Jumia, the leading Africa e-commerce platform, has chosen the state-of-the-art Agility Logistics Park (ALP) in Tema, Ghana, to be its new nationwide fulfilment operations centre for Ghana. Jumia will occupy 6,000 SQM of warehousing at the park, using the facility for storage, fulfilment and office space under a 10-year lease agreement with ALP. The facility
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) has invested $50 million in a new bottling line in Namibia, which can produce 27,000 bottles per hour. This upgrade will increase the plant’s output capacity by 30% and stimulate growth throughout the company’s value chain. The investment also includes the installation of a water treatment plant with state-of-the-art water recovery
Unitrans has witnessed firsthand how technology has drastically transformed our lives and work. In logistics, this transformation enables deeper insights, enhanced decision-making, and greater operational efficiency. It is no longer a mere trend but an essential tool for companies seeking to boost productivity and remain competitive in challenging economic climates. At Unitrans, successful innovation means
Kinola Pather, CEO of Randgo Royalty rewards programmes are becoming essential, with 76% of South Africans participating in them, prompting brands to leverage this opportunity for customer engagement and business growth. As technology evolves, these programmes have grown in sophistication, with the most successful offering real-time rewards and personalised experiences. Given the vast amount of
redPanda Software and Loyal Guru partner to bring global best practice to South Africa Modern retail strategies focus on customer attraction and retention, which are crucial as consumer behaviour shifts. Increased options and ongoing financial distress among South African consumers highlight the need for retailers to adapt to what customers want and need, according to
By Junaid Kleinschmidt, digital marketing strategy and intelligence lead for Accenture, Africa The South African retail landscape is contending with a range of challenges, such as high unemployment, severe inflation, shrinkflation, and the lingering effects of Covid-19. These pressures have transformed consumer expectations and added layers of complexity to their shopping decisions. Retailers must now
South Africa’s e-commerce landscape has arrived at an important juncture. The explosive growth observed during the pandemic years has slowed down somewhat and consumer spending power has faltered amid low economic growth and a global cost of living crisis. At the same time, competition is heating up. Asian retailers such as Shein and Temu are
It was much heralded, and now that is has arrived, it is fair to say that it more than lives up to the advertising. The Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) will host this year’s Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS), for four days, ending on the 6th. A look around the stalls at the Convention centre, leaves
Olam Agri, a global leader in food and agriculture, is set to transform the pasta market in Ghana with the construction of a new state-of-the-art pasta production facility and the expansion of its wheat flour production capacity. The facility is planned in two phases, and when completed will have the volume capacity potential to meet
LG Electronics South Africa recently took a giant leap into the future of shopping with their online store which will forever change how South Africans buy their favourite tech. This is not just another e-commerce site—it is a bold move, changing the digital landscape and marking a new chapter in LG’s South African journey, says
South African retail has experienced profound transformation over the past few years, with digital platforms and ecommerce reshaping consumer expectations. However, we are just in the earliest phases of digital transformation and SME retailers will need to be agile to keep up with emerging customer demands and new competitors. Steven Heilbron, CEO of Capital Connect,
In a landscape where economic pressures weigh heavily on household budgets, South African consumers are setting a global precedent in their approach to value, particularly when it comes to their beverage choices. According to the latest findings from CGA by NIQ, a remarkable 51% of South African consumers now prioritise value over price in their
Mzansi’s most preferred noodle brand, MAGGI, as recognised by the Ask Afrika Icon Awards, is set to elevate South African kitchens with its latest campaign, “Cook the Difference!” Unveiled at an exclusive media luncheon on 25 July, VIP media guests experienced the brand’s magic and versatility. MAGGI showcased its potential to be both a complete
As the pace of digital adoption increases in our country, more and more South Africans are browsing and shopping online to ensure they get the best prices. In light of this rise in comparative shopping behaviour and the current challenging consumer environment, Makro has redoubled its efforts to help customers save money so they can
Backed by 20 years of tech expertise, leading IT solutions provider Braintree has seen their retail turnover increase by 1,200% since launching their e-commerce offering two years ago. With the objective of supporting business professionals in both home and office environments, Braintree brings to the tech e-commerce market over 3 000 premium products across 30
Smollan, a leading global retail specialist representing some of the world’s loved brands, has officially entered into a Capital and Business Alliance Agreement with Impact HD Inc. a prominent Japanese company specializing in sales promotion and data marketing. The alliance aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to create enhanced value and develop innovative
The cost of living remains challenging for South African consumers many of whom are hard pressed to meet monthly expenses for basic food items. This situation is typically exacerbated in winter where people need to consume more calories. Consistent with its objective to ‘help customers to save money and live better’, Massmart continues its drive
