Africa’s leading e-commerce platform Jumia has joined forces with Zipline, a company that has built a name for itself in instant-delivery services to pilot drone deliveries across the continent, starting with Ghana.
Zipline will provide its automated, on-demand delivery system to be used in Jumia’s existing distribution network. Customers will receive instant, on-demand delivery of the exact products they want when they want them from the comfort of their homes.
Apoorva Kumar, Jumia Group COO said, “Using the latest instant logistics technology will allow Jumia to offer our consumers on-demand delivery of the products they need – instantly. Whether they’re ordering electronics, fashion, health, 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”
In an initial test carried out by Zipline and Jumia, drones were able to deliver products as far as 85km away from take off-location at Zipline’s operational hub. The deliveries were completed in less than one hour, with real-time visibility of the drone for all parties involved in the delivery cycle.
Jumia plans to extend this service to Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria before pushing it to the rest of the continent
“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”, said Daniel Marfo, Senior Vice President at Zipline Africa.
Jumia’s logistics network includes 30+ warehouses and 3,000+ drop-off stations and pick-up stations, located across Jumia’s 11-country market. In 2020, Jumia announced that its logistics service would now be available to third parties seeking to leverage the network, technology, and expertise for last-mile deliveries across its 11 countries in Africa.
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