Nedbank says its newly launched Avo Super application in Namibia will nurture digital financial innovation and bridge the gap between customers and businesses.
The application will also offer a unique shopping experience driven by advanced artificial intelligence and a commitment to secure transactions.
Simultaneously, it strives to empower SMEs through a digital transition, thereby unlocking opportunities with access to over 100,000 of Nedbank’s clients who are encouraged to sign up.
Nedbank’s Group Managing Executive for Africa Regions, Terence Sibiya said the Avo SuperShop intends to provide a robust platform for Namibian businesses, particularly SMEs and youth-owned enterprises, to expand their digital presence and access a broader customer base.
At the platform’s official launch on Tuesday, Sibiya noted that the Avo SuperShop facilitates SMEs’ digital transformation by offering merchants the opportunity to showcase and sell their products online, thereby reducing the reliance on conventional door-to-door sales approaches.
“Once you sign up, you can increase the opportunity to sell your products. Instead of going from door to door, you can sell your products and services across Namibia. This digital transition also opens doors to over 100,000 of Nedbank’s clients who are encouraged to make purchases through the platform, expanding the customer base for participating SMEs,” Sibiya said.
He further underscored that one of the primary advantages of the AVOSuper Shop is its potential to reduce distribution costs for SMEs by embracing online sales, businesses can amplify their sales volume and harness the benefits of digital marketing.
“You can lower your cost of distribution through augmenting your sales as you sell online. Clearly, you’ll be able to leverage a digital marketing experience for your products as you sell through our Super Shop database,” Sibiya highlighted.
Meanwhile, Nedbank Namibia Managing Director Martha Murorua said that the platform aims to pioneer a future of digital commerce and thus the launch held today marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s commitment to progress and technological evolution.
“We believe in an ecosystem where everyone benefits. Whether you are a corporate giant or a startup, whether you bank with NetBank or elsewhere. AVO is designed for all, your partner in this digital journey,” said Murorua.
Avo, as described by Murorua is not just an app but an experience that continuously evolves to be better.
“Our commitment to its growth is steadfast. We learn, refine, and ensure that Apple is not just a product, but an experience continuously evolving to step better.”
Murorua emphasised during her speech.
This cutting-edge platform, a first of its kind in Namibia, marks a significant leap forward in the realm of digital commerce, offering a transformative platform that brings together customers and businesses in an interconnected ecosystem.
“Avo’s uniqueness lies in its dual nature. A versatile platform catering to both business to business and business to customer interaction. This digital convection, delivered at your fingertips, embodies convenience, innovation, and connectivity,” Murorua explained.
She further added that Avo product is a digital marketing tool that will allow its Namibian clients to buy essential products and services online and have them delivered to their homes.
“Avo is a digital marketplace where every need is met, from buying essential goods, fashion and appliances to making secure payments a place where loyalty is not just appreciated, but tangibly rewarded through AvoPoints. It’s a paradigm shift, meticulously designed with the consumer in mind,” she explained.
The Avo SuperShop extends its benefits to Namibian consumers through a wide array of offerings from eight prominent merchants, with more on the horizon.
The current merchants include Nictus Namibia Furniture, Nictus Appliances, Avo Apple Namibia, JC Sports, Ze’ra Leather, Chai Namibia, Lovelle’s Baby Boutique, and Inside Afrika.
In addition, Namibians can purchase airtime and data from TN Mobile and MTC and pay utility bills to various municipalities in the country.
Taking inspiration from the resounding success of Avo SuperShop in South Africa since its 2020 launch, the platform has amassed a staggering 2.3 million customers and registered over 23,000 businesses.
According to Sibiya, with an impressive 70% year-over-year increase in gross merchandise value (GMV), Avo SuperShop is experiencing exponential growth, reinforcing its status as a transformative force in the retail industry.