Nigerian e-commerce companies Konga and Yudala are scheduled to merge on 1 May and form a venture that encompasses both online and offline channels.

In February, ITWeb Africa reported the merge was on the cards particularly because the chairman of the Zinox Group, which acquired Konga for an unconfirmed figure of US$10m , is family of Yudala's founder.

While sources at Zinox Group initially said the companies would operate independently, management of both firms have since confirmed the decision to merge under the Konga brand name.

The merged outfit would also have two co-CEOs: Nick Imudia will be in charge of the online platform, while Nnambdi Ekeh will be in charge of offline operations.

Both believe that the merger will strengthen their position in the Nigerian retail market as they seek to position Konga as "as the first profitable e-commerce company in Africa".

In a media statement, the managers said the merger would result in "the biggest organised retail and e-commerce-marketplace outfit in Africa".

"The strategic decision will see both companies leverage the combined strengths of both platforms and is expected to further broaden the scope of organised retail and e-commerce in Nigeria and deliver more value to customers and merchants."

Konga Chairman Olusiji Ijogun said the merger would enable both parties to achieve goals of platform expansion and accelerated growth.

Ekeh said, "In the near future, we plan to have a Konga store in every local government area in Nigeria. While this is ambitious, we believe that every Nigerian deserves the right to have access to the full range of genuine products offered by Konga."