In Nigeria’s bustling markets and shops, internet disruptions remain a major hurdle for small businesses. For merchants who rely on point-of-sale (POS) systems and digital tools, a dropped connection can mean halted sales, lost revenue, and frustrated customers. Recognizing this challenge, Lumi Business has introduced a new Offline Mode, ensuring that business operations don’t stop when the internet does.
Offline Mode: A Solution Built for Resilience
Lumi Business, a fast-growing software platform for African SMEs, has officially launched Offline Mode—a major new feature that enables merchants to use its POS software even without internet access. With Offline Mode, store owners can access their products and pricing, issue receipts, and record transactions as usual. Once connectivity is restored, all sales data automatically syncs to the cloud, maintaining seamless records without duplication or loss.
Empowering SMEs with Uninterrupted Operations
In a market where data costs are high and internet infrastructure remains unreliable, this new capability is a game-changer. Few platforms in Nigeria offer true offline functionality while retaining the benefits of a cloud-based system. With Lumi’s Offline Mode, entrepreneurs can now serve customers uninterrupted, preserving trust and driving consistent revenue regardless of their connectivity situation.
A Commitment to Merchant Realities
According to Wale Adeniji, CEO of Lumi Business, Offline Mode is a direct response to the real-world issues faced by Lumi’s users. “We built Offline Mode with the realities of our merchants in mind,” he said. “We know internet outages can bring business to a standstill. With this release, we are ensuring that no merchant ever has to lose a sale or pause operations because of poor connectivity.”
Extending the Lumi Ecosystem
Offline Mode is more than just a new technical feature—it represents Lumi’s broader ambition to become the operating system for commerce across Africa. From managing inventory and tracking expenses to processing payments and running loyalty programs, the Lumi platform is designed to reflect how entrepreneurs actually do business. Whether running a single kiosk or a chain of retail outlets, SMEs can manage every aspect of operations in one place.
Advanced Tools for Modern Merchants
Lumi’s capabilities already support hundreds of businesses across Nigeria, particularly with its sophisticated inventory engine, which includes real-time stock tracking, batch control, multi-location support, and automated restock alerts. Integrated with services like Chowdeck, restaurants and food vendors can also sync online delivery orders directly into their sales and inventory workflows. These features help eliminate manual errors and ensure consistent operational oversight.
Next Steps and Platform Expansion
Currently, Offline Mode is available on Windows devices, with Android and iOS versions set to roll out soon. Lumi is inviting interested merchants to contact its Customer Success team to join the early access program or sign up for the waitlist. This rollout aligns with Lumi’s broader mission of building technology that grows with its users and adapts to Africa’s unique business environments.
The launch of Offline Mode marks a significant milestone for Lumi Business and the SMEs it serves. By ensuring sales continue even without internet access, the company is eliminating a key barrier to growth and resilience for merchants across Nigeria. As Lumi continues to expand its platform, it reinforces its role as a vital partner for African businesses navigating the realities of a digital, but not always connected, economy.