How Messaging Bots Can Build Trust in Nigeria’s Informal Digital Marketplace

In Nigeria, buying and selling through WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram has become the norm. From food and fashion to electronics and digital services, these chat platforms are the new informal malls. But with this boom comes a major challenge: trust.

When sellers and buyers don’t know each other—and there’s no delivery or payment guarantee—fraud becomes common. That’s where messaging bots like Ajé come in.

🤖 What Is a Messaging Bot for Commerce?

Let’s say you sell hair products on WhatsApp. A friend asks to buy two packs of hair extensions. You agree on a price ₦9,500 but you’ve never met this person. You’re not sure if they’ll actually send the money. They’re not sure if you’ll deliver.

This is where Ajé, a messaging bot, comes in.

Ajé is like adding a helpful shop assistant into your WhatsApp chat. It steps in between both of you:

• The buyer sends the money to Ajé’s secure wallet.

• You get a message from Ajé that the money is waiting.

• You deliver the product.

• Once the buyer confirms it’s received, Ajé releases the money to you.

No stress. No one is chasing anyone. No one gets scammed.

You don’t need to download an app. You just chat with Ajé on WhatsApp or Telegram, like you would with a friend.

You can also:

• Post what you're selling so others can find it

• Search for what you want to buy

• Track all your trades

• Ask questions or get help if a deal goes wrong

It’s not magic. It’s just a way to make online trading feel safer—without leaving the apps people already use every day.

Most people in Nigeria now buy and sell through WhatsApp. But sometimes, you send money and the seller disappears. Or you send your goods, and the buyer vanishes. That’s the risk. Ajé helps stop that. Instead of sending money directly to someone you don’t trust, the money goes to Ajé first. It only moves after the goods have been delivered. No one can cheat easily.

Ajé also helps if there’s wahala. Maybe someone says they didn’t get what they paid for. Instead of shouting or begging admins, Ajé gives you support—either from a real person or smart computer help. And you don’t need to download anything new. If you know how to use WhatsApp, you already know how to use Ajé.

That’s why Ajé works better than many big apps. It uses the same chat groups you already use, works on small phones, and doesn’t eat data. Even your aunt in the village or your uncle in town can use it without stress. It makes people feel safe to trade, and when people feel safe, they buy more and sell more. That’s how small traders grow big.

✨ Coming Soon: Ajé on WhatsApp

We’re already live on Telegram and rolling out on WhatsApp soon. Want early access? Join the waitlist and be the first to trade smarter with Ajé.