GIG Logistics (GIGL), a tech-driven delivery company in Africa, has expanded its offerings to China. With this, it now has operations in four nations altogether. This is coming after GIGL launched branches outside Nigeria’s borders in Ghana, the US, and the UK.
Through this expansion, GIGL will work to address recurring issues with international purchases, increase the opportunities for Africans to buy from Chinese merchants through the GIGGo app, and provide superfast hassle-free shipping at competitive prices. GIGL will do this by investing in technology and expertise in the logistics space in four countries.
With this development, GIGL hopes to address persistent problems with international purchases, increase the number of Africans who can purchase goods from Chinese sellers using the GIGGo app, and offer hassle-free shipping at affordable rates. GIGL will accomplish this by making investments in technology and logistical knowledge across four nations.
According to Dr. Ocholi Etu, Director of Operations at GIG Logistics, the team is exploring more inventive methods to offer consumers better services by implementing technology that would aid in the procurement and shipping of goods.
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Reasons Behind The Expansion To China
China is one of the major manufacturing countries in the world. As a result, many Nigerians have turned to these countries to make purchases directly. Some entrepreneurs of tiny businesses get nearly all of their goods from this place.
Statistics have shown that Nigeria’s total imports from China reached USD 1.278 billion in March 2022, according to CEIC Data. This demonstrates the important trading link between the two nations despite their numerous obstacles. With this expansion, GIG Logistics hopes to remove some of these difficulties.
However, some factors, including the CBN-regulated limitations on foreign payment services, have affected the purchase of goods from other countries. GIG plans to remove these limitations as it grows and broadens its offerings.
For the time being, the company’s concentration will be on air cargo importation, which may limit the acquisition of particular commodities. However, there are intentions to expand into marine freight services in the future.
GIG Logistics Extends Operations To The United Kingdom
GIG Logistics (GIGL) is now operational in the United Kingdom as part of its mission to facilitate flawless deliveries for Africans worldwide. The company now has three locations outside of Nigeria, including its UK headquarters.
GIGL already has branches established in Ghana and the US and Nigeria. According to Ariyo Oluboye, Director of Overseas Operations at GIGL, the company’s UK expansion intends to remove impediments to cross-border delivery for African merchants to ship across continents.
Oluboye also alluded to GIGL’s potential future development into Asia, the Middle East, and other parts of Africa.
According to him, “Opening in the UK aligns with our drive to be that African brand playing in the global space. We are on a mission to power centralized and decentralized commerce by creating a platform for African merchants to ship across continents.”
Oluboye, in an interview, said that GIGL is focused on a specialized segment that is quite different from what the traditional logistics firms are focused on when explaining how the company’s service approach varies from those of the regular logistics companies.
“Decentralized and centralized commerce can only thrive with efficient last-mile delivery, and this is an area we are providing innovative solutions for with our services. We are leveraging technology to simplify the movement of goods across continents”, he added.
He added that the team would put procedures in place to ensure a smooth sail by leveraging technology and the knowledge they have gained from operating the USA, Ghana, and Nigeria offices.
“Our operation in the UK is going to be completely e-driven. All of this, coupled with our expansive route network in Nigeria and in-depth understanding of the local environment, will be of advantage to us for incoming and outgoing shipping between both countries”, he concludes.
For the logistics company, picking the UK was a strategic decision. The UK is a global economic powerhouse as well as a hub for manufacturing. The nation is home to several brands that offer a wide range of goods that are very popular with Nigerians and other Africans.