Following a successful pilot program and testing in Ghana, African e-commerce platform Jumia has partnered with instant delivery service Zipline to deploy automated, on-demand service delivery for e-commerce in Africa.

An initial pilot was carried out across multiple use cases with varying product assortment logging up to 2,500km in testing.

Deliveries to outlying Jumia hubs as far as 85km from the take-off location at the Zipline operational hub in Omenako (Ghana) were completed in less than one hour with real time visibility of the drone for all stakeholders in the delivery cycle.

The collaboration will 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”.

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 Africa.

Zipline’s instant logistics system is made up of an autonomy platform, fleet of light, electric aircraft, and flight management systems.

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

Daniel Marfo, SVP - Zipline Africa, “This collaboration will increase access to goods for customers and help small and medium sized businesses grow.”

In addition to its partnership with Zipline, Jumia works with Solar Taxi in Ghana and eBee in Kenya to achieve a fully green footprint using clean and sustainable renewable energy

There are plans to expand the service to Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria, and then further afield.