Transforming Trade: How Zimi is Reducing Shipping Costs and Boosting Exports

Zimi is a revolutionary tech-enabled fulfillment provider designed to bridge the gap between merchants in emerging markets and global buyers. Founded in 2023 by Audrey Djiya and Peter Nsaka, Zimi focuses on facilitating trade between Africa and the US, regions where shipping costs and inefficient supply chains have historically hindered economic potential. By providing a streamlined and cost-effective solution, Zimi aims to unlock the vast export potential of African businesses.

Zimi's approach leverages technology to enhance the efficiency of international trade. Their platform enables merchants to seamlessly integrate their online stores, ship inventory at discounted rates, and fulfill orders rapidly. This not only reduces operational costs but also significantly shortens delivery times, making African products more competitive in the global market. Zimi's vision is to create an ecosystem where African exporters can thrive, contributing to the economic development of the continent.

Why is Zimi Important for African Merchants?

The African continent exports over $600 billion in goods annually, with $83 billion (14%) destined for the US. Despite this significant trade volume, inefficiencies in the supply chain and high shipping costs result in approximately $50 billion in missed export opportunities each year. These challenges stem from various factors, including fragmented logistics networks, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to affordable shipping options.

Zimi addresses these challenges by offering a more efficient, cost-effective, and faster fulfillment service, enabling African merchants to tap into global markets with greater ease. By centralizing inventory storage and leveraging pre-negotiated shipping rates, Zimi reduces the logistical burden on merchants. This allows them to focus on product development and customer engagement, driving business growth and increasing export volumes.

Furthermore, Zimi's services are designed to be inclusive, catering to businesses of all sizes. Whether a small artisan or a large manufacturer, merchants can benefit from Zimi's comprehensive fulfillment solutions. This democratization of access to global markets is crucial for fostering economic inclusivity and reducing poverty in emerging economies.

How Does Zimi Work?

Step 1: Integration

Merchants can integrate their online store or product catalog with Zimi's platform. For those who do not yet have an online presence, Zimi offers assistance in setting up an online store. This integration process is straightforward, allowing merchants to quickly onboard and start leveraging Zimi's services.

The integration includes synchronizing inventory levels, order details, and shipping preferences. Zimi's platform supports multiple e-commerce platforms, ensuring compatibility and ease of use. Merchants receive training and support during the integration phase to ensure a smooth transition and optimal utilization of the platform's features.

Step 2: Ship and Store

Merchants ship their inventory to Zimi's centralized warehouses at discounted, pre-negotiated rates. These warehouses are strategically located to ensure quick and cost-effective shipping. By consolidating inventory in central locations, Zimi can negotiate better rates with shipping carriers, passing on these savings to the merchants.

The warehousing service includes secure storage, inventory management, and real-time tracking. Merchants can monitor their stock levels, track shipments, and receive alerts when inventory needs replenishing. This transparency and control over inventory help merchants avoid stockouts and overstock situations, optimizing their supply chain operations.

Step 3: Deliver

When an order is placed, Zimi takes care of packing and shipping the products the same day. This streamlined process ensures timely and accurate fulfillment, enhancing customer satisfaction and repeat business. Zimi's fulfillment centers are equipped with advanced technology to handle large volumes of orders efficiently, reducing the risk of errors and delays.

Zimi's delivery services include both direct-to-consumer (D2C) and wholesale fulfillment. For D2C orders, Zimi handles picking, packing, shipping, tracking, returns, and exchanges. For wholesale orders, Zimi ensures compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of retail buyers, facilitating seamless transactions and long-term partnerships.

Who Are the Founders of Zimi?

Audrey Djiya, Founder/CEO

Audrey Djiya is the visionary behind Zimi, bringing a wealth of experience in international expansion and revenue generation from her previous roles at Peloton and Duplo. She has a proven track record of launching successful fintech products and was instrumental in introducing Nigeria's first Buy-Now-Pay-Later solution. Audrey holds an MBA from Stanford University and a BA from Dartmouth College.

Audrey's leadership style is characterized by her strategic thinking and passion for empowering African businesses. She is committed to driving Zimi's mission of making international trade accessible and profitable for African merchants. Her extensive network and industry knowledge are invaluable assets in navigating the complexities of global commerce.

Peter Nsaka, Founder/CTO

Peter Nsaka, the technical backbone of Zimi, boasts over eight years of experience as a software engineer. Before co-founding Zimi, he was a Senior Software Engineer and Project Tech Lead at Shopify. Peter's expertise is crucial in developing the technology that powers Zimi's Amazon-prime like fulfillment services for African exporters.

Peter's technical acumen ensures that Zimi's platform remains robust, scalable, and user-friendly. He is dedicated to continuously improving the platform, incorporating feedback from merchants to enhance functionality and user experience. His commitment to innovation is evident in Zimi's advanced features and seamless integration capabilities.

