African e-commerce website Jumia has partnered with mobile operator MTN, to enable customers in the Ivory Coast to use mobile money to pay for purchases on the online shop.

According to a statement, customers are set to make payments securely and efficiently using MTN's mobile money service, and gain access to exclusive offers and discounts to use on Jumia.ci.

The partnership is also planned to see Jumia is set up a ‘Jumia Corner’ at MTN branches across the region to reach out to customers locally and assist them in making online purchases, the statement notes.

Commenting on the partnership, MTN president and chief executive officer, Sifiso Dabengwa said, “We are delighted to be working with AIH... By bringing together our visions for the development of e- and m-commerce in Africa, we are able to make real change to the region whilst also enabling our customers to take advantage of even more great services and products.”

Jumia is owned by Africa Internet Holding (AIH), Africa’s largest internet incubator.

On Jumia customers across the continent can shop for everything from fashion, consumer electronics, home appliances to beauty products.

AIH has multiple web companies including Zando, Lamudi, Carmudi, Jovago, Lendico and Easy Taxi.

Chief executive officer of AIH, Jeremy Hodara added, "For the first time in Ivory Coast, this partnership between Jumia and MTN will give their customers the chance to experience a new level of choice and transparency when shopping online; from the choice of platform, to the preferred mode of payment, to their preferred method of delivery.”

"And this is just the beginning. This partnership between AIH and MTN will spread to our other ventures, including Jovago, Kaymu and Easy Taxi in the next few weeks, where we will see further innovative collaborations."