E-commerce Firm Ignites Drone Delivery

Sep 6 , 2020


[ssba-buttons]

Addis Mercato, a local e-commerce and logistics company, has launched the first urban and suburban delivery service using fully automated drones. The company partnered with India-based TechEagle to launch the logistics system. Addis Mercato, founded over a year ago, will start the drone delivery service in and around Ayat, where its warehouse is located. The delivery region will initially cover a 14Km radius, going all the way to Legetafo. The drones carry up to 4.4kg and will use a GPS tracking system to locate customer locations. The new delivery system is expected to reduce one-way delivery time from 40 minutes to eight minutes. The company will work with the Ministry of Health to create a drone delivery network for the healthcare system that will enable quick and efficient delivery of essential medical supplies to treatment centres, according to Abiy Mebaselassie, CEO of Addis Mercato.


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...