5 Tech Startups Revolutionizing Last-Mile Delivery in Africa

 

 

Across Africa, the term “last-mile delivery” has evolved from a logistical headache into a thriving innovation frontier. The last mile—the journey from a distribution hub to the final consumer—is often the most expensive and complex part of supply chain management.

From the dirt roads of rural Ghana to the crowded streets of Nairobi and Lagos, tech startups are redefining how goods, medicine, and even education reach people.

These trailblazers are not just moving packages—they’re moving possibilities.

 

1. Kobo360 (Nigeria): Powering Africa’s Digital Freight Network

Founded: 2017

Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria

Founders: Obi Ozor & Ife Oyedele II

Kobo360 emerged to address Africa’s fragmented trucking industry, where inefficiency and lack of transparency inflated logistics costs. Their platform acts as a digital marketplace connecting truck owners with businesses needing transport.

 

How It Works

• ·        Shippers post delivery requests via the app.
• ·        Truck owners and drivers are matched instantly.
• ·        Clients track shipments in real time through GPS integration.

 

Impact

• Kobo360 now operates in multiple African countries including Togo, Ghana, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire.
• They’ve reduced idle time for drivers and streamlined distribution for FMCG giants.
• Beyond delivery: Kobo360 provides financial support to drivers—such as quick payments and access to fuel loans—creating a more sustainable logistics ecosystem.

“We are building the Uber of trucks for Africa.” — Obi Ozor, Co-founder, Kobo360.

 

2. Sendy (Kenya): Empowering SMEs through Smart Delivery

Founded: 2014

Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya

Founder: Mesh Alloys

Sendy began as a motorbike courier service in Nairobi but has since evolved into one of East Africa’s most powerful logistics solutions. Their goal is simple: help businesses deliver goods faster and cheaper using technology.

 

How It Works

Sendy’s platform connects customers with vetted delivery partners—from bikes to trucks—while allowing digital payments, route optimization, and live tracking.

 

Impact

·        SME growth: Over 100,000 small businesses rely on Sendy for affordable logistics.

·        Regional expansion: Now active in Kenya, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.

·        Digital inclusion: Their platform promotes e-commerce growth for local vendors.

Sendy’s success reflects Africa’s rising digital economy—where access, not ownership, is key.

 

3. Lori Systems (Kenya/Nigeria): Digitizing Africa’s Cargo Highways

Founded: 2016

Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya

Founders: Josh Sandler, Jean-Claude Murindwa, Ernest Gichini

Lori Systems is tackling the “invisible economy”—the chaotic world of cargo movement across African borders. Their software platform optimizes transport routes, manages drivers, and ensures transparency for cargo owners.

 

How It Works

• ·        Shippers find verified transporters.
• ·        Drivers receive optimized route assignments.
• ·        Clients monitor every stage via a dashboard.

 

Impact

Lori Systems has reduced delivery times by up to 50% and cut operating costs for companies by 30%.

They’re now expanding into Uganda, Nigeria, and South Sudan—improving trade logistics across borders.

Their vision: to connect every truck, road, and warehouse in Africa through one digital logistics map.

 

4. Max.ng (Nigeria): Driving Sustainable Urban Logistics

Founded: 2015

Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria

Founders: Adetayo Bamiduro & Chinedu Azodoh

Max.ng started as a bike-hailing app but quickly pivoted to electric mobility and logistics. Today, they use electric motorcycles (e-bikes) for courier and delivery services in urban centers.

 

How It Works

Through the Max app, businesses can request deliveries using a fleet of eco-friendly bikes equipped with smart navigation systems.

 

Impact

·        Reduced emissions in major Nigerian cities.

·        Created over 10,000 employment opportunities for riders.

·        Supported women and youth empowerment programs.

Max.ng’s shift toward green logistics demonstrates how sustainability and profitability can co-exist in Africa’s transport industry.

Our goal is not just to deliver packages—but to deliver clean air and opportunities.” — Max.ng team

 

5. Zipline (Ghana/Rwanda): Drones that Deliver Life

Founded: 2014

Headquarters: California, USA — Operations in Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya

Zipline’s story is one of technology meeting humanity. Using autonomous drones, Zipline delivers blood, vaccines, and medications to hospitals and clinics in hard-to-reach areas.

 

How It Works

·        Medical staff place orders via a simple phone app.

·        Drones are launched from Zipline hubs, guided by GPS.

·        Deliveries parachute safely to the destination—often within 30 minutes.

 

Impact

·        Over 55 million deliveries completed across Africa.

·        Lives saved: Especially during medical emergencies and vaccination drives.

·        Partnered with governments and NGOs for nationwide logistics support.

Zipline is more than a delivery service—it’s a lifeline that proves technology can save lives where roads cannot reach.

 

The Future of Last-Mile Delivery in Africa

The success of these startups signals a continental shift—from traditional transport to data-driven logistics.

However, challenges remain: poor road networks, high fuel costs, regulatory hurdles, and limited internet access in remote regions.

But Africa’s innovation spirit is unstoppable.

Governments, investors, and entrepreneurs are realizing that logistics is not just an industry—it’s an infrastructure for growth.

 “When a small business in Accra can deliver in the same day as one in New York, Africa will have arrived.” — Anonymous logistics entrepreneur

 

Final Thought

Last-mile delivery is no longer a luxury—it’s the heartbeat of commerce, healthcare, and education.

And as these startups prove, the road to Africa’s future may be rough, but it’s being paved with innovation, determination, and drones.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Last-mile delivery refers to the final stage of moving goods from a transport hub to the end customer. In Africa, it’s one of the biggest logistics challenges due to poor road networks, informal addressing systems, and high delivery costs.

Startups are solving this by using technology like GPS mapping, drones, and mobile payment systems to make deliveries faster and more reliable — especially in rural or hard-to-reach communities.

Several exciting startups are reshaping logistics across the continent, including:

• Kobo360 (Nigeria) – connects truck owners with shippers using digital freight matching.
• Lori Systems (Kenya) – offers supply-chain visibility and automated dispatching for transporters.
• MAX (Nigeria) – combines delivery and mobility solutions through smart e-vehicles.
• Sendy (Kenya) – provides on-demand delivery services for businesses and e-commerce merchants.
• Kwik Delivery (Nigeria) – focuses on same-day, urban courier services with app-based dispatching.

They’re using digital tools to reduce waste and streamline operations. Examples include:

• Route optimization using AI to shorten travel times and fuel use.
• Real-time tracking for customers and dispatchers.
• Digital payments to replace cash-on-delivery systems.
• Partnerships with local riders and small transport firms for flexible coverage.

These solutions help reduce costs and improve reliability — key to Africa’s e-commerce growth.

Despite progress, startups still face obstacles like:

• Poor road infrastructure in rural areas.
• Unclear addresses or no formal street naming systems.
• Limited access to digital maps and data in certain regions.
• High fuel prices and vehicle maintenance costs.

However, many startups are adapting by creating innovative local solutions — like using bikes or solar-powered vehicles in off-grid communities.

The future looks promising. With growing internet access, smartphone adoption, and investment in logistics startups, the industry is expected to grow rapidly.

Trends to watch include drone deliveries, electric vehicle fleets, and AI-powered logistics platforms. Governments and investors are also showing more interest, signaling a strong future for tech-driven delivery solutions across the continent.

SmartPickHub Insight: Africa’s logistics revolution is just beginning. The next generation of startups will not only move goods faster but also connect millions of small businesses to new markets.