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More Africans doing Christmas shopping online, says DHL

By , IT in government editor
Africa , 09 Dec 2013

More Africans doing Christmas shopping online, says DHL

Mail and logistics firm DHL Express says sub-Saharan African consumers are increasingly choosing to purchase gifts online, especially ahead of the festive season.

The global delivery company’s internal communications manager, Lee Nelson, told ITWeb Africa that DHL has come to this conclusion after studying anecdotal statistics from the likes of South Africa’s Digital Media and Marketing Association (DMMA), a Mastercard Study on online shopping, and surveys with e-commerce customers using the likes of Nigeria’s JUMIA and South Africa’s Zando.

Nelson explained that the company also used information based on reports that South Africa has about 30% online growth year on year to forecast strong e-commerce growth.

Fatima Sullivan, head of retail at DHL Express sub-Saharan Africa, has added that with the upcoming festive season, the company has further noticed that consumers are increasingly choosing to purchase gifts online from both local and foreign retailers.

“With improved infrastructure, in terms of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and online safety and security, more people are choosing to make use of online shopping over traditional brick and mortar outlets due to the variety of products available to them at just a click of a button,” she said.

Sullivan also explained that local e-commerce startups like Zando in South Africa and JUMIA in Nigeria; both part of the Africa Internet Holding, have gained popularity in the markets where each operates.

JUMIA, which launched in 2012 has expanded into six markets, and Zando also has intentions to expand in the near future.

Jeremy Hodara, co-chief executive officer of the Africa Internet Holding and Sascha Breuss, managing director of Zando agree, that “it is very expensive to buy abroad.”

They also emphasised the importance of a strong logistics partner to gain the customers trust.

“This is the biggest test, since there are many fears of frauds and we have to educate consumers about shopping online securely. For example, we have to be transparent on prices, taxes, or shipment costs. That’s why JUMIA and ZANDO accept payments on delivery and offer free returns to deliver a safe, stress-free and convenient shopping experience,” they said.

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