Major boost for e-commerce as Zipline, Jumia join forces to pioneer drone delivery of products to homes across Africa

Jumia, the leading e-commerce platform in Africa, and Zipline, the world’s largest instant delivery service, announced today a possible future collaboration to deploy automated, on-demand delivery for e-commerce in Africa.

Testing and a pilot program were launched in Ghana in July. Eventual plans call for expansion to Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria, and ultimately to other countries in the future.

 The possible collaboration aims to integrate Zipline’s automated, on-demand delivery system with Jumia’s existing distribution network to enable customers to receive instant, on-demand delivery of exactly the products they want, exactly when they want them and from the comfort of their homes. This collaboration will leverage Jumia and Zipline facilities to put the ease of instant, on-demand delivery in the hands of all consumers regardless of where they live.

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

 The collaboration initially will focus on integration and product testing on how best to integrate Zipline’s automated, on-demand delivery system seamlessly with Jumia’s logistics operations to enhance customer experience. Testing will also identify which subsets of Jumia customers and which specific products from Jumia are in the highest demand for automated, on-demand delivery.

“Zipline is pleased to partner with Jumia to use instant logistics to improve the lives of customers across Africa. This collaboration will help customers while supporting Jumia’s large number of small and medium-sized partner businesses across markets in Africa, that play an essential role in the economy. Overall, we will deploy our very trusted, safe, and efficient instant logistics system to improve access and make shopping more convenient, sustainable, and accessible than ever before for Jumia customers”, said Daniel Marfo, SVP – 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.

 Zipline’s instant logistics system is made up of a world-class autonomy platform, fleet of light, electric aircraft, and flight management systems that reduce greenhouse gas 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 while reducing the carbon emissions of last-mile delivery up to 98% compared to traditional cars.

 In 2021 and 2022, Jumia partnered with modern eco-friendly mobility companies, Solar Taxi in Ghana, eBee in Kenya, and Errand360 in Nigeria to provide affordable and eco-friendly delivery of online orders for consumers as part of the company’s commitment to achieving a fully green footprint using clean and sustainable renewable energy. Zipline’s instant logistics delivery system also aligns with Jumia’s sustainable goals as it makes use of zero-emission powered by renewable energy.