by Blessed Hwaire, Industry Advisor: Consumer Products, Life Sciences & Retail at SAP Africa A wave of AI-powered innovation is set to sweep across Africa’s retail sector. With a unique landscape marked by diverse consumer needs, a burgeoning youth population, growing levels of technology adoption, and a rapidly changing economic environment, Africa’s retail sector is
Business interruption is the primary concern for the retail and wholesale sector in 2024, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer. It is followed by Natural catastrophes (31%), Cyber incidents (25%), Fire, explosion, and Macroeconomic developments (both with 20%). The report, based on insights from over 3,000 risk management professionals and business leaders, highlights the growing
By Thomas Kingombe, Managing Director and Partner and Vishakha Chopra, Project Leader, BCG Johannesburg As global e-commerce giants like Amazon, Shein and Temu set their sights on South Africa’s growing e-commerce space, local retailers may find themselves feeling the pinch. Will South African stalwarts rise to the challenge, or crumble faced with international competition? Although
InstaPay, a cutting-edge new merchant application, has been launched to transform the payments landscape in South Africa. This innovative solution offers unique functionality and competitive rates that surpass traditional card providers, setting a new standard in the industry. InstaPay is the result of combined expertise and technology between Omnea and Amber Pay, two industry leaders
As shopper behaviours evolve, brands and retailers are working hard to catch up, using tools to connect with a new generation of increasingly demanding and informed shoppers. South African shoppers are not what they used to be. They’re tougher, savvier, and more in tune with what they are looking for. A combination of COVID and
Reaching any midpoint, whether it’s to catch one’s breath on a ultra-marathon to gear up for the next stretch, or a project team reflecting on their progress and making necessary modifications – it’s all about positioning for success. So too a mid-year retail check-in offers valuable insights into some of the latest developments shaping how
The rising cost of living is significantly straining South African consumers’ budgets, with food expenses alone exhausting approximately one-third of their income. In response, The SPAR Group has announced its ‘R1 Billion in Savings’ shopper promotion, exclusive to SPAR Rewards customers. Until 22 July, the promotion aims to provide significant financial relief to consumers struggling
South Africa’s Information Regulator recently revealed that it receives more than 150 monthly data breach notifications – a considerable increase from last year’s average of 56. Hackers are doing the country’s already battling economy no favours: the 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, produced by the Poneman Institute and published by IBM Security, states
Artificial Intelligence hasn’t just transformed our world but is also profoundly affecting market research by revolutionising how companies understand and predict consumer behaviour. This was the view of Ipsos Global Head of Product Testing Dr Nikolai Reynolds during a recent visit to South African clients and agencies, where he shared groundbreaking insights on using AI
The current economic climate presents slowing growth, characterised by high inflationary pressure, increasing costs of property rates, the lack of delivery of basic utilities such as electricity and water, as well as consumer pressure. Notwithstanding the challenging environment, L2D’s assets continue to stand out. L2D’s retail assets delivered market leading trading performance, recording portfolio trading
Investing in solar power was a strategic decision taken by Liberty Two Degrees (L2D), as it provides a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly means of generating electricity. L2D’s sustainability strategy includes the reduction of its reliance on the grid, which has improved operating efficiencies. L2D has made significant investments in renewable energy as part of
Omnisient, the global leader in privacy-preserving data collaboration, was recognised at the Africa Bank Summit held in Nairobi this week for the impact it is having on growing financial inclusion in Africa. This accolade highlights a groundbreaking initiative that has enabled banks to assess credit risk and qualify millions of previously underserved individuals by analysing
Africa’s high mobile penetration rates as well as its young population have contributed to the continent’s positive response to digital marketplaces and on-demand services. Several notable marketplaces that have grown exponentially on the continent include Nigeria’s Jumia, South Africa’s Takealot and the international e-hailing service Uber. This year, the continent sees the arrival of new
Fair Cape Dairies, a leader in sustainable and ethical dairy farming, has once again emerged victorious at the prestigious South African Dairy Championships, solidifying their position as a Champion of quality dairy products across South Africa. The 2024 competition saw Fair Cape Dairies securing the most wins across various categories, a testament to their unwavering
After the long-awaited soft launch of Amazon, many local brands will be accelerating their e-commerce strategies. However, too few brands have properly considered how to include a solid retail media strategy to support their efforts. And, with 74% of global consumers starting their buyer’s journey on the Amazon platform, this oversight could end up hurting
Engen, a leading energy and solutions partner dedicated to enriching lives for a sustainable future, will again proudly partner with Grain SA as a sponsor of the Nampo Harvest Day 2024. Scheduled to run from 14-17 May 2024 in Bothaville in the Free State, Nampo Harvest Day showcases agricultural innovation, aligning perfectly with Engen’s mission
