The Lab of Tomorrow is a business development program to solve specific challenges in emerging markets. It inspires European and local businesses to jointly create new products and services that generate long-term impact on the ground.
The lot drives business: They bring access to new markets, local expertise, and business opportunities in developing countries
The lot builds relevant networks: They match businesses from the EU and emerging markets to co-create and co-own products
The lot creates social impact: The new products and services contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The e-commerce sector has witnessed tremendous growth over the last few years. Despite positive effects on the economic development of Africa, the uptake in e-commerce also bears the risk of negatively impacting the environment. This presents a challenge at the intersection of digital trade and the green economic transformation. Advancing this transformation requires tailor-made solutions that can be provided by the private sector.
Carbon emissions resulting from reverse logistics and last-mile delivery are rising as the popularity in e-commerce increases globally. The emergence of a more environmentally conscious consumer presents a unique opportunity that offers lucrative business solutions that not only mitigate environmental effects but also solve societal problems in an effective way.
E-commerce has been growing steadily in Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, and Nigeria over the past few years, driven by factors such as increasing internet penetration, mobile phone usage, and a growing middle class. Each country has its own unique e-commerce landscape, challenges, and opportunities. Kenya has been one of the leaders in East Africa’s e-commerce market. The country’s well-developed mobile money infrastructure has played a significant role in stimulating online transactions. In fact, high taxation of fossil fuels creates an opening for the adoption of greener and more affordable solutions for last-mile delivery. Rwanda’s e-commerce landscape is growing steadily, although it may be somewhat smaller compared to other African countries. The government has increasingly taken steps to promote digital innovation and entrepreneurship. However, as in many African countries, Rwanda grapples with challenges in building trust among consumers, improving logistics and delivery systems, and expanding the internet. Ghana’s e-commerce market has seen significant growth in recent years, with the emergence of various e-commerce platforms. The government has shown interest in supporting the digital economy, and efforts have been made to improve the country’s digital infrastructure. Nigeria has one of the most developed e-commerce markets in Africa. The country has a large population and a growing middle class, both of which are driving e-commerce growth. The country however faces challenges such as logistics, payment infrastructure, and consumer trust, but the market is dynamic and evolving.
Opportunities
Affordable Solution For Last Mile Delivery in Kenya
This business opportunity aims at creating cutting-edge affordable, eco-friendly, and secure last-mile delivery solutions for small businesses that have typically relied on motorbike riders, Public Service Vehicle operators, or existing digital taxis. Affordable shipping and last-mile delivery solutions would increase sales for both vendors and courier agents while eco-friendly solutions would decrease the environmental effects from pollution.
Swift Location of delivery addresses to reduce pollution and increase efficiency in Rwanda
Proper addressing systems are a string enabler of e-commerce and last-mile delivery both in densely populated urban areas as well as remote rural areas. Enabling delivery firms to easily locate delivery addresses will provide more time efficiency and enable more trips, less reverse logistics, and thus lower pollution and energy consumption.
Improved navigation and tracking to enhance customer experience and increase sales in Nigeria
The last mile plays a key role in customer experience because this is where the company connects directly with the end consumer through delivery. This business opportunity aims to develop instruments that facilitate the tracking of deliveries and better navigation which can increase customer experience and e-commerce revenue.
Better technology to increase the accuracy and sustainability of deliveries in Ghana
Technology is an effective driver in solving last-mile issues and improving performance. This business opportunity aims to develop and improve technologies in order to facilitate the speed, accuracy, and sustainability of delivery services.
Apply for the 22nd Lab of Tomorrow program to develop & implement new business solutions for greening and advancing e-commerce in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda!
