Besides DHL for shipping, MarketPlace Africa will utilize MallforAfrica’s e-commerce infrastructure as well as its payment and delivery system, which serves as a digital broker and logistics manager for U.S. retailers that partner with MallforAfrica to sell their goods online to African consumers. DHL will manage all logistics services while providing the speed of delivery that customers expect; Marketplace Africa will provide craftspeople and customers order verification, fast delivery, and shipment labeling and packaging services. African craftspeople have been isolated from global customers due to distance and the obstacles that come with shipping, while customers who wished to purchase products directly from African artisans faced accessibility, authenticity and validity issues, uncertainty of delivery, high delivery costs, and payment security. The partnership seeks to solve these obstacles as online retailers will be able to ship African-made products to the US and the global market at large. Marketplace Africa was created to help artisans simplify the ability to buy directly from African craftspeople and small enterprises. Global consumers can now shop directly from African businesses of all sizes and have the products shipped to their home with confidence. Read About: DHL and MallforAfrica team up to further cross-border e-commerce to the United States Hennie Heymans, CEO for DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa asserted that they are thrilled to be a part of this innovative e-commerce solution for African artisans. MallforAfrica CEO Chris Folayan said he sees an opportunity to open the sales channels while helping people in Africa buy products from places like the U.S.
