Blog

The Checklist: What Retailers Need to Know Before Embarking on SaaS Journeys – redPanda Solutions

Posted on by africanretailteam | 146 Views | 28 min read

Modern retail is dependent on technology to deliver the type of frictionless experience consumers demand and employees need. Over and above this, seamless integrations are the lifeblood of operational efficacy and efficiency in the race to win and retain market share.  Peter Ludi, Managing Executive at redPanda Solutions, a leading retail software solutions partner, says

iKhokha Elevate: Introducing a New Operating System Built for SMEs

Posted on by africanretailteam | 187 Views | 21 min read

iKhokha, the fintech company dedicated to fostering growth for South African small businesses amid challenging macroeconomic conditions, hosted its first iKhokha Elevate event in Durban on Wednesday, 12 March. The event, which saw hundreds of merchants attending in person and thousands more joining online, centered around discussing the challenges and successes of small businesses. It

Malawi Launches Digital Portal to Streamline Trade and Expand Market Access

Posted on by africanretailteam | 138 Views | 18 min read

The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), in collaboration with TradeMark Africa (TMA), has today launched the Single Digital Platform (SDP), a digital solution that automates MCCCI’s trade facilitation and membership management processes to enhance service delivery for businesses. The launch was officiated by Malawi’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Eng.

A New Player in Forecourt Logistics

Posted on by africanretailteam | 128 Views | 7 min read

Vector Express – a new offering from Vector Logistics – is enabling the channel to market for servicing forecourts and non-major retail customers nationally across South Africa. The solutions are enabled via the implementation of a dedicated fleet of vehicles optimised for the forecourt solution. “With a network of nearly 3000 sites across the country,

AliExpress Elevates Online Shopping in Africa with More Local Payment Options

Posted on by africanretailteam | 281 Views | 7 min read

AliExpress, an international online retail marketplace, announced today a significant expansion in its payment options for shoppers across Africa to elevate online shopping in the continent. This initiative follows AliExpress’ introduction of various local mobile payment methods last year, which was welcomed by consumers seeking better access to global products. Starting this March, AliExpress has

South Africa’s Top Brands Thrive in 2025, Led by Retail and Banking Giants

Posted on by africanretailteam | 427 Views | 38 min read

In 2025, the collective brand value of the Top 100 South African brands reached R688.6 billion, with banking, retail, and telecoms contributing over 62% of the ranking’s total brand value, as is often the case in emerging markets. This underscores the important role that the South Africa’s services sector plays in the economy and daily

Taco Bell Expands into South Africa as Part of Global Growth Strategy

Posted on by africanretailteam | 624 Views | 7 min read

Taco Bell has a plan to ignite international growth, expanding its global footprint from 1150 locations to more than 3000 restaurants outside the US by 2030. The brand plans to enter nine new countries including France, Greece and South Africa, and accelerate growth in its existing India, Australia, Spain and UK markets. The other six

ISF, AFSTA, and STAK Unite to Advance Africa’s Seed Sector and Food Security

Posted on by africanretailteam | 870 Views | 14 min read

The International Seed Federation (ISF) has convened its Board Meetings in Nairobi, bringing together national, regional and global seed industry leaders to reinforce their commitment to Africa’s agricultural development, especially in the face of climate change and a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. “Africa is on the verge of unlocking the transformative power of quality seeds,”

POP Warehouse Integration Enhances Provantage’s Retail Offering

Posted on by africanretailteam | 911 Views | 11 min read

POP Warehouse, a respected leader in South Africa’s retail display and logistics sector, has announced its incorporation into Provantage, one of Africa’s largest integrated media and marketing companies. This integration enhances Provantage’s retail services offering and capabilities, strengthening its ability to provide clients with a seamless end-to-end integrated point-of-purchase (POP) supply chain solution. Founded by

AGRA and Rwanda Launch Food Innovation Hub to Support Farmers

Posted on by africanretailteam | 646 Views | 8 min read

The Rwandan Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Innovation has partnered with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to establish a Food Innovation Hub aimed at strengthening food systems across the continent. The initiative seeks to support smallholder farmers, improve access to markets and financing, and enhance agricultural systems to increase food

