E-commerce company Jumia Group is planning to reduce 200 employees over the next two quarters as the company leverages the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation.
The company aims to cut costs and improve operational efficiency to strengthen its financial position.
Jumia revealed the plans to reduce employees in its first-quarter 2026 report, which showed improved growth, and a cash position that stood at $62.6 million
“We are actively working to further reduce headcount, continue process automation, and leverage Al tools. We expect to reduce by at least an additional 200 full-time employees over the next two quarters,” read the statement.
Jumia operates in several African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and the Ivory Coast.
Jumia’s AI-Driven Efficiency and Workforce Reduction
The company plans to prioritize cost reduction through the use of Artificial Intelligence automation in several departments.
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Since 2022, the company has reduced its employee count from 4,318 to 1,980 as of March 2026.
The reduction in employees is part of its shift toward AI-driven operations across logistics, customer service, finance, and technology functions.
“We continue to streamline the organization. The total headcount has declined by 8% since December 31, 2024, with just over 1,980 employees on payroll as of March 31, 2026. At the end of the fourth quarter of 2022, when current leadership was installed, we had 4,318 employees,” the statement read.
The company is incorporating the use of AI automation in its cybersecurity processes, code quality workflows, and seller management systems, which in turn has contributed to improved operational performance in the first quarter of 2026.
In Kenya, Jumia’s employee headcount reduced from 363 in December 2022 to 208 as of December 2025.
Nigeria has been the most affected country by these reductions, with its headcount falling from 1,119 in December 2022 to 361 as of December 2025.
By December 2025, Jumia had a total of 2,058 employees across the countries where it operates, with Nigeria having 361 and South Africa only 6.
| Country | Employees by December 2025 |
| Nigeria | 361 |
| Egypt | 295 |
| Portugal | 214 |
| Morocco | 190 |
| Kenya | 208 |
| Ivory Coast | 246 |
| Tunisia | 58 |
| Senegal | 117 |
| Uganda | 102 |
| Algeria | 50 |
| Ghana | 137 |
| South Africa | 6 |
| Other countries | 75 |
| Total | 2,058 |
Jumia’s Profitability Efforts and Cost Control Measures
Jumia recorded strong growth in its marketplace activity, with orders for physical goods rising 31% year over year.
Active customers also increased by 25%, resulting in a 39% increase in revenue to $50.6 million.
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Jumia reported a 32% reduction in adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) losses.
Technology and content expenses declined by 8% year-over-year, driven by headcount optimization and renegotiated supplier contracts.
General and administrative expenses increased due to restructuring costs and one-off termination benefits linked to market exits, such as Algeria.
Sales and advertising expenses rose by 64% as the company increased targeted marketing investment to support customer acquisition.
