If there is one thing Nigerians are united on, it is the preference for quality products and an abhorrence for fake, substandard ones. Despite a keen desire to extract the utmost value for money when making purchases, the average Nigerian will not hesitate to pay a higher price for a product with the guarantee of genuine quality.

Widely considered a growing industry with the potential to outstrip even the most ambitious projections, e-commerce is a sector where the importance of authenticity or genuine products cannot be over-emphasized.

In 2017, retail ecommerce sales worldwide reached $2.304 trillion, a 24.8% increase over the previous year. This year, revenue in the global e-commerce market is expected to gross $18,850m. Africa’s e-commerce share is currently worth more than $32 billion and estimated to reach $50 billion in 2018.

The projection above means an increased opportunity for e-commerce players in Africa and especially Nigeria, Africa’s largest market, to leverage the expected higher revenue windfall by, not only meeting the demand for more products, but ensuring quality is not compromised – a seemingly tall order that can only be delivered by business owners with the practical intelligence, local knowledge, strict adherence to standards, nous and right mentality to build a brand that will outlive generations.

This is one of the reasons Konga Me is fast becoming a hot fad among quality-focused shoppers.

Developed by Konga, the e-commerce giant that emerged from the merger between Yudala and Konga after the latter’s acquisition by the Zinox Group, Konga Me speaks to the aspirations of every Nigerian to always insist on the best quality.

For the benefit of the uninitiated, the customized dictionary entry below tells the story of a phrase that is quickly catching on in social circles.

/’kɒnɡə mi:/ (BrE, slang) is a new universal language for genuine products only. Used by young ones, adults and trendy youths to differentiate quality products from fake ones sourced from unreliable platforms. Also used to request for quality gifts or favours:

”I passed my exams in flying colours so Mum has promised to Konga me a new phone.”

 “Tomorrow is my birthday. Hope you will Konga me?”

 “Don’t stress yourself going to the market for a gift. We can Konga the newly-wedded a washing machine.”

synonyms: shop genuine, konga store, buy quality, konga.com

For the average shopper, it is a simple scenario.

“All the noise about best prices or refunds means nothing if you cannot offer me genuine products. What’s the point of a fake item when you can easily get a genuine product at the same price or at a slightly higher figure? In fact, I don’t mind paying a significantly higher cost for a product, device or gadget as long as I am assured it’s of the highest quality or procured directly from its manufacturer. Let’s just say I would rather Konga me than get a fake,” intoned Michael Aderibi, a software engineer.

His point is backed up by that of Juliet Anyanwu, an avid shopper.

“Quality is key. Price is also important but only a secondary consideration. Hence, the essence of Konga Me. Recently, I was celebrating my work anniversary and for those intending to get gifts, I made it clear to them that I would prefer they Konga me. And they all did. What’s more, all the items were delivered in time.”

For savvy shoppers who prefer quality, Konga Me is the way to go…