determinant of scalability.
Impact on African SMEs
Payaza positions Shopaza as a step toward bridging the gap between African entrepreneurs and the opportunities presented by the digital economy. By offering a low‑code, AI‑enhanced storefront solution, the platform aims to:
- Reduce the technical barriers that prevent merchants from establishing a professional online presence.
- Provide secure, localized payment options that increase consumer trust.
- Enable data‑driven decision‑making through integrated analytics.
- Support expansion into neighboring markets without the need for separate storefronts or complex legal arrangements.
The company reiterated that Shopaza aligns with its broader mission to deliver financial and technology solutions that empower businesses across the continent, fostering thematically improving their ability to compete in both local and global markets.
Conclusion
The launch of Shopaza in Lagos signals a growing recognition among African fintech players of the need for accessible, intelligent commerce tools tailored to the realities of African SMEs. By combining AI‑driven automation with multi‑currency payment support and analytics, Payaza aims to help merchants transition from informal social‑media sales to structured, scalable online operations—potentially unlocking new revenue streams and contributing to the continent’s digital economic growth.
