Vivo Energy Unveils VE-CEM to Power Africa’s Fleets and Equipment

Posted on by africanretailteam | 5414 Views | 10 min read

Vivo Energy, the pan-African retailer and marketer of Shell and Engen-branded fuels and lubricants, announced the launch of its new VE-CEM (Continuous Equipment Monitoring) solution, powered by Digital Twin technology from its strategic partner, Intangles. VE-CEM gives businesses unprecedented visibility of their vehicles and equipment, helping them predict and prevent breakdowns before they occur. By harnessing real-time

Shoprite Plans to Exit Ghana and Malawi

Posted on by africanretailteam | 5954 Views | 5 min read

South Africa’s biggest grocery retailer Shoprite Holdings said on Tuesday it is selling its operations in Ghana and Malawi, marking another step towards consolidation of its activities across Africa to focus more on its home market. The supermarket retailer had expanded extensively in Africa, surpassing rivals such as Pick n Pay and Walmart-owned Massmart to become the

Vivo Energy Kenya Opens its 336th Shell Service Station

Posted on by africanretailteam | 4590 Views | 9 min read

Vivo Energy Kenya, the company that distributes and markets Shell products and services in the country, has opened its 336th Shell service station. Shell Imara Daima service station is located in Nairobi, along Mombasa Road. This new service station is a significant milestone in Vivo Energy Kenya’s expansion strategy, reinforcing the company’s commitment to bring quality,

Cross Switch Launches New Identity to Power Payments Across Emerging Markets

Posted on by africanretailteam | 12648 Views | 12 min read

This article was originally published on the Cross Switch website here. Cross Switch, a global payment orchestration platform built for the unique needs of emerging markets, has unveiled a refreshed brand and newly redesigned website that reflect its continued growth and expanding presence across Africa and other high-growth regions. This announcement builds on recent momentum, including

Vivo Energy Zambia Unveils “Talk to Engen” Platform

Posted on by africanretailteam | 8235 Views | 5 min read

Vivo Energy Zambia has successfully transformed customer engagement across its network with the comprehensive “Engen’s Got You Covered” campaign that ran from April to June 2025.  The campaign introduced the innovative “Talk to Engen”, a powerful new customer feedback online platform designed to revolutionise how Vivo Energy listens to customers and drives better experiences across

IFAD, GCF Launch $358M Climate Programme for East Africa Dairy

Posted on by africanretailteam | 9055 Views | 13 min read

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) signed an agreement for a US$150 million contribution from GCF to the US$358 million Dairy Interventions for Mitigation and Adaptation (DaIMA) programme in East Africa, reaching 2.5 million rural people in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The programme will help smallholder dairy

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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 11844 Views | 16 min read

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

First SPAR Supermarket Opens its Doors in Rwanda

Posted on by africanretailteam | 8874 Views | 9 min read

The license to operate the SPAR brand exclusively in Rwanda was granted to a local retail business – Sawa Citi. The first SPAR branded store has now opened in the suburb of Nyarutarama, located in the Rwandan capital city of Kigali. Entry into the Rwandan marketThe introduction of the internationally recognised SPAR brand to