Jumia reported stronger second-quarter earnings as revenue rose 25% year over year to $45.6 million, driven by robust growth in Nigeria and improving operating performance across regions.
Operating loss narrowed 18% to $16.5 million during the quarter ended June 30, while adjusted EBITDA loss declined 17% to $13.6 million. Loss before income tax fell 28% to $16.3 million, reflecting higher revenue, tighter cost controls and improved foreign exchange gains. Chief Executive Francis Dufay said the results demonstrated continued momentum in Jumia’s turnaround strategy, which prioritises profitable growth over rapid expansion.
Gross merchandise value increased 6% to $180.2 million, while physical goods GMV in Jumia’s core markets, excluding South Africa and Tunisia, rose 10%. Orders for physical goods climbed 18% as quarterly active customers increased 13%, indicating stronger customer engagement and improved retention across the company’s key markets.
Nigeria remained Jumia’s strongest-performing market during the quarter. Orders grew 25% year over year, while gross merchandise value surged 36%, supported by stronger consumer demand and an improved product mix. The company said growth in Egypt was softer because of weaker corporate sales, although underlying consumer demand remained resilient after excluding those transactions.
Cross-border commerce also gathered pace, with gross items sold by international merchants rising 36%. Jumia attributed the increase to stronger participation from overseas sellers and growing demand among African consumers for a wider range of products. The company has continued investing in its logistics business, which now operates as a standalone revenue-generating unit supporting both its marketplace and third-party clients.
Jumia also made progress in reducing cash burn. Net cash used in operating activities fell to $12.7 million from $21.2 million in the first quarter, supported by disciplined spending and a positive $4.1 million contribution from working capital. The company ended the quarter with liquidity of $98.3 million, providing what management described as a sufficient financial cushion to execute its growth strategy.
Buoyed by the stronger performance, Jumia raised its full-year 2025 guidance and reaffirmed its goal of reaching break-even on a loss-before-income-tax basis by the fourth quarter of 2026. The company also maintained its target of achieving full-year profitability in 2027, arguing that continued improvements in operational efficiency and customer engagement are laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
The latest results suggest Jumia’s restructuring efforts are beginning to gain traction after years of losses and market exits. By focusing on its strongest markets, expanding higher-margin revenue streams and tightening costs, the company is seeking to build a more resilient business capable of delivering long-term profitability in Africa’s increasingly competitive e-commerce sector.
Emmanuel Abara Benson is a business journalist and editor covering artificial intelligence, global markets, and emerging technology.
He has previously worked with Business Insider Africa and Nairametrics, reporting on finance, startups, and innovation.
His work focuses on AI, digital economy, and global tech trends.
Hassan Hajjaj (Morocco)
Most Famous Photo: Images from his “Kesh Angels” series, featuring women in vibrant traditional and contemporary Moroccan attire on motorbikes.
Short Bio: Born in 1961, Hassan Hajjaj is a Moroccan-British artist known for his vibrant and playful photographs that fuse pop art aesthetics with traditional Moroccan culture. His work often features bold colors, custom-made frames, and a celebration of contemporary North African identity, subverting stereotypes and creating a unique visual language.
Lady Killer
Fun South African Travel tip: You can visit the hominid fossil displays and learn more about the beginnings of our planet at the Maropeng Visitors Centre and Sterkfontein Caves.
Badger The Burglar
Fun South African Fact: The aboriginal people of South Africa are the San and the Khoi.