Top 10 Products to Sell on Jumia and Kilimall in Africa
Introduction
The African e-commerce space is booming — and if you’ve been thinking about selling online, Jumia and Kilimall are the two best platforms to start. From smartphones to beauty products, millions of Africans are shopping online every day. But the real question is: what are the best products to sell to make the most profit?
Let’s dive deep into the top 10 products that perform exceptionally well on these platforms — products that are in demand, profitable, and easy to source locally or import.
Understanding the African E-commerce Market
E-commerce in Africa has grown at lightning speed over the last decade. According to Statista, Africa’s online retail revenue surpassed US$45 billion in 2024, driven by mobile commerce, digital payments, and youth-driven consumerism.
Rising Internet and Smartphone Penetration
With over 600 million smartphone users, Africa’s young population spends a significant amount of time browsing online stores like Jumia and Kilimall.
Trust and Payment Evolution
Payment gateways like M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and Flutterwave have made it easier and safer for customers to pay online, building trust in e-commerce.
Customer Behavior and Trends
African customers love deals, discounts, and free delivery. They also tend to buy from brands that have good reviews and visible customer support.
Why Sell on Jumia and Kilimall
Both platforms are designed for sellers — whether small businesses or large brands — to reach millions of customers with minimal setup cost.
High Traffic and Brand Trust
Jumia and Kilimall are household names. Listing your products there gives you instant access to millions of ready-to-buy customers.
Logistics and Payment Integration
Both platforms handle payments and delivery logistics, which saves sellers a huge headache and builds buyer confidence.
Ease of Setting Up
Creating a seller account is straightforward, and both offer seller portals where you can manage stock, sales, and performance easily.
How to Choose Profitable Products
Before listing anything online, understand what sells fast and what brings profit.
Market Demand vs. Competition
Focus on high-demand categories with manageable competition. Use tools like Google Trends or Jumia’s “Best Sellers” list.
Seasonal Trends
During festive seasons like Black Friday, Christmas, or back-to-school periods, some products see 3–5x sales.
Profit Margin
Always calculate your net profit after delivery fees, commissions, and packaging costs.
Top 10 Products to Sell on Jumia and Kilimall
#1. Smartphones and Accessories
Africans love affordable smartphones and accessories. Brands like Tecno, Infinix, Samsung, and Xiaomi are top sellers. Add-ons like screen protectors, phone covers, chargers, and earphones also move fast due to impulse buying.
Tip: Bundle items like “phone + free earphones” to increase order value.
#2. Home Appliances
Everyday essentials such as blenders, kettles, irons, fans, and microwaves sell consistently well. Small appliances are ideal since they’re easy to ship and affordable.
Bonus Tip: Offer deals during hot weather (fans, coolers) and festive periods (cookers, blenders).
#3. Beauty and Personal Care Products
From skincare creams to hair extensions, this category is exploding, especially among young African women. Products like makeup kits, beard oils, and natural skincare brands are trending.
Why it works: Repeat purchases and strong visual marketing opportunities.
#4. Fashion and Footwear
Clothes never go out of style. African consumers buy both local and imported brands. Sneakers, handbags, t-shirts, and cultural wear dominate sales.
Tip: Offer size charts and high-quality photos. Use models that represent local body types and style.
#5. Health and Fitness Products
With growing awareness about fitness and wellness, resistance bands, yoga mats, dumbbells, and dietary supplements are hot-selling items.
Trend Insight: Many customers prefer compact, home-use fitness equipment over gym memberships.
#6. Laptops and Computer Accessories
The rise of remote work and online learning means laptops, webcams, keyboards, and laptop stands sell fast.
Tip: Offer refurbished laptops and clear product descriptions for specifications like RAM and storage.
#7. Baby and Kids Products
Parents spend heavily on their children. Diapers, baby bottles, toys, and educational materials are top sellers.
Why it sells: Parents prioritize safety, convenience, and quality. Repeat purchase potential is high.
#8. Kitchen and Dining Essentials
Every home needs cookware, utensils, food containers, and non-stick pans. These are practical items with consistent demand across income levels.
Pro Tip: Bundle complementary items — for example, a cooking pot set with a free spoon set.
#9. Smartwatches and Wearables
Tech-savvy youth are embracing fitness trackers and smartwatches. Affordable models that sync with Android devices perform best.
Why it’s profitable: Lightweight, high-margin, and fits easily into courier logistics.
#10. Car Accessories and Tools
From dashboard phone holders to tire inflators and cleaning kits, car accessories are among the fastest-growing online categories.
Why it’s smart: Huge market of car owners, low return rate, and repeat purchases for maintenance tools.
Best Practices for Selling Online
- Use SEO in Product Titles: Include brand, model, and key features. Example: “Infinix Hot 12 – 128GB, 4GB RAM, Dual SIM.”
- Provide Clear Descriptions: List product features, warranty info, and specifications.
- Invest in High-Quality Images: Customers buy what they see — clarity builds trust.
- Offer Fast Delivery: Partner with express shipping options.
- Engage Customers: Reply to reviews and messages promptly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overpricing: Price fairly based on market data.
- Ignoring Reviews: Negative feedback reduces sales fast.
- Low-Quality Images: Poor visuals discourage buyers.
- Late Deliveries: Damages seller rating and trust.
- Not Updating Inventory: Leads to cancelled orders and penalties.
Marketing Tips for More Sales
- Use Platform Promotions: Participate in “Jumia Flash Sales” or “Kilimall Super Deals.”
- Leverage Social Media: Showcase your store on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Email Marketing: Send updates about new arrivals and discounts.
- Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with local influencers for product reviews.
- Bundle Deals: Combine products (e.g., phone + case + charger) to attract value-driven buyers.
Conclusion
Selling on Jumia and Kilimall is one of the fastest ways to start an online business in Africa. With smart product choices, good pricing, and effective marketing, anyone can turn a small inventory into a growing e-commerce brand.
The key is consistency — track your sales, learn from customer feedback, and always optimize your listings.
FAQs
1. Can I sell used items on Jumia or Kilimall?
Yes, but most sellers focus on new products. Some categories like electronics may allow refurbished items.
2. Do I need a business license to sell?
Not always. Small individual sellers can start with personal accounts, but business registration builds credibility.
3. How do I receive payment?
Payments are sent directly to your bank or mobile wallet after order completion and return periods.
4. Which products have the least competition?
Car accessories, kitchen tools, and fitness items often have lower competition but high demand.
5. How can I increase visibility?
Use SEO keywords in your titles, run ads, and encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews.
