LAST MILE-

Unilever Arabia is the first company to roll out an EV as part of its last-mile delivery fleet in the UAE, according to a press release. The initiative comes as a partnership with Majid Al Futtaim Group’s retailerCarrefour and will see the battery-powered one-ton van deliver Unilever’s products to Carrefour outlets in Dubai. The preparation for the EV’s introduction was completed in collaboration with EV distributor Emirates Global Motors Electric and global supply chain and logistics solutions provider DB Schenker. The effort comes as part of a drive “to achieve the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy,” UAE Country Manager for Carrefour Bertrand Loumaye said.

KSA-based shipping outfit AJEX Logistics Services has launched same-day delivery and reverse pick-up services in Dammam, Riyadh, and Jeddah, according to a press release. The new services will facilitate “faster deliveries and [zero-hassle], efficient returns,” and support KSA’s booming e-commerce sector, which is projected to exceed USD 20 bn by 2027, the press release said.

FINANCE-

AFC + Morocco ink an agreement for infrastructure developments + transport projects: Infrastructure solutions provider Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has signed an MoU with Morocco’s Economy and Finance Ministry to provide project development, structuring, and financing solutions for projects in the transport, heavy industries, renewables, natural resources, and telecommunications sectors, according to a statement. The MoU aims to enhance Morocco’s industrial base and infrastructure to increase the country’s export capacity and market competition, the statement said.

AFC is active in Morocco’s logistics sector: The lender is already in discussions with Morocco’s Transport and Logistics Ministry, the National Railway Operator, and Airport Authorityto work on projects like the revamp and upgrades of railway infrastructure to improve the country’s cargo and passenger mobility between its towns and the capital, and to ease road congestion, according to the statement. AFC’s investments aim to “drive rapid progress in manufacturing, and import substitution,” CEO and President of AFC Samaila Zubairu said in the statement.

ALSO WORTH KNOWING-

  • Tunisian airline Nouvelairis set to launch a new route from Tunis to Milan, operating twicea week starting 17 July. (Statement)
  • Dubai-based Noon’s food delivery platform Noon Foodis introducing electric bikes to its Dubai fleet to promote moreeco-friendly logistics practices. (Press release)
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