Did you know?
Nigeria’s e-commerce market is projected to reach over $9 billion by 2025, with mobile commerce accounting for a significant share of transactions. As smartphone usage and internet penetration grow rapidly across the country, more businesses are turning to mobile apps to drive online sales and customer engagement.
If you’re thinking of launching an e-commerce app in Nigeria, one of the most important questions you’ll face is:
How much does it really cost to design and build one?
Let’s break it down for you.
Did You Know… The Type of E-commerce App You Build Influences the Cost?
The cost of developing your app largely depends on the type and complexity of the platform you want to build:
- Single Vendor App – One seller, one inventory (e.g., fashion brand selling its products only).
- Multi-Vendor Marketplace App – Multiple sellers on a single platform (e.g., Jumia, Konga).
- Niche Product App – A focused category like food, electronics, baby products, etc.
The more complex the app model, the more features and development effort required—thus increasing the cost.
Did You Know… Core Features Drive the Overall Budget?
Every e-commerce app typically comes with a set of must-have features. The more advanced your features, the more your development cost rises.
Some essential features include:
- User Registration and Login
- Product Listings and Categories
- Smart Search and Filters
- Shopping Cart and Wishlist
- Payment Gateway Integration (Paystack, Flutterwave, etc.)
- Order Tracking
- Push Notifications
- Customer Support Chat
- Admin Dashboard
Want to stand out from competitors? You may also need:
- Loyalty Programs
- Personalized Recommendations
- Advanced Analytics
- Referral Systems
Did You Know… Design Quality Affects Both Cost and User Retention?
A sleek, modern, and user-friendly design is not optional—it’s a must. Nigerian consumers are becoming more sophisticated, and first impressions matter.
Design costs typically depend on:
- Number of screens and flow complexity
- UI/UX design approach
- Animations and micro-interactions
- Custom illustrations or branded visuals
Investing in high-quality UI/UX design improves user retention, conversion rates, and brand perception.
Did You Know… The Developer You Hire Plays a Major Role in Cost?
Developer pricing in Nigeria varies widely depending on:
- Experience level
- App development stack (native vs cross-platform)
- Location and agency reputation
For example:
- Freelancers may charge less but often lack scalability or structured delivery.
- Mid-sized agencies like Appfur offer structured development with reliable timelines, support, and professional-grade design at affordable rates.
Did You Know… The Average Cost to Design and Build an E-commerce App in Nigeria Varies by Scope?
Here’s a cost breakdown based on the complexity level:
- Basic E-commerce App (MVP): ₦5 million – ₦8 million
(Simple design, core features, one vendor, 8–10 weeks timeline) - Standard E-commerce App: ₦8 million – ₦15 million
(Multi-vendor support, more features, better design, 10–14 weeks) - Advanced E-commerce Platform: ₦15 million – ₦25 million+
(Fully scalable, premium design, custom integrations, 4–6 months timeline)
Please note: These costs may vary based on specific requirements, design revisions, development stack, and after-launch support.
Did You Know… There Are Hidden/Post-Launch Costs You Should Consider?
Beyond app design and development, you’ll also need to budget for:
- App hosting and server costs
- Payment gateway transaction fees
- Ongoing maintenance and updates
- Digital marketing and promotions
- App store publishing and management
Many Nigerian startups forget to include these in their budget, leading to bottlenecks after launch.
Did You Know… You Can Save Costs Without Compromising on Quality?
Here’s how smart businesses reduce their budget:
- Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Use cross-platform frameworks like Flutter
- Build features in phases based on user feedback
- Work with a reliable and affordable agency like Appfur
Final Thoughts
E-commerce app development is a smart investment in Nigeria’s digital future. But success depends on proper planning, cost awareness, and choosing the right design and development team.
Whether you’re a startup founder, a retail brand, or an enterprise planning to go digital, Appfur is here to help you create a stunning, high-converting e-commerce app tailored for the Nigerian market.
Ready to get started?
Reach out to our team at Appfur today for a free consultation and customized cost estimate.
We design and build high-quality, scalable mobile apps tailored to your needs.
Let’s talk! Message us on WhatsApp now: Click Here
Your next big app starts here!
