AliExpress Brings Online Shopping Experience Offline


AliExpress Brings Online Shopping Experience Offline

AliExpress has launched its first showroom in Addis Abeba through a partnership with a company active in BPO, warehousing, logistics, farming, and manufacturing. The partnership with Echelon Group took effect last week, to expand the e-commerce sector including an innovative online platform and a showroom where customers can explore products in person, receive on-site support, and experience a seamless blend of traditional and digital retail. AliExpress, a leading online retailer established in 2010 by China-based Alibaba Group, entered the Ethiopian market in August. It is expected to boost the logistics sector by introducing best practices in supply chain management, customs processing, and delivery efficiency, providing valuable insights and improvements for the country's customs and logistics operations. Michael Mamo, CEO of Echelon Group expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting its potential to improve convenience for consumers and broaden access to online shopping for both individuals and businesses in the country. In the same week, AliExpress representatives met with State Minister for finance Semereta Sewasew to discuss strategic priorities, including job creation, local partnerships, technology development, and supply chain management. Semereta said that leveraging platforms like AliExpress can expand job opportunities for youth, foster innovation, and enhance trade and investment, positioning Ethiopia as a key player in global e-commerce.

[ssba-buttons]

Radar

Construction Sector Faces 'Serious Trouble,' Minister Warns

The construction industry in Ethiopia is in "serious trouble," said Chaltu Sani, Minister of Urban & Infrastructure Development, citing major challenges with finance, competitiveness and material costs. Speaking at the opening of the BIG 5 Construct Ethiopia expo and the inaugural East African Infrastructure & Water Expo at Millennium Hall last week, Chaltu stressed the need for concerted efforts from government, private sector, and international partners to support the 67 billion dol...


Radar

Wegagen Bank, Gift Real Estate Partner to Promote Diaspora Homeownership

Wegagen Bank S.C. and Gift Real Estate Plc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 23, to offer housing loans for homebuyers, with a special focus on the Ethiopian diaspora. The agreement enables eligible diaspora members to access loans covering up to 80pc of a home's value at reasonable interest rates. The bank's Deputy CEO Kidane Gebreselassie noted the deal will promote the real estate sector and expand homeownership options. Founder and CEO of Gift Real Estate, Gebreyesus Igata...


Radar

Jimma University Signs Sports Science Agreement to Strengthen National Programmes

Jimma University has signed a four-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Derartu Tulu Sports Training & Research Institute, and the Oromia Youth & Sport Bureau to advance Ethiopia's sports science and training capacity. Signed on June 26, the agreement includes joint research, shared facilities, and hosting of national and international competitions. It is expected to strengthen youth development, public health, and national pride through coor...