GMG Partners with Frasers Group to Launch Sports Direct in MENA

Posted on by africanretailteam | 903 Views | 10 min read

GMG, a global well-being and retail conglomerate, announced a 10-year strategic retail partnership with Frasers Group, to bring leading sports retailer, Sports Direct, to the region. This partnership is a bold stride in GMG’s strategic vision to be the number one sports player across all markets it operates in, and bring inspiration and innovation through

Tiger Brands Boosts Sustainability of Township Enterprises

Posted on by africanretailteam | 1042 Views | 7 min read

Two emerging black-owned enterprises have been assisted in growing their presence in the local township economy through Tiger Brands’ business support and market access initiative. Local start-up creative agencies, Bloodline and Barcode, are the recipients of a Tiger Brands Enterprise Supplier Development business support and mentorship package designed to help grow informal businesses into sustainable

Shoprite & Standard Bank Partner to Boost Customer Rewards

Posted on by africanretailteam | 1829 Views | 6 min read

Africa’s biggest bank and Africa’s biggest retailer have teamed up to offer customers Africa’s biggest grocery rewards. This comes as the Shoprite Group doubles down on transparent partnerships that offer shoppers real value.  From April 2025, qualifying Standard Bank UCount Rewards members will receive the following benefits on every product, every day:  The Standard Bank

FNB Expands Partnership With Pick n Pay, Naming It as eBucks’ Primary Retail Partner

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2153 Views | 19 min read

FNB and Pick n Pay are proud to announce the expansion of their partnership to add more value for all their FNB and RMB Private Bank’s customers. The bank’s retail and commercial customers will all earn up to 30% of their spend back in eBucks when using Pick n Pay’s asap! on-demand delivery service, and up

Massmart Growth Summit Generates Interest From Suppliers Across Africa

Posted on by africanretailteam | 1044 Views | 8 min read

Last month, retail group Massmart announced that it would be hosting its inaugural Growth Summit in partnership with parent company, Walmart. The summit provides opportunity for Africa-based suppliers who manufacture, grow or assemble on the continent to connect directly with the appropriate Massmart buyers. Altogether, over 300 suppliers based in countries across the continent completed

Italtile Sees Higher Earnings on Internal Gains & Stronger Demand

Posted on by africanretailteam | 1184 Views | 44 min read

Chief Executive Officer Lance Foxcroft, says, “At the year‑end, we committed to our ‘fighting‑fit’ mantra, which stood us in good stead for the review period. Our operators once again displayed their perseverance and resilience. Our stores are profitable and the franchise network is healthy. Our vertically integrated manufacturing and import businesses underpinned the retail operations’

SA’s Hi-Tech Irrigation Footprint Can Counter a Hotter, Drier Future

Posted on by africanretailteam | 1152 Views | 16 min read

South Africa’s status as a net exporter of food and a leading player in high-value horticultural export markets belies the fact that it has always been a water-scarce country, subject to periodic droughts and erratic rainfall patterns. A cornerstone of its success has been South African farmers’ eagerness and willingness to adopt the latest agriculture

Vivo Energy Zambia Partners with VP’s Office to Restore Kanakantapa Livelihoods

Posted on by africanretailteam | 1323 Views | 12 min read

Vivo Energy Zambia, the company that distributes and markets Engen fuels and Shell lubricants in Zambia, is proud to announce its collaboration with the Office of the Vice President of Zambia in launching the Tree Restoration Project in Kanakantapa Resettlement Scheme, Chongwe District. This initiative marks a significant step towards environmental sustainability and the restoration

Farmers and Agribusinesses Unite to Fight Against SA’s Hunger Crisis

Posted on by africanretailteam | 1383 Views | 18 min read

One third of all food produced in South Africa goes to waste, but food insecurity remains rife. Now, farmers and agribusinesses are teaming up to address this problem. Food insecurity remains a formidable challenge in South Africa, with one in four children suffering growth stunting because low-income families often cannot afford the fresh fruit and

UPD Launches South Africa’s First Solar-Powered Refrigerated EV Fleet

Posted on by africanretailteam | 1958 Views | 12 min read

The Clicks Group and United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD) have partnered with Everlectric and Investec Sustainable Solutions to introduce South Africa’s first fleet of zero-emission, pharma-compliant electric vehicles (EVs) with solar-powered refrigeration. Rolling out in Gauteng and the Western Cape, the fleet of 42 Maxus eDeliver 3 panel vans, manufactured by SAIC Maxus and supplied by

