E-vehicles scheme boosts Ghana last-mile delivery sector

The company operates a large fleet of over 100 vehicles, including motorbikes and freight trucks. Its transportation network spans across the northern areas of the country.

A move into environmentally friendly electric vehicles has the potential to address Ghana's logistics and delivery difficulties while also transforming the country's nascent last-mile delivery business.

YomYom, the logistics marketplace, is pioneering a fleet of 20 e-bikes, which are suitable for manoeuvring over harsh terrain and remote locations, ensuring goods arrive at their destinations efficiently.

In total, the company operates a large fleet of over 100 vehicles, including motorbikes and freight trucks. Its transportation network spans across the northern areas of the country.

The inclusion of the e-bikes is being welcomed as the start of a green programme aimed at increasing the number of electric vehicles by 200 units by the end of the first quarter of 2024.

"This strategic shift not only aligns with global sustainability goals, but also positions us at the forefront of environmentally conscious transportation solutions," YomYom founder Mohammed Iddi told ITWeb Africa.

As it grows, the company is committed to a mission of connecting small and medium-sized enterprises to logistics solutions that are accessible, inexpensive, and long-term.

"We leverage technology and local knowledge to improve efficiency and reach," Iddi went on to say.

YomYom uses mobile technology for route optimisation and real-time order tracking, as well as incorporating local expertise into delivery operations, to overcome possible challenges given by weather, local customs, and inconsistent addressing systems.

"We acknowledge the myriad challenges that persist in Africa, from our poor road infrastructure to limited technological access and unfavourable policies that often hinder the growth of startups," Iddi said.

The company, on the other hand, sees chances and intends to show that the African delivery sector is not just surviving, but thriving on resilience and adaptation.

"In the face of adversity, we have discovered that these challenges, once conquered, can be transformed into opportunities that drive progress and innovation."

According to Strait Research, the African last-mile delivery market is expected to reach US$2,35 billion in value, with an 8.45 percent compound annual growth rate.

Logistics has been acknowledged by the World Bank as a critical contributor to a country's overall economic success.

YomYom maintains its services have expedited access to vital items, removing the need for long journeys, and have catalysed economic growth by broadening market reach and encouraging local business.

Also, it says its growth has resulted in job opportunities in the delivery service and allied businesses, as well as improved healthcare results by delivering medical supplies to rural places.

Yom Yom now employs 34 people, with 70 percent of the workforce being women under the age of 35.

There are over 100 part-time employees.

Read more