MTN CEO, Karl Toriola at Umuahia, the Abia State capital on partnership visit to Gov. Alex Otti recently
Leading digital solutions provider, MTN Nigeria has brokered a new partnership with the Abia State government to drive massive e-commerce initiative titled “Abia to the World Market Platform.”
The state-branded digital marketplace is designed to empower thousands of local merchants by connecting them directly to national and global buyers through a seamless, tech-driven platform completely free of charge.
KELVINATOR reports that the initiative was officially launched on Monday, May 12th, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MTN Nigeria and the Abia State Government at the Government House in Umuahia. The agreement signifies a strategic partnership aimed at integrating Abia’s commercial ecosystem into the digital economy.
The Abia to the World Market Platform is a fully integrated e-commerce portal developed and funded by MTN Nigeria to digitize commerce across the state. It provides local merchants, artisans, and small-scale manufacturers with:
- Online shop ownership
- Secure payment gateways
- Integrated logistics and delivery support
- Access to local and international customers
This initiative eliminates traditional barriers to market entry, allowing Abia’s entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital age without incurring startup or subscription costs. The platform will serve commercial hubs including Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia, and other business clusters, effectively showcasing Abia’s products to a global audience.
The launch of the platform is part of a broader collaboration between MTN and the Abia State Government aimed at accelerating digital adoption and improving socio-economic outcomes.
In addition to the e-commerce platform, MTN outlined a comprehensive digital transformation plan for the state, including:
– Statewide broadband access to ensure connectivity in all communities
– Cloud infrastructure to support efficient and transparent governance
– Digital device acquisition schemes for civil servants
– Rollout of 4G and 5G networks in major cities across the state
Present at the signing ceremony were key figures from both MTN Nigeria and the Abia State Government, including the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu; and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Caleb Ajagba. Their presence emphasized the importance of the initiative to the administration’s vision of an inclusive, digitally-driven economy.
The Abia to the World Market Platform marks a historic moment for the state as it becomes one of the first in Nigeria to deliver a fully subsidized digital commerce solution to its citizens. By bridging the digital divide and connecting local businesses to global markets, Abia is setting a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can stimulate economic growth and innovation.
As the platform rolls out, merchants and consumers alike can anticipate a more connected, efficient, and profitable marketplace anchored in technology, powered by innovation, and d
designed for sustainable prosperity.
