Through a new partnership with Zipline, Africa’s e-commerce leader Jumia has launched the continent’s first commercial drone delivery service in Ghana.
The pilot program and testing were launched in the country a few months ago and went live last week.
The collaboration will combine Zipline’s automated, on-demand delivery system with Jumia’s existing distribution network to provide customers with instant, on-demand delivery of the products they want, when they want them, and from the comfort of their own homes.
“By utilizing the most recent instant logistics technology, Jumia will be able to provide our customers with on-demand delivery of the products they require – instantly.” Whether they order electronics, fashion, health and beauty, or anything else, Zipline’s instant logistics system will provide quick and easy access. This will contribute to Jumia’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, as well as provide much-needed access to rural and remote areas where traditional delivery services are limited.” Apoorva Kumar, EVP Jumia and Group COO, stated
An initial pilot was conducted across multiple use cases with varying product assortments, logging up to 2,500km of testing distance. Deliveries to Jumia hubs up to 85 kilometers away from the Zipline operational hub in Omenako (Ghana) were completed in less than an hour, with real-time visibility of the drone for all stakeholders in the delivery cycle. Future plans call for expansion into Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria, as well as other countries.
“We are excited to collaborate with Jumia to use instant logistics to improve the lives of customers across Africa.” This collaboration will improve customer access to goods while also assisting small and medium-sized businesses in growing. Zipline’s secure and efficient instant logistics system will make Jumia shopping more convenient, sustainable, and accessible for its customers,” said Daniel Marfo, SVP – Zipline Africa.
Jumia’s logistics network includes 30+ warehouses and 3,000+ drop-off and pick-up points spread across the 11-country market. Jumia announced in 2020 that its logistics service would now be available to third parties interested in leveraging the network, technology, and expertise for last-mile deliveries across its 11 African countries.
Zipline’s instant logistics system, on the other hand, is comprised of a world-class autonomy platform, a fleet of light, electric aircraft, and flight management systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 98% when compared to traditional car delivery. This system is intended to provide all consumers, from the most urban to the most remote, with access to the products they require in 45 minutes or less, while reducing carbon emissions from last-mile delivery by up to 98% when compared to traditional cars.
Jumia’s collaboration with Zipline is part of the company’s commitment to providing consumers with affordable and environmentally friendly delivery of online orders. In addition to its collaboration with Zipline, Jumia collaborates with Solar Taxi in Ghana and eBee in Kenya to achieve a completely green footprint through the use of clean and sustainable renewable energy.
