As of February 2026, TradeDepot has solidified its position as the critical “middleman” in Nigeria’s $340 billion consumer goods market. By replacing fragmented, manual supply chains with a 360° digital platform, the company is tackling the systemic inefficiencies that cause over $4 billion in annual losses across the Nigerian economy.
For the millions of “mom-and-pop” shops—many run from homes by women—TradeDepot has shifted the business model from one of daily survival to one of scalable growth.
1. The Digital Solution: ShopTopUp
The core of TradeDepot’s impact is its ShopTopUp platform, which allows informal retailers to bypass expensive open-air markets and connect directly with global giants like Nestlé, Unilever, Danone, and PZ Cussons.
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Omnichannel Ordering: Retailers place orders via an Android app, WhatsApp, USSD codes, or toll-free calls—ensuring that even those without smartphones can participate.
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Hyperlocal Logistics: Using AI-based routing, TradeDepot aggregates small orders and assigns them to a nearby warehouse (depot). A fleet of tricycles and vans then handles the “last mile” delivery directly to the shop’s doorstep.
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Real-Time Data: Brands gain unprecedented visibility into which products are moving in specific neighborhoods, allowing for better pricing and inventory management.
2. Financial Inclusion & The BNPL Revolution
Perhaps the most transformative feature is the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service. Because most informal retailers are unbanked, they historically lacked the working capital to stock up before price hikes.
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Credit Scoring: TradeDepot uses a proprietary risk engine—analyzing purchase history and repayment patterns—to provide credit lines without requiring traditional collateral.
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Economic Multiplier: Access to this credit has enabled retailers to 2x or 3x their order volumes, moving from small $200 transactions to $600+ as they scale their operations.
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Stability: In Nigeria’s high-inflation environment, this allows retailers to “lock in” stock before prices double, protecting their margins.
3. Impact on Female Entrepreneurs
The retail sector in Africa is a “pink economy,” and TradeDepot’s user base reflects this reality.
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Demographics: Women account for 85% of retail users and 65% of the distributor network on the platform.
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Quality of Life: In a survey of 200 customers, 90% reported an improved quality of life. These entrepreneurs no longer have to close their shops or travel long distances to Lagos markets; they simply stay home, receive stock, and focus on their families and sales.
TradeDepot Ecosystem: 2026 Snapshot
“TradeDepot is building the engine of retail distribution in Africa… ensuring every neighborhood store can consistently access supplies at the best possible prices.” — Onyekachi Izukanne, CEO of TradeDepot.
