Global logistics company, DHL launched DHL Africa eShop — an e-commerce platform, across eleven African countries in April 2019. However, following the success of the e-commerce platform across South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Mauritius, Ghana, Senegal, Rwanda, Malawi, Botswana, Sierra Leone and Uganda, DHL has decided to expand operations to nine more countries in Africa.
DHL Africa eShop is an e-commerce platform for Africans to shop directly from the UK and US-based online retailers, and have their purchases delivered to their doorsteps. DHL built this feature in partnership with a division of Mall for Africa ‘Link Commerce. The solution is available on desktop and mobile apps.
According to Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa, the usage of the platform within seven weeks of inception recorded an exponential growth both on orders and subscribers. It is based on this rapid growth that they decided to proceed to the second phase of expansion. The e-shop is now available in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Gabon, Tanzania, Namibia, Madagascar and Mozambique.
Hennie noted that Africa has a growing need and demand for online retail services. The McKinsey Global Institute released a report which showcased Africa as a growing consumer market that is embracing the internet at an amazing rate. He said the report revealed that internet penetration in Africa is expected to reach 50% and about 360 million phones are expected to be in circulation by 2025. DHL plans to leverage this opportunity.
Source: techgistafrica
