UPS will use Jumia’s network across Africa to expand its presence on the continent, as part of a new agreement launched today.
UPS customers can now pick up or drop off shipments from Jumia stations in Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. Following Ghana and Ivory Coast, the cooperation will be expanded to other African markets (Algeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, and South Africa).
Jumia started its logistics operation seven years ago to expand its e-commerce platform beyond cities and to serve customers in rural places. Jumia’s logistics marketplace was previously only available to e-commerce and food vendors.
“Ten years ago, when we started our journey (launching our e-commerce site), logistical infrastructure was one of our biggest challenges. As a result of this issue, Jumia has built an unrivalled logistics platform in Africa delivering merchants and consumers reliable, convenient, and cost-effective delivery services,” said Apoorva Kumar, Jumia senior
Our logistics platform now helps other businesses overcome infrastructural difficulties. We are excited and honoured to work with UPS, a global leader in logistics, to provide last-mile solutions in Africa. Our logistics platform has been validated, and we are motivated to improve our offerings and develop a world-class logistics business in Africa,” added Kumar.
Jumia’s logistics marketplace has around 600 partners, most of which are small logistics providers. A platform that “aggregates demand and aligns it with supply capacity based on numerous characteristics like quality of service, reachability of network, and cost of delivery” supports 3,000 pickup stations across 11 African markets.
