Brazil and Angola Strengthen Ties as Agribusiness Mission Concludes in Luanda

Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) wrapped up its agribusiness mission to Angola on Saturday, May 10, following a week of productive government meetings and on-site farm visits across three provinces.  The delegation—comprising Minister Carlos Fávaro, Agricultural Attaché José Guilherme Leal, Mapa’s Director of Promotion and Foreign Investment André Okubo, and some 30 Brazilian agribusiness entrepreneurs—began

How Mobile Point-of-Sale is Driving South Africa’s Retail Resurgence

While the economic landscape has been anything but stable, with international trade tensions and the national budget fallout spooking the market before rebounding when the VAT increase was later withdrawn, the retail sector is showing remarkable resilience, says Ecentric Payment Systems’ Rory Bosman, adding that many retailers proved at the end of last year that

Jumia Expands Delivery Service to Nigeria

Following success in Côte d’Ivoire, Jumia Delivery launches in Nigeria with plans to enter more key markets. Jumia, the leading pan-African e-commerce platform, announced the expansion of its logistics service, Jumia Delivery, to Nigeria. Building on its successful operations in Côte d’Ivoire, Jumia Delivery offers individuals and businesses a fast, secure, and cost-effective parcel delivery service across the

Cross Switch and Pesawise Unite to Power Seamless Retail Payments in Kenya

Cross Switch, a provider of class-leading payment solutions, has strengthened its African presence by officially launching services in Kenya and partnering with licensed local payment provider Pesawise. This collaboration makes the most of Pesawise’s solid regulatory standing and trusted reputation, allowing Cross Switch to establish it’s footprint and, together with Pesawise, immediately deliver robust payment

Takealot’s On-Demand Delivery Service, TakealotNOW, Expands to Greater Cape Town Areas

South Africa’s leading online retailer, Takealot, is proud to announce the expansion of its on-demand delivery service, TakealotNOW, to greater Cape Town areas. This expansion aims to provide even more customers with the convenience of ordering hundreds of Takealot products, delivered in minutes. TakealotNOW, available on the Mr D app, offers a vast selection of

Makro Expands Footprint with 23rd Store in Gonubie, Eastern Cape

Massmart’s Makro is set to open its 23rd store on the 23rd of April, this time in Gonubie, East London. This is the first time Makro is opening a new store since 2019, and this expansion brings the retailer’s signature value, selection, and convenience to a thriving local business hub known for its family-friendly atmosphere

Bhunjun Group to Lead Engen Mauritius into a New Chapter

The Bhunjun Group is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with Vivo Energy toacquire Engen’s operations in Mauritius. This milestone transaction marks a new era for the business, providing a strong foundation for growth, innovation, and continued excellence in serving Mauritian customers. On completion of the transaction, Bhunjun Group – through its

JYSK Opens in Morocco Marking First Entry in Africa

JYSK opens the first two stores in Casablanca, Morocco. The opening not only establishes JYSK’s presence in Africa but also marks a significant milestone as the company expands into its 50th country. JYSK has officially entered Africa, marking a new chapter in the Danish home furnishing company’s international expansion as the first two stores open

Counties Partner to Transform the Informal Dairy Sector

How do we get more safe milk into Kenyan homes while helping informal dairy vendors grow stronger businesses? This is the question driving More Milk for Lives and Livelihoods 2 (MoreMilk 2), a new county-led initiative by the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). Between 25 March and 2 April 2025, the

SYSPRO Reveals Growth Insights for Manufacturers & Distributors

SYSPRO has released new research to support executives in mid-sized organisations considering the value of implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in their business. Manufacturing and distribution organisations require practical tools to drive growth and cultivate a data-driven culture that empowers decision-makers throughout the supply and value chains. “In today’s digital age, effective data

Malawi Launches Digital Portal to Streamline Trade and Expand Market Access

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.

