African e-commerce growth via package-forwarding

African consumers are increasingly buying online from major international retailers like Amazon and Walmart, facilitated by package-forwarding companies such as Afrety and Aramex. These intermediaries overcome challenges like lack of formal addresses and bank access by providing warehouse addresses in the US, Europe, and China, and accepting mobile money payments. The trend is driven by rising internet penetration (43% of 1.5 billion people) and growing e-commerce hubs, though constrained by low incomes outside major cities. South Africa leads with 35% annual online retail growth to $7.26 billion in 2025, attracting Amazon and Walmart to establish local operations. Competitors like Jumia, Temu, and Shein also vie for market share, with Jumia expecting to break even in 2026. Aramex plans to double Sub-Saharan Africa revenue by 2030, while Afrety has grown to 4-5 tons air freight weekly. Nigeria is highlighted as a high-potential market, with Aramex opening a warehouse there in April 2026 and Jumia reporting 50% growth in the last quarter of 2025.