AIG Express - A joint e-commerce logistics initiative, AIG Express, launched recently by Rocket Internet backed online retailer, Jumia.com and online marketplace, Kaymu.com wants to create about 100, 000 jobs across the different countries they operate in across Africa. The new service which aims to highlight an emerging ecosystem of jobs in e-commerce will also focus on operations management and infrastructure development.
According to the online ventures, the first goal of the venture will be to create 100,000 jobs in Africa in logistic services. The group said the initiative is its response to the rapid growth of African e-commerce. AIG Express plans to integrate existing logistics providers into a single network that will meet the growing needs of online sellers across the continent.
Nigeria - Global CEO at AIG-Express, Indrek Heinloo who is leading the initiative across Africa said: "We're currently delivering up to 100,000 packages a day for Jumia and Kaymu, and we expect this number to grow around five times by end of 2015. In order to provide convenient, fast and friendly customer service, we need to quickly scale up the delivery network."
"AIG Express intends to work closely with local logistics entrepreneurs to fill these gaps by implementing technology and training to handle e-commerce logistics. We have developed an approach which will help logistics companies in Africa become as effective as the companies in more developed markets. We provide a common platform that would link all logistics providers and enable serving the demand of online customers.
Through consolidation of volumes from e-commerce platforms such as Jumia and Kaymu, we provide a constant stream of business which can help logistics companies to grow. We already have a number of companies incorporated to our network - from established logistics companies with decades of experience to newly created local ventures - several of which have been created by African entrepreneurs specifically on the backbone of Africa Internet Group's businesses."
Also speaking, Co-CEO Africa Internet Group, Sacha Poignonnec said: “When we look at unemployment rates, and when we see the growth of e-commerce, we are optimistic about the opportunities this new industry brings. We believe the ecosystem of jobs that will emerge around e-commerce over the coming decade will provide a lot of opportunities, and logistics services are a key contributor to this."
Source: Vanguard