Jumia and Zipline partner on e-commerce delivery service in Africa
African e-commerce giant, Jumia and Zipline are partnering to launch automated, on-demand delivery for e-commerce in Africa. The two firms launched a pilot programme and testing a few months ago in Ghana.
The collaboration will integrate Zipline’s delivery system with Jumia’s existing distribution network to allow customers to receive on-demand delivery to their homes.
An initial pilot was carried out across multiple use cases logging up to 2,500km in testing. Deliveries to outlying Jumia hubs as far as 85km from the take-off location at the Zipline operational hub in Omenako, Ghana were completed in less than 1hr. The service plans to eventually expand to Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria and other countries in the future.
Jumia’s network includes over 30 warehouses and more than 3,000 drop-off and pick-up stations, located across an 11-country market.
Apoorva Kumar, EVP Jumia, Group COO said: “Whether they’re ordering electronics, fashion, health, and beauty, or other categories, Zipline’s instant logistics system will provide fast and convenient access. This will support Jumia’s commitment to sustainability and innovation and provide much-needed access to rural and remote areas where conventional delivery services have challenges.”
Zipline’s logistics system is made up of a fleet of light, electric aircraft, and flight management systems that reduce emissions by 98% compared to delivery by car. This system is designed to enable all consumers, from the most urban to the most remote, to access the products they need in 45-minutes or less.
Daniel Marfo, senior vice president, Zipline Africa said: “Zipline is pleased to partner with Jumia to use instant logistics to improve the lives of customers across Africa. This collaboration will increase access to goods for customers and help small and medium-sized businesses grow. Zipline’s safe and efficient instant logistics system will make shopping on Jumia even more convenient, sustainable and accessible for its customers.”
