Nigerian logistics startup Kwik has partnered with Alibaba, a leading B2B e-commerce platform, to enhance export opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
Launched in 2019, Kwik is a digital platform that connects delivery partners with corporate customers in major African cities. The company offers e-commerce payment and fulfillment solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes. Since its inception, Kwik has seen rapid growth, securing a US$2 million Series A funding round in March 2022. Following this, it introduced KwikStore, a free e-commerce storefront solution for African entrepreneurs and SMEs, and KwikShelf, its first on-demand e-commerce fulfillment center in Lagos.
Alibaba, founded in 1999, is a global wholesale trade platform that connects millions of buyers and suppliers worldwide. This partnership makes Kwik the first-ever Alibaba Authorised Channel Partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, granting Nigerian manufacturers and exporters access to over 48 million global buyers.
“This partnership with Alibaba.com sends a very strong signal to Nigerian businesses: accessing the world’s markets is a few clicks away. Competing globally creates jobs and will play a key role in lifting the Nigerian economy,” said Kwik founder and CEO Romain Poirot-Lellig. “There is a strong complementarity between our portfolio of customers and Alibaba.com’s platform.”
Additionally, Kwik and Alibaba are introducing special rates for Nigerian manufacturers and exporters to acquire membership on Alibaba.com, along with access to premium platform features and benefits.
“We are excited to partner with Kwik by offering great opportunities to Nigerian exporters to access millions of buyers around the world,” said Foncel Lan, Alibaba’s head of global potential countries.
This collaboration marks a major step in boosting Nigeria’s export potential, offering local businesses the tools they need to compete on the global stage.
