Jumia to make drone deliveries in Zipline deal

Africa-based e-commerce giant Jumia is set to start drone deliveries after inking a partnership with global instant delivery service Zipline.

The e-retailer is set to integrate Zipline’s on-demand delivery system into its existing distribution network to enable customers to receive instant, on-demand delivery of products.

“Using the latest instant logistics technology will allow Jumia to offer our customers on-demand delivery of the products they need instantly. Zipline’s instant logistics system will provide fast and convenient access. This will support Jumia’s commitment to sustainability and innovation and to provide much-needed access to rural and remote areas where conventional delivery services have challenges,” stated Jumia Group Chief Operating Officer Apoorva Kumar.

Jumia and Zipline piloted the drone delivery service in Ghana, achieving success including making deliveries to outlying Jumia hubs as far as 85 kilometres from take-off sites.

After Ghana, Jumia plans to expand the service to the Ivory Coast and Nigeria before a further rollout to its other operational markets including Kenya.

Jumia logistics network includes over 30 warehouses and 3,000 drop-off and pick-up stations across 11 countries on the continent.

In 2020, Jumia opened its logistics network to third parties as part of the company’s goal to attain last-mile deliveries.