NovaPLUS, a fast-rising player in Kenya’s digital economy, has been named Pacesetter of the Year in E-commerce at the 9th Annual International Pacesetters Awards, held at the Swiss Lenana Mount Hotel in Nairobi.
The recognition coincided with the official launch of the company’s platform, marking its entry as a disruptive force in Kenya’s competitive online marketplace.
The International Pacesetters Awards are regarded as one of the most prestigious industry recognitions, celebrating organizations that demonstrate innovation, leadership, and measurable impact.
NovaPLUS was commended for its pioneering role in digital business discovery, e-commerce advertising, and verified business directory solutions—services that are transforming how businesses connect with consumers.
Established in 2024, NovaPLUS has focused on addressing one of the most pressing challenges in e-commerce: consumer trust. Every business listed on its platform undergoes a thorough verification process to assure users of credibility, giving consumers the confidence to transact in an environment often plagued by fraud.
This approach has already attracted a diverse mix of enterprises, from small and medium-sized businesses to established players in hospitality, real estate, and lifestyle.
Kenya’s e-commerce sector continues to expand rapidly. Projections from the Competition Authority of Kenya indicate penetration will grow from 40.3% in 2020 to 53.6% by 2025, driven by online retail, food delivery, and digital services. Internet usage now stands at nearly 48%, representing more than 27 million people, while over 91% of SMEs have adopted digital payments. A significant portion of these businesses have embraced secure and contactless systems in just the past two years.
Speaking during the award ceremony, NovaPLUS CEO Bashir Mohamed emphasized the company’s mission to democratize digital visibility.
“Kenya is at the heart of Africa’s digital transformation, and NovaPLUS is designed to be the gateway for businesses and consumers to thrive,” he said. “Our goal is to empower entrepreneurs and enterprises with tools that level the playing field, while creating a trusted and inclusive marketplace for users.”
The launch of NovaPLUS comes at a critical time for the sector. A 2024 report by TransUnion revealed that 82% of Kenyans had been targeted by fraud through emails, calls, or online platforms, with 11% admitting financial losses.
Nearly 5% of all digital transactions were flagged as suspected fraud, undermining consumer confidence in online services. NovaPLUS has placed trust and transparency at the center of its strategy, ensuring that listed businesses are verified, integrating reviews and ratings, and creating secure advertising pathways.
Future plans for the platform include onboarding thousands of businesses across hospitality, travel, automotive, electronics, and lifestyle sectors.
Enhanced digital advertising and discovery tools are also being developed to help enterprises expand their reach while ensuring a seamless experience for users.
Innovation combined with strict credibility measures is setting a new standard for Kenya’s online commerce. Recognition as Pacesetter of the Year underscores NovaPLUS’s early achievements and signals its ambition to become a cornerstone of the country’s digital economy.
Leave a Reply