Relay Points: The Last Mile Solution in Africa

The last mile represents 50% of total delivery cost, and this figure rises to 70% in African areas without precise addressing. The absence of street names, building numbers and standardized postal codes makes home delivery nearly impossible in many areas.

Relay points offer an elegant solution: rather than looking for a non-existent address, the package is delivered to a known partner shop. The recipient receives an email and picks up their package at their convenience.

This model, proven in Europe with networks like Mondial Relay, is being adapted for sub-Saharan Africa. Neighborhood shops, cybercafés and gas stations are being transformed into collection points.

The advantages are multiple: for the carrier, a single delivery point instead of dozens of scattered addresses. For the recipient, the certainty of finding their package in a safe place. For the partner shop, additional foot traffic generating extra sales.

Technology plays a key role: each package is GPS-tracked, the recipient receives email notifications at every stage, and a unique code secures the pickup. Mobile apps allow locating the nearest relay point and tracking packages in real-time.

The ambition is significant: deploying a network of several thousand relay points in sub-Saharan Africa by 2027. The first covered areas will be capitals and major cities, before gradual extension to suburban and rural areas.