The verdict in three sentences
The last mile carries up to 53% of the total logistics cost of an e-commerce order. In Kigali in 2026, the choice sits between platforms (Yango, Glovo), independent motorbike couriers, and an in-house fleet, each with its own volume break-even. Below 300 deliveries/month, outsourcing almost always wins.
Delivery options compared
Here are the four models with their key parameters. Figures are 2026 orders of magnitude for a standard urban order.
| Option | Cost per run | Delay | Failure rate | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yango Delivery | 2,000-3,000 FCFA | 2-4 h | 8-10% | Large city |
| Glovo | 2,200-3,000 FCFA | 1-3 h | 8-11% | Urban core |
| Independent motorbike courier | 1,500-2,200 FCFA | 3-24 h | 12-15% | Negotiated |
| In-house fleet | 1,200-1,800 FCFA* | 2-6 h | 5-8% | Controlled |
*In-house cost per run only holds at high volume, once courier salary is amortized.
Which model by volume
The right choice depends mostly on monthly delivery count. Here's the decision rule.
| Monthly volume | Recommended model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| < 100 | Platform (Yango/Glovo) | Zero fixed cost |
| 100-300 | Independent couriers | Negotiated rate |
| 300-800 | Fleet + couriers mix | Absorbs peaks |
| > 800 | In-house fleet | Lowest cost per run |
The delivery failure rate is the hidden cost: each failure is a double run and often a refund.
Mini case study
Salif runs an electronics store in Kigali: 450 deliveries/month. On 100% platform at 2,500 FCFA per run, he pays 1,125,000 FCFA/month. He shifts to 2 dedicated motorbike couriers (salary + fuel 600,000 FCFA) for 350 runs and keeps the platform for the remaining 100 (250,000 FCFA). New cost: 850,000 FCFA, a 275,000 FCFA monthly saving. Bonus: the failure rate drops from 12% to 7% because his couriers know the neighborhoods.
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FAQ
What share of logistics cost is the last mile?
Up to 53% of the total. It's where optimization pays the most, well ahead of warehousing or packaging.
At what volume should I build an in-house fleet?
Generally beyond 800 deliveries/month. Below that, fixed costs (salaries, bikes, fuel) don't amortize against platforms.
How do I cut the delivery failure rate?
Confirm by SMS/WhatsApp before the courier departs and require a mobile money deposit. That moves failure from 12-15% to 5-8%.
Yango or Glovo — which to choose?
Rates are close (2,000-3,000 FCFA). Glovo is often faster downtown (1-3 h), Yango covers wider zones. Test both over a month.
Does cash on delivery increase failures?
Yes. Non-prepaid COD generates 2 to 3 times more failures than a prepaid mobile money order. A 30% deposit sharply cuts the risk.
Let's talk about your project. We connect your store to the right delivery partners for your volume. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
