By: msn

Cainiao, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group Holding, is expanding its small-parcel delivery service across Africa. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the rising consumer demand for Chinese-manufactured goods on the continent. The company is systematically extending its network to tap into this growing market.

The service has now been launched in eight African nations, including Ghana, Morocco, and Nigeria. Cainiao has announced plans to include South Africa and Egypt in its network by the end of December. This expansion provides Chinese e-commerce merchants with a more cost-effective and reliable delivery channel to African consumers.

The company identifies underdeveloped logistics infrastructure as a significant constraint on trade growth in Africa. Cainiao intends to utilize its own network and technological capabilities to overcome these local challenges. The goal is to establish a delivery service that guarantees certainty and reliability for small parcels.

This African initiative is a component of China's expanding economic and trade influence across the continent. While part of Alibaba, Cainiao also serves third-party merchants. Other Chinese e-commerce platforms, such as Shein and Temu, have also initiated services in select African markets.

The push into Africa aligns with a notable increase in Chinese exports to the region. Official data shows that China's exports to Africa grew by 26.1 percent in the first ten months of the year, reaching US$180 billion. This expansion forms a key part of Cainiao's broader international growth strategy.

Concurrently, the firm is strengthening its presence in other global markets. In Latin America, it has secured dedicated air cargo routes to ensure consistent delivery to countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Chile. This ensures service continuity even during periods of high demand.

Furthermore, Cainiao has entered a partnership with CP Axtra, a major Thai retail giant operating stores like Makro and Lotus's. This collaboration aims to extend Cainiao's artificial intelligence and logistics technologies across the broader Asia-Pacific market, enhancing omnichannel retail capabilities.

Through these global efforts, Cainiao's logistics technology solutions are now deployed in 27 countries and regions. The company's international footprint now comprehensively spans the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and its newly expanded operations in Africa.