Elation as Jumia goes green, collaborates with e-mobility startup

As climate change effects continue to worsen, more companies are beginning to look inward to see how they can contribute to ongoing efforts to reduce environmental problems and promote a green economy in the process.

Last week, we reported that MultiChoice Namibia has entered into a partnership with NamiGreen, one of the leading recycling startups in the country to help manage its electronic waste.

With big companies currently joining in the race to incorporate sustainability in their business models, Africa’s largest online marketplace, Jumia has also shown its concerns for environmental conservation.

The Ghana subsidiary of the e-commerce giant has partnered with Solar Taxi to provide affordable and eco-friendly delivery services to consumers. Solar Taxi is an e-mobility startup that focuses on building electric-powered vehicles for delivery and cab services.

Since an e-commerce platform is as reliable as its last-mile delivery service, Jumia Ghana, through this collaboration, aims to enhance its efficiency while achieving its goal of going green.

As part of the agreement, Jumia will initially deploy over 20 solar-powered motorcycles produced by Solar Taxi and then up to 100 overtime. This will ensure that consumers who order food, groceries, and other essential items on Jumia can get their orders delivered conveniently and environmentally friendly to their homes or offices.

Commenting on the significance of the collaboration, the CEO of Jumia Ghana, Tolulope George-Yanwah, said, “Partnering with Solar Taxi Ghana Limited helps us to play our part in keeping our environment safe.

The use of solar-driven vehicles and motorbikes for online deliveries keeps all our stakeholders safe from fuel emissions. The health and safety of our consumers, as well as delivery agents, are a priority. The use of solar Taxi bikes and vehicles also ensures affordability to our consumers who now have reduced shipping fees”.

In the same vein, Mr. Jorge Appiah, CEO of Solar Taxi Ghana Limited also said, “In today’s world, health is a major concern to everybody, especially diseases related to the respiratory system. In view of this, we have partnered with Jumia Ghana to provide eco-friendly and affordable transportation to Ghanaians through its online delivery service.”

He stressed that electric vehicles will help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the system. “As a result of this, Ghanaians will stay safe during the COVID-19 era. We are so happy to help Ghanaians stay safe and together with Jumia Ghana, WE GO GREEN!!!”, he added.

Both companies plan to expand this service to other parts of the country in the coming months. In June, Solar Taxi emerged as one of the five winners of Siemens Stiftung’s E-Mobility Innovation Competition 2021.