AliExpress Elevates Online Shopping in Africa with More Local Payment Options

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

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

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,”

GMG Partners with Frasers Group to Launch Sports Direct in MENA

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

Massmart Growth Summit Generates Interest From Suppliers Across Africa

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

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

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

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

AW Rostamani and Groupauto MEA&I Forge Strategic Partnership

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

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

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

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

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

KAL Group Delivers Promising Quarterly Performance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

African Countries Must Collaborate to Build Resilient Food Systems

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

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

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

Pick n Pay South Africa Posts Wider Loss but Sees Recovery Ahead

Pick n Pay

Pick n Pay, South Africa opens a new tab. On Monday, it reported a wider half-year loss, reflecting trading losses in its core supermarket business alongside higher borrowing costs. Still, it said its full-year performance would be stronger. The country’s third-biggest grocery retailer reported a loss before tax and capital items of 1.1 billion rand

Tendo Technologies Acquires Shopa to Transform Africa’s Supply Chain

Tendo Technologies

Tendo Technologies Limited, a pioneering online retail platform empowering African entrepreneurs, officially announces its strategic acquisition of Shopa, a leading provider of comprehensive commerce solutions for informal retailers across Ghana. This landmark deal, structured as a combination of cash and stock, is set to redefine the supply chain landscape in Africa. Shopa’s large network of

Jumia and Hepsiburada Join Forces to Unlock Broader Product Selection for North African Consumers

Jumia

Jumia and D-MARKET Electronic Services & Trading (“Hepsiburada”) have announced a commercial partnership. Under the partnership, Hepsiburada will list its private label products, a portion of its retail assortment, and a selection of other curated Turkish brands on Jumia. Headquartered in Istanbul, Hepsiburada is a leading e-commerce technology platform in Türkiye. Through this partnership, the

Jumia, the African Online Retailer, Is Set to Exit South Africa and Tunisia.

Jumia

Jumia, the Africa-focused e-commerce retailer, will close its South African online fashion platform Zando and its Tunisian operations by year-end to concentrate on other markets, the CEO told Reuters. Jumia is aggressively cutting costs to try to turn profitable, including by reducing head count, exiting everyday grocery items and food delivery and cutting delivery services

IFC and Absa Provide Trade Facility to Valency to Support Thousands of Farmers in Africa

IFC

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and Absa Group Limited, a South Africa based bank, acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking division (Absa), will provide a commodity trade finance facility to Singapore-based Valency International Pte Ltd, a key player in Africa’s agricultural commodities market, to support the company’s pre-export of agricultural commodities

South African Agribusiness at a Crossroads

South African

South African farmers need to adopt new approaches and technologies to combat the country’s food security pressures Up to 20 million South Africans experience severe food insecurity, with the volume of food and beverages sold per capita across the country declining by more than 3% in 2023. South African agribusiness is at a crossroads. After

Pick n Pay Delivers Early Momentum on Its Turnaround Plan

Pick n Pay

Pick n Pay’s turnaround strategy is gaining momentum, showing strong progress across key initiatives, including solid performance from Boxer and improved results in Pick n Pay supermarkets. The Group’s interim results, published today, highlight significant sales growth in Pick n Pay Clothing and Pick n Pay Online. As anticipated, the first six months of FY25

Float: Credit Card Holders in South Africa Reveal Shopping Trends

Float

Float, Africa’s first card-linked instalment platform has unveiled the latest shopping trends among credit card holders using its payment method. With an impressive average order value of close to R10,000, order values through the platform significantly exceeds those of the regular buy now pay later model, which typically ranges between R1,000 and R1,400. The latest

Trade Intelligence: Mid-Year Insights on SA’s Grocery Retailers

Trade Intelligence

Trade Intelligence’s bi-annual Corporate Retail Comparative Report (CRCR) offers a detailed analysis of the comparative performance of South Africa’s six major grocery retail companies – Shoprite Holdings, The SPAR Group, Pick n Pay Stores, Woolworths Holdings, Clicks Group, and Dis-Chem Pharmacies. This second edition for 2024 covers the reporting period of the first half of

Pick n Pay Leads the Fight Against Hunger in South Africa

Pick n Pay

World Food Day on 16 October marks the 79th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, and this year’s theme – Right to foods for a better life and a better future – will be the focus of events in more than 150 countries. In South Africa, the theme is