• Nigeria-based Siiqo allows SMEs and freelancers to create online shops without technical skills.

• The platform combines storefront creation, business management tools, and escrow-based payments.

• The startup targets informal businesses seeking visibility and trust in a growing digital commerce market.

Siiqo, a Nigerian startup, has launched a digital commerce platform designed as a “local commerce operating system.” The company is based in Abuja and was founded in 2026 by Okerere Innocent Chinweokwu and Linda Kolapa Ogochukwu.

The platform allows small and medium-sized enterprises and independent sellers to create customized online stores in just a few clicks. It does not require technical expertise. Unlike traditional marketplaces, Siiqo focuses on branded storefronts. As a result, sellers can build a full digital identity rather than list isolated products.

At the same time, the platform integrates a hyperlocal discovery system. Users can identify sellers located in their neighborhood or city. Therefore, the system facilitates proximity-based commerce while expanding seller visibility.

In addition, the solution incorporates an escrow payment mechanism. The system holds funds until the buyer confirms delivery. This approach strengthens trust in online transactions, which remains a major barrier to e-commerce adoption across the continent.

Beyond sales, Siiqo provides integrated management tools, including invoicing, order tracking, and inventory management. Consequently, the platform positions itself as an all-in-one solution for running a commercial activity.

The startup remains in its early stages. However, it aligns with a broader trend of building digital infrastructure adapted to African market realities. Over time, Siiqo aims to structure informal commerce by providing entrepreneurs with tools to improve visibility, credibility, and operational efficiency within a still-developing digital ecosystem.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum