TechCabal: Jumia and Zipline Work Together to Support Drone Deliveries in Africa

(Image Source: Zipline)

Africa's leading e-commerce player Jumia has teamed up with logistics firm Zipline to offer on-demand drone delivery services across the region. This launch comes months after the pilot phase was conducted in Ghana, where drones made 1h deliveries to distances as far as 85 km from the take-off point.

Drone services are still a rather new technology in the African logistics space, with plenty of potential waiting to be uncovered. Through the partnership with Zipline, Jumia hopes to be the pioneering force behind this impending shift in consumer behavior:

“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,” said Apoorva Kumar, Group COO of EVP Jumia.

At the moment, the service is not yet available in all 11 African countries that Jumia operates in. According to its official statement, the company is prioritizing the launch in more remote, rural areas and we can expect an eventual expansion to Nigeria and Cote d'Ivorie.

On Zipline’s side, they are happy to be collaborating with Jumia and look forward to making a greater impact in the African region:

“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,” mentioned Daniel Marfo, Zipline Africa’s Senior Vice President. 

Source: Jumia signs with Zipline for drone delivery services

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