Three South African logistics startups have been named winners at the recent Last Mile Innovation Nexus, an event designed to boost local startups by fostering connections with major industry players. Hosted by logistics software company FarEye, in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the event offered a unique platform for startups to showcase their solutions and network with top retailers, including Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Massmart, Homechoice, Clicks Group, and Media24.
The judging panel, featuring industry leaders like Vuyo Angoma-Mzini from Launch Africa Ventures, Ntsako Mgiba from The Delta, Gautam Kumar from FarEye Technologies, and Merlin Otto from Massmart, evaluated each startup’s pitch. Judges provided valuable insights and guidance to help these startups enhance and scale their logistics solutions.
Solarbox emerged as the overall winner, taking home a ZAR100,000 ($6,000) cash prize. SHIMI and ABEOD followed as runners-up in the second and third positions, respectively.
Commenting on the initiative, FarEye’s co-founder and CEO Kushal Nahata highlighted South Africa’s strategic importance in the logistics landscape. “South Africa is a key market with immense potential for disruptive logistics solutions. With the rapid rise of e-commerce and the arrival of global giants like Amazon, Shein, and Walmart, the need for scalable and efficient last-mile delivery solutions is greater than ever. This initiative aims to equip South African startups with the resources and exposure needed to thrive in this dynamic environment,” Nahata remarked.
The Last Mile Innovation Nexus underscores the rising demand for innovative logistics solutions in Africa, as more startups emerge to address challenges in the fast-evolving delivery and e-commerce sectors.
