DHL has expanded its retail app into 13 new markets, this brings the total number of countries that can access the e-commerce service to 34. DHL had also expanded into nine new markets in May. All of the 34 countries that can use the retail app are located in Africa. DHL began its e-commerce services in April, since then over 200 the United States and United Kingdom business have singed up to sell to African markets.
DHL is able to operate using MallforAfrica.com's fulfillment service. This allows African consumers to make purchases using the websites of any of the services of global partners. The MallforAfrica CEO Chris Folayan outlines the promise of the new markets, "For some of these countries no one has really tapped into e-commerce the way we’re tapping into it, with an ability to buy online and also buy online directly from places like Macy’s or Amazon."
E-Commerce Market Expansions
DHL Has Expanded Its Retail App into 13 New African Markets
Trend Themes
1. E-commerce Expansion in Africa - DHL's expansion of its retail app into 13 new African markets presents an opportunity for other e-commerce platforms to expand their reach in Africa.
2. Fulfillment Services for African E-commerce - DHL's use of MallforAfrica.com's fulfillment service highlights the potential for fulfillment services to become a disruptive innovation in the African e-commerce market.
3. Global Partnerships for African E-commerce - DHL's partnership with MallforAfrica.com demonstrates an opportunity for future global partnerships that could potentially connect African consumers with a wider range of international e-commerce retailers.
Industry Implications
1. E-commerce - DHL's expansion of its e-commerce services into new African markets indicates a growth opportunity for e-commerce businesses looking to expand their reach in the African market.
2. Fulfillment Services - DHL's use of MallforAfrica.com's fulfillment service demonstrates an opportunity for fulfillment service providers to establish a foothold in the African e-commerce market.
3. Logistics and Shipping - DHL's expansion into new African markets highlights opportunities for logistics and shipping businesses to assist in the growth and expansion of African e-commerce.