Barely a year after taking a significant stake in Jumia Technologies and emerging as its largest shareholder, Malagasy businessman Hassanein Hiridjee has joined the company’s Supervisory Board, deepening his role in the governance of Africa’s largest e-commerce platform.

Hassanein Hiridjee’s election was confirmed at Jumia’s Annual General Meeting held on May 15, 2026. While the appointment formalizes his position on the board, Hiridjee has served in the role since September 2025, when he first joined in a non-permanent capacity following Axian Group’s investment in the company.

The decision by shareholders reflects growing alignment between Jumia’s leadership and long-term strategic investors as the company works to strengthen its operations across key African markets. It also comes at a time when the e-commerce firm is focusing more on cost control, operational efficiency, and a clearer path toward sustained profitability.

Hiridjee-led Axian Telecom owns 9.97 percent of Jumia

Hiridjee is the co-founder and CEO of Axian Group, a Mauritius-headquartered group with investments spanning telecommunications, energy, financial services, fintech, and real estate. Through Axian Telecom, the group first acquired an 8 percent stake in Jumia Technologies in June 2025 before increasing its holding to 9.97 percent, valued at close to $100 million.

The latest board composition brings together a mix of business executives and institutional experience. It is chaired by Jonathan D. Klein, with Anne Ooga Eriksson serving as deputy chair. Other members include Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina, who previously led the African Development Bank, as well as investor Benjamin T. Faw, who brings experience from digital commerce and early-stage technology ventures.

Hiridjee’s appointment expands digital oversight

Jumia’s board refresh comes as the company continues to recalibrate its business model after years of expansion efforts across multiple markets. The current focus is on improving execution at the country level, strengthening logistics, and tightening financial discipline while maintaining its position as a key online retail platform on the continent.

For Axian Group, Hiridjee’s appointment moves it from investor to a formal governance role at one of Africa’s most prominent tech companies, reflecting a wider shift among regional conglomerates taking more active positions in digital platforms as online commerce grows across the continent. The board seat also adds to Hiridjee’s responsibilities as Axian Group continues expanding across Africa’s infrastructure and digital economy sectors.