Zipline partners with Jumia, launches drone package delivery in Ghana
Leading pan-African e-commerce company, Jumia has partnered with California-based Zipline on Thursday, September 1 to launch automated drone for on-demand delivery in Ghana.
Zipline is a logistics company launched in 2014 known for delivering whole blood with medical products, including vaccines, infusions, and common medical commodities to countries such as Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, United Stated and Japan. The company also offers delivery services for non-medical products like agricultural products.
In a statement, Jumia’s Chief Operating Officer, Apoorva Kumar said using the latest instant logistics technology will allow Jumia to offer consumers on-demand delivery of the products they need – instantly. Zipline’s instant logistics system will provide fast and convenient access as it 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 2020, Jumia announced that its logistics service would be available to third parties seeking to leverage the network, technology, and expertise for last-mile deliveries across its 11 countries in Africa. This reveal led to the partnership between Jumia and Zipline.
Jumia said it was able to complete deliveries to its hub within an hour while testing the drones within 85km distances from Zipline’s operational hub in Omenako, a village in eastern Ghana.
“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, SVP – Zipline Africa.
This development is expected to expand to Nigeria and Cote d’ Ivoire following the successful pilot program and testing in Ghana.