AW Rostamani and Groupauto MEA&I Forge Strategic Partnership

Posted on by africanretailteam | 1659 Views | 10 min read

AW Rostamani Trading Company, the strategic arm of AW Rostamani Group’s mobility services division, and Groupauto Middle East, Africa & India, a regional subsidiary of Groupauto International, one of the world’s largest international automotive trading groups, have entered a strategic partnership to drive innovation and growth in the automotive aftermarket sector. The agreement was formalised

Mr Price Foundation and Zapper Launch Initiative to Combat Youth Unemployment

Posted on by africanretailteam | 1763 Views | 14 min read

In a bold new partnership, Mr Price Foundation and Zapper have joined forces to address South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis. Mr Price Foundation is leveraging Zapper’s streamlined digital payment solutions to raise awareness and drive donations for its Hope4Youth campaign. Founded by Mr Price Group 20 years ago as a registered non-profit, Mr Price Foundation

AFC and CEXIM Strengthen Africa Trade and Infrastructure

Posted on by africanretailteam | 1353 Views | 8 min read

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Africa’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM) to deepen collaboration in financing strategic infrastructure and trade projects across Africa. The agreement builds upon an existing relationship between the two institutions, dating back to 2018, and reinforces a shared commitment

Mall of Africa Achieves EDGE Advanced Certification for Sustainability

Posted on by africanretailteam | 1971 Views | 12 min read

Attacq Limited (“Attacq”), the JSE-listed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and strategic development partner of Waterfall City, proudly announces that its flagship retail asset, Mall of Africa, has achieved the prestigious Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) Advanced Certification. This milestone, achieved through ongoing collaboration with Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (Nedbank CIB), makes

Sahel Capital Backs Nigeria’s Agriarche to Boost Farmers’ Market Access

Posted on by africanretailteam | 1562 Views | 5 min read

Sahel Capital, through its Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA), has provided a $500,000 working capital loan to Agriarche, a company focused on improving market access for smallholder farmers in Nigeria. The investment aims to enhance connections between farmers and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural supply chains. Agriarche plays a

CA&S Group Expands East African Presence with Tradco Group

Posted on by africanretailteam | 885 Views | 8 min read

CA&S Group (CAS:BSE | CAA:JSE), a dual-listed company on the JSE and Botswana Stock Exchange, is pleased to announce a significant partnership and strategic investment in Tradco Group a leading route-to-market solutions business based in Kenya with further operations and partnerships across multiple East African countries. This acquisition forms part of CA&S’s strategic expansion into

KAL Group Delivers Promising Quarterly Performance

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2089 Views | 20 min read

KAL Group, one of South Africa’s leading agri, fuel & convenience speciality retailers listed on the JSE, has delivered a solid start to the first three months of the 2025 financial year (Q1 or this period), and, encouraged by green shoots emerging in the operating environment, is cautiously optimistic about the 2025 outlook. “Our streamlined

Dairyland Unveils Fresh Look for Ice Cream Tubs

Posted on by africanretailteam | 1827 Views | 10 min read

Dairyland, a renowned Kenyan dairy and chocolate brand, has unveiled a fresh new look for its ice cream tubs, offering a blend of innovation and flair.  The transformation, which the company describes as a “glow-up,” promises not only a visual upgrade but an enhanced experience in both looks and flavor.  Dairyland’s new packaging features updated

Invictus Investment Acquires Mozambique’s Largest Flour Miller Merec Industries

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2486 Views | 14 min read

Invictus Investment Company Plc (ADX: INVICTUS), a leading agro-food enterprise in the Middle East and Africa, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Merec Industries, Mozambique’s largest flour milling company. The deal was made through the purchase of Merec Industries’ holding entity, Stratton Africa Holdings Limited, Mauritius, from current shareholders Amethis Fund II and

Highlighting SPAR Brand Growth Across Africa

Posted on by africanretailteam | 3286 Views | 11 min read

The SPAR brand is present across more than 48 countries with over 14,000 stores operating worldwide. On the African continent, new store openings in various formats across Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and South Africa reflect how local retailers continue to meet the needs of their customers. SPAR South AfricaIn mid-December, the SUPERSPAR Supermarket Mondlo celebrated its grand