Smartfill, a greentech startup that eliminates the need for single-use plastic through a smart, efficient and sustainable dispenser solution, has been accepted into two prestigious programmes: Level 4 of the Microsoft Startup Founders Hub and the Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA). Smartfill further holds a grant from the AgriTech Innovation Centre at the UK Research and
Despite South Africans doing all they can to stretch every rand when they buy food, according to Stats SA, the country is wasting about 10.3 million tonnes of food, valued at billions of rand across the production and consumption process, each year. Ensuring your purchases are well-planned and that food is stored and refrigerated correctly
By Henry Myburgh, strategic key account manager at Vertiv Africa In the dynamic and ever-changing retail landscape, ongoing transformation is a strategic necessity to cater to the primary reality that ‘the customer is king’ – retailers must be adaptive to change in order to meet new customer demands. The intricate interplay of consumer behaviours, driven
Shoprite recently announced its remarkable half year sales results proving that its retail strategy is hitting all the right marks. Faheem Hoosen, Partner at BDO South Africa., unpacks these results and shares some insight into the learnings that other retailers can take from this success. Shoprite, a leading South African grocer which owns brands such
Physical retail businesses remain crucial in the South African landscape, catering to the preferences of many customers. However, as eCommerce continues to surge, these businesses will experience challenges competing with industry giants like Amazon. The trends outlined below are essential considerations for a thriving retail business in an increasingly online world. While they’re not a
98.7% of South Africans accessed the internet using a mobile phone, according to Statista’s 2024 data. Recognising this trend, PEPKOR, which has the largest retail store footprint in southern Africa, has launched +more, a new digital loyalty programme spanning over 5 000 stores. By introducing this digital platform, the company aims to make customers’ lives
The retail sector has faced a gauntlet of challenges: a rise in megatrends that are reshaping the sector, and increasingly innovative and competitive markets over the past four years that have significantly shifted shopper behaviour. In turn, retailer strategies have had to be agile enough to handle the unpredictability and fluctuations. Serena Ho, Director and
Africa has one of the world’s fastest growing consumer markets, projected to boast 1.7 billion consumers by 2030. The number of ‘ultra-high net worth’ individuals in Africa with assets exceeding $30 million is expected to grow by almost 50% this year, making way for ample retail opportunities. Consumer and business spending in Africa should reach
According to NIQ, 44% of South African consumers feel they are in a worse financial position this year compared to a year ago. Of those respondents, 82% say that increased costs of living are to blame for their recent financial struggles, up from 76% a year ago. Nearly two-thirds (62%) state they are worse off
The growth of eCommerce Marketplaces in recent years has given Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs greater, more cost-effective market access. By making their products available for sale on major retailers’ platforms, these SME entrepreneurs are better able to market their products to consumers who are highly motivated to take advantage of the greater variety
As the Easter break approaches, Massmart unveils exclusive insights into consumer spending habits for the upcoming holiday season. The study, conducted by Vice President of Brand Marketing Katherine Madley, sheds light on how consumers are prioritizing their retail spend, particularly at Makro and Game stores. Groceries and Fresh Products Remain Top Priorities According to the
With online sales in Africa on course to top the trillion-rand mark by 2026, the race is on for ecommerce businesses to claim their piece of the pie. Research by Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI) indicates that in the next two years the digital commerce market is expected to reach US$72-billion across South Africa,
By Karen Keylock | National Retail Services Manager at Nedbank Commercial Banking South African consumers are under financial strain and, consequently, the way they shop has changed. And with further economic uncertainty expected in the coming year, we expect this evolution to continue. A few trends emerged during last year’s holiday season, which we believe
Bob Group Managing Director Andy Higgins believes 2024 will be the year online retail in South Africa will start to accelerate and catch up with international uptake. Higgins, who took the reins when marketplace giant bidorbuy (now Bob shop) and logistics powerhouse uAfrica (now Bob Go) amalgamated to form the Bob Group ecommerce ecosystem last
South African retailers are turning to interest-free alternative credit options as consumers seek safer and more cost-efficient ways to fund key purchases. This comes amid tough economic conditions and a constrained spending environment. Craig Newborn, CEO at local Buy Now Pay Later provider, PayJustNow, says: “Consumer shopping behaviour is shifting in line with tough economic
The Human Face of Retail By Peter Ludi, Business Development Executive at redPanda Software There’s widespread acceptance that improving customer experience will go a long way towards attracting and retaining customers, especially at a time when there’s increased competition for valuable consumer spend. Naturally, all eyes turn to technology to remove friction, add convenience, automate,
Once upon a time (literally like last week!) a shopper popped in for a quick pre-holiday shop. Welcomed by a Bot that offered personalised suggestions based on previous purchases – a hassle free push to make their experience “more than”. Drawn into the clothing section, smart mirrors gave them the option to virtually try on
Receive Regular news of the latest in African Retail straight to your inbox.
© African Retail. 2024. All Rights Reserved