What Are the Key Features of Zimi's Service?

Discounted Cross-Border Logistics

Zimi offers significantly reduced shipping rates for air and sea freight to the US and Europe, making international trade more accessible and affordable for African merchants. By leveraging their collective bargaining power, Zimi secures the lowest possible rates, enabling merchants to save on shipping costs and improve their profit margins.

Inventory Handling and Storage

Merchants can store their inventory at Zimi's global fulfillment centers, ensuring faster and cheaper shipping options. This service includes real-time inventory tracking and order management, giving merchants complete visibility and control over their stock. Zimi's warehouses are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems, ensuring the safety and integrity of stored products.

2-Day Shipping

Zimi guarantees 2-day shipping across the US, a crucial feature for businesses looking to compete in fast-paced international markets. This quick turnaround time enhances customer satisfaction and boosts sales. Zimi's efficient logistics network and strategic warehouse locations make it possible to deliver products swiftly and reliably.

D2C and Wholesale Fulfillment

Zimi handles all aspects of direct-to-consumer (D2C) fulfillment, including picking, packing, shipping, tracking, returns, and exchanges. Additionally, Zimi offers wholesale fulfillment, ensuring compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of retail buyers. This comprehensive service enables merchants to cater to both individual consumers and large retailers, expanding their market reach.

What Are the Benefits of Using Zimi?

Cost and Time Savings

Zimi's efficient fulfillment process results in up to 80% savings on shipping costs and times. This significant reduction enables merchants to offer competitive prices and faster delivery times, driving increased sales and customer loyalty. By reducing operational expenses, Zimi helps merchants improve their profitability and invest in business growth.

Scalability and Growth

Zimi's infrastructure supports businesses of all sizes, from small start-ups to established enterprises. By leveraging Zimi's services, merchants can scale their operations without the logistical headaches traditionally associated with international trade. Zimi's platform is designed to handle high volumes of orders, ensuring that merchants can meet increasing demand without compromising on quality or speed.

Proven Track Record

Zimi has facilitated over $1 million in revenue for its clients, with 100% accuracy and on-time shipping. These impressive numbers demonstrate Zimi's reliability and effectiveness in fulfilling orders and supporting business growth. Testimonials from satisfied customers, like Oyin Alesh of Kadiju, highlight Zimi's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

What Do Customers Say About Zimi?

Oyin Alesh, Founder & CEO of Kadiju, praises Zimi for their indispensable support in fulfilling wholesale orders for major retailers like Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, and Shopbop. Oyin highlights Zimi's attentive and caring team, emphasizing their commitment to understanding and meeting business needs. This personalized approach sets Zimi apart from other fulfillment providers, fostering long-term relationships with merchants.

Customer feedback is a cornerstone of Zimi's continuous improvement strategy. The company actively seeks input from clients to refine their services and address any challenges. This proactive approach ensures that Zimi remains aligned with the evolving needs of merchants and maintains a high level of customer satisfaction.

What Does the Future Hold for Zimi?

With a solid foundation and a growing list of satisfied clients, Zimi is poised to expand its reach and impact. The company's innovative approach to fulfillment and its focus on emerging markets position it as a key player in the global logistics industry. As Zimi continues to refine and scale its operations, it aims to unlock even greater opportunities for merchants in Africa and beyond.

Zimi plans to expand its network of fulfillment centers, increasing coverage in key global markets. This expansion will further reduce shipping times and costs, enhancing the competitiveness of African exporters. Additionally, Zimi is exploring partnerships with international logistics providers to offer even more comprehensive services.

Innovation remains at the core of Zimi's strategy. The company is investing in advanced technologies, such as AI and machine learning, to optimize inventory management, predict demand, and enhance the overall efficiency of the fulfillment process. These technological advancements will enable Zimi to provide even better service to its clients and maintain its competitive edge.

How Can Merchants Get Started with Zimi?

Merchants interested in leveraging Zimi's fulfillment services can start by integrating their online store or product catalog with Zimi's platform. From there, they can ship their inventory to Zimi's warehouses and begin enjoying the benefits of efficient, cost-effective international trade. Zimi's dedicated support team is available to assist with setup and ongoing operations, ensuring a smooth and successful experience for all clients.

The onboarding process is designed to be quick and hassle-free, allowing merchants to start benefiting from Zimi's services without

delay. Zimi provides comprehensive training and resources to help merchants maximize the platform's features and achieve their business goals.

In conclusion, Zimi offers a game-changing solution for African merchants looking to expand their reach and grow their businesses globally. By addressing the critical pain points of high shipping costs and inefficient supply chains, Zimi empowers merchants to capitalize on the vast export potential of the African continent. With its innovative technology, experienced leadership, and proven track record, Zimi is set to revolutionize the fulfillment industry and drive economic growth in emerging markets.