Touchsides Rebranded as Kazang Insights Following Lesaka Acquisition

Posted on by africanretailteam | 4167 Views | 9 min read

Kazang Insights provides analytical and predictive solutions that empower FMCG firms, wholesalers and other companies to thrive in South Africa’s informal market. Leading data analytics, insights and merchant services company, Touchsides, is rebranding as Kazang Insights and integrating into Kazang—the prepaid value-added services (VAS) and card acquiring business within JSE-listed fintech Lesaka Technologies. Integration of

UK’s Pret A Manger to make South Africa debut in February 2025

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2658 Views | 8 min read

UK coffee and food-to-go chain Pret A Manger will make its South Africa debut on 14 February 2025 with an outlet in Johannesburg’s up-market Melrose Arch neighbourhood. Pret, which signed a licensing agreement with private equity firm Millat Group in February 2024, said the upcoming launch marks a significant milestone in its international expansion and

Infobip | Shifting Expectations – Steering through the Logistics of Change in South Africa

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2681 Views | 19 min read

By Pia Knežević, Squad Lead for Mid-Market at Infobip Rapidly evolving customer expectations are putting the logistics and transport sector under pressure to enhance customer engagement by focusing on providing real-time updates and rapid responses across multiple channels. What we have noticed is that consumers have more choices than ever before in selecting the transport

Engen Petroleum Achieves Industry-First RTMS Certification for National Heavy Vehicle Fleet

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2123 Views | 15 min read

Engen Petroleum has set a new benchmark in road transport safety, becoming the first and only oil company in South Africa to achieve Road Transport Management System (RTMS) certification for its entire national fleet of heavy vehicles. Awarded by JC Auditors (JCA), this prestigious certification underscores Engen’s unwavering commitment to good governance, safety, and compliance

Doomaket: A Game-Changing Marketplace Connecting African Merchants to Global Markets

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2959 Views | 7 min read

Logidoo announced the launch of Doomaket, an innovative marketplace platform poised to transform African e-commerce by addressing critical challenges in global trade. This solution is a powerful tool to empower African merchants, enabling them to expand their businesses worldwide and overcome traditional barriers to international commerce. Doomaket stands out from similar platforms through a comprehensive

Varun Beverages Invests Rs 412 Cr in South African Subsidiary

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2341 Views | 5 min read

Varun Beverages Ltd (VBL) has announced an investment of Rs 412.80 crore in its South African subsidiary, The Beverage Company Proprietary Limited (Bevco). The development aligns with VBL’s strategy to strengthen its presence in international markets while bolstering its operations in India and retail globally. Bevco is engaged in manufacturing and distributing PepsiCo’s licensed products

African Union Adopts 10-Year Plan to Transform Agri-Food Systems and Ensure Food Security

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2060 Views | 20 min read

The African Union (AU), has adopted a new agricultural development strategy that will see the continent increase its agrifood output by 45 per cent by 2035 and transform its agri-food systems as part of its new plan to become food secure in a decade. This is after the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Post-Malabo

Sevi Set to Revolutionize African Retail Financing with ‘Stock Now, Pay Later’ Platform

Posted on by africanretailteam | 3053 Views | 6 min read

Sevi, a fintech company regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya, is revolutionizing stock financing for wholesalers and retailers through its “stock now, pay later” platform. Sevi addresses the challenge of insufficient working capital by providing users with access to credit while ensuring suppliers are paid upfront. With Sevi, suppliers like Coca-Cola, Anytime and Philmed

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Recognised as a Top Employer in Africa

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2567 Views | 5 min read

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) (www.CCBAGroup.com) has been certified as a Top Employer in Africa for 2025, based on the results of the Top Employers Institute’s HR Best Practices Survey.   CCBA was certified as a Top Employer in Africa, and its operations in Ethiopia, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda achieved this accolade at country level.   “We

Neosun Energy Expands to Kenya Bringing Affordable Solar Power to Local Enterprises

Posted on by africanretailteam | 3649 Views | 9 min read

Neosun Energy, a global leader in solar energy solutions, has officially entered the Kenyan market. This expansion aims to provide cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I) projects, with system capacities ranging from 200kW to 10MW, tailored to help local businesses with affordable solar solutions. The company brings its expertise in constructing

Engen Pumps More Convenience with pudo Partnership

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2622 Views | 11 min read

Engen is excited to announce a partnership with pudo, South Africa’s innovative smart locker and courier solution provider; a collaboration that aligns with Engen’s commitment to delivering smarter solutions, differentiated products, and unparalleled convenience for its valued customers. Pudo, short for pick up drop off, is transforming the courier industry with its growing network of smart

FHH Appoints Hesham Abouzeina as General Manager for Egypt

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2633 Views | 5 min read

Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), one of the world’s leading wellness groups and manufacturers of hygienic paper products, has announced the appointment of Hesham Abouzeina as its new General Manager for Egypt. With over 30 years of experience in the FMCG, electronics, and beverages sectors, Abouzeina brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the role.

Oracle Supercharges Retail Operations with New POS

Posted on by africanretailteam | 3394 Views | 17 min read

Enabling retailers to energize their operations and in-store engagement, Oracle today unveiled the latest version of Xstore Point of Service. The cloud application has been redesigned on a new architecture and features an intuitive user interface and workflows that fuel efficiency and support connected retail journeys for retailers of all sizes. With it, associates can

Vodacom and Orange Create a Joint Venture to Expand Network Coverage in Rural Areas in the DRC

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2936 Views | 12 min read

Vodacom and Orange have joined hands to form, a first of its kind, rural towerco partnership in Africa. Through this partnership, the companies will collaborate to build, own, and operate solar-powered mobile base stations in underserved areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The initiative will extend network coverage and enable access to telecommunications

Massmart and Walmart Announce first Africa-Focused Supplier Growth Summit

Posted on by africanretailteam | 3101 Views | 9 min read

Massmart and Walmart have announced the first Africa-focused supplier Growth Summit which will be held in Johannesburg on 2 April 2025. The summit is modelled on similar highly successful events that Walmart has hosted, most recently in their Chile market. The objective of the event is to expand and strengthen Massmart’s Africa-based supplier network to

Apaya and Telr Join Forces to Boost E-commerce Ecosystem in MENA

Posted on by africanretailteam | 3230 Views | 5 min read
Apaya

Apaya, a commerce automation platform, entered into a strategic partnership with MENA’s online payment gateway Telr to accelerate digital commerce growth in the region. The collaboration will allow merchants to instantly access Telr’s payment services through Apaya’s no-code platform, according to a press release. They will also leverage Telr’s anti-fraud engine alongside Apaya’s intelligent routing

African Countries Must Collaborate to Build Resilient Food Systems

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2022 Views | 13 min read
African

African countries were urged by President William Ruto to implement common strategies for building resilient agricultural food systems. The President urged African governments to increase their investments in regional agricultural infrastructure, foster research and innovation and accelerate the dissemination of technological solutions. He also called on international partners to align their support with Africa’s transformation

Festive Season Sees Strong Recovery as Consumer Spending Soars, With InDrive Reporting 75% Surge in Demand

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2188 Views | 6 min read
Festive season

Festive season is in full swing, and economic experts predict that consumer spending will rebound to pre-pandemic levels, signaling a strong recovery in retail and consumer confidence. This optimism is already taking shape, with inflation falling to a four-year low of 2.8% in October 2024, fueling increased spending. In fact, during Black Friday Week, inDrive

Lesaka Technologies: How Fintech Bridges Gaps for Township Merchants

Posted on by africanretailteam | 5396 Views | 13 min read
Lesaka Technologies

Lesaka Technologies highlights that merchants in South Africa’s cash-driven township and rural economy remain underserved by mainstream financial services. This gap creates a significant opportunity for fintech companies to develop solutions addressing these merchants’ specific pain points, enabling them to serve their customers more efficiently and effectively. Lincoln Mali, CEO of Lesaka Technologies, emphasised this

ZURU Revolutionises Toy Retail With Bold In-Store Branding Across Leading South African Retailers

Posted on by africanretailteam | 4827 Views | 13 min read

ZURU is reshaping the South African toy retail landscape with its innovative in-store branding across major outlets such as Checkers, Toys R Us, and Toy Kingdom. This strategic move highlights ZURU’s commitment to creating visually impactful spaces within retail environments, driving shopper engagement, and enhancing the customer experience. “We are thrilled to be the first