Mobile tech transforming African commerce

The growth of mobile phones and services across the African continent has instantly brought many Africans into the digital age and connected them to worldwide knowledge and services.

Home to one of the world’s fastest growing middle classes, Africa has seen multiple opportunities emerge for both local and global retailers from this digital growth.

“Currently, more than 60 percent of individuals in sub-Saharan Africa have access to a mobile phone. As the adoption of mobile technology and increasing internet penetration in these countries continue to grow, so does the opportunity for retailers to reach new customers in the region,” says Hennie Heymans, CEO, DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa.

The World Bank’s 2016 World Development Report, Digital Dividends, notes that the increased access to digital technologies brings more choice and greater convenience, and that through inclusion, efficiency and innovation, access to mobile provides opportunities that were previously out of reach.

Heymans also adds that the market opportunities in Africa are ripe. With the rise of mobile commerce and increased competition, this drives the demand for advances in technology and logistics, to ensure real-time supply chain visibility and improved quality, speed and precision of delivery services within African markets.

DHL is meeting demand with the addition of Android-powered mobile scanners in 26 sub-Saharan African countries.

“As a network business, it is essential that our shipment data is captured accurately and in real-time,” Heymans says.

This data can also be used to measure customer satisfaction against company KPIs, as well as for process improvements or route adjustments to increase efficiency and improve customer service.

With this new technology, local and global retailers can increase the speed at which shipments are processed and delivered to their clients, thus improving efficiency along the value chain.