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Russian E-Commerce Giant Wildberries Moves Toward Mega Logistics Project

Wildberries & Russ, one of Russia’s largest e-commerce players, is holding talks for a large-scale logistics project that will digitally coordinate freight flows across the country. The company is reportedly in contact with Russian Railways and transport group FESCO as part of the development of Russia’s National Logistics Platform.

The platform in question is planned to operate like a digital marketplace for freight transportation customers. Through the system, shippers will enter cargo information, shipment volumes, delivery points, and dates via a digital interface. They will then be able to receive suitable transportation options from logistics providers operating on the designated routes.

The project is being evaluated within the scope of the National Digital Transport and Logistics Platform, known as GosLog, which aims to strengthen digital transportation and logistics infrastructure in Russia. GosLog was established by a government decree issued in July 2024 and is currently managed by the Russian Ministry of Transport.

One of the options being considered within the scope of the talks is for Wildberries to acquire a 25 percent stake in the joint venture expected to be established by Russian Railways and FESCO. It is also stated that software company 1C may be included in the project as a shareholder. However, these possibilities have not yet been officially confirmed.

Wildberries May Assume a Central Technological Role in the Platform With Its Logistics and Supply Chain Infrastructure

According to industry experts, Wildberries may assume a central technological role in the platform thanks to its advanced digital logistics and supply chain management infrastructure. As part of its e-commerce operations, the company manages one of Russia’s largest digital commerce ecosystems with its extensive delivery network, warehouse management, and data-driven order processes.

This move demonstrates Wildberries’ goal of not only strengthening its position in the e-commerce market, but also becoming a more strategic player in the fields of logistics, finance, and digital infrastructure. The company’s recent cooperation plans with VTB Bank and its expansion steps in different sectors show that e-commerce and logistics infrastructure in Russia are moving toward a more integrated structure.

If the national logistics platform is implemented, freight transportation processes in Russia are expected to become more transparent, faster, and more efficient. The project also stands out as an important transformation area at the intersection of e-commerce, transportation, and publicly supported digital infrastructure investments.

Wildberries Enters Africa with Ethiopian Expansion

Russian E-Commerce and Banking Are Converging: Sberbank at the Table for Ozon

It has been claimed that Sberbank, Russia’s largest state-owned bank, is holding talks to acquire a significant stake in Ozon, one of the country’s leading e-commerce platforms. The claim has taken the integration between Russia’s e-commerce and finance sectors to a new level. According to market sources, the potential deal size could exceed $4 billion.

Recently, the interest of state-backed financial institutions in e-commerce companies has been drawing attention in Russia. Following the recently announced cooperation between VTB and Wildberries, it is now suggested that Sberbank is holding talks to acquire a stake in Ozon.

The move in question is seen not only as an investment, but also as a reshaping of the competition between the banking sector and the rapidly growing fintech activities of e-commerce platforms. In recent years, Ozon and Wildberries had approached the traditional areas of activity of banks by making significant investments in payment systems, digital wallets, and consumer finance.

Ozon’s Gross Merchandise Value Rose to 1.14 Trillion Rubles

Ozon continues to grow in Russia, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and other regional markets where it operates. In the first quarter of 2026, the company increased its gross merchandise value by 36 percent year-on-year to 1.14 trillion rubles. In the same period, the number of orders rose by 83 percent to 807.7 million, while the number of active customers reached 67.3 million. The company also reached an important milestone in profitability by generating a net profit of 4.5 billion rubles in the first quarter.

Debt Pressure Could Accelerate the Sale

Markets believe that AFK Sistema’s possible sale of its stake in Ozon may be driven by the holding company’s financial obligations. The company’s latest financial statements had drawn attention with its high debt level and significant net loss. According to experts, the sale of Ozon shares could help the holding company strengthen its financial structure and reduce its debt burden.

A New Era in Russia’s Internet Economy

Analysts note that state-linked investors and financial institutions are becoming increasingly influential in Russia’s digital economy companies. Ownership changes in strategic digital platforms such as VK, Yandex, and Ozon in recent years indicate that the internet economy is moving toward a more centralized structure. If the potential Sberbank-Ozon deal takes place, e-commerce, fintech, and banking in Russia are expected to become more integrated, and the boundaries between sectors are expected to become even more blurred.

Ozon Global Shares Strong Growth and New Seller Opportunities in Latest Update

Wildberries Enters Ethiopia in 2026 as Digital Trade Growth Surges

Wildberries has officially launched operations in Ethiopia, opening its marketplace to local sellers and enabling them to reach international customers.

The move marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy, positioning Ethiopia as one of its first major entry points into the African e-commerce landscape.

Ethiopian products reach global audiences

Through the platform, Ethiopian businesses can now offer a wide range of goods to international buyers, including coffee, textiles, leather products, and handmade items.

The integration into the marketplace is expected to strengthen export potential for small and medium-sized enterprises while increasing global visibility for locally produced goods. It also provides sellers with access to a structured digital environment that simplifies cross-border trade.

Cross-border e-commerce gains traction

The launch reflects a broader trend of growing cross-border e-commerce activity, particularly in emerging markets.

By leveraging Wildberries’ logistics and marketplace infrastructure, Ethiopian sellers are able to access international markets more efficiently, reducing traditional barriers such as distribution complexity and limited reach.

Partnership supports digital economy development

The entry into Ethiopia follows cooperation with Ethiopian Investment Holdings, aimed at supporting the country’s digital economy and e-commerce ecosystem.

Through this initiative, Wildberries is contributing to improvements in logistics capabilities, technology transfer, and the creation of new opportunities for local businesses to scale beyond domestic markets.

Two-phase marketplace rollout

In its initial phase, Ethiopian products will be made available to international consumers through Wildberries.

A second phase is expected to introduce foreign sellers to the Ethiopian market, further expanding trade flows and strengthening the country’s position within global e-commerce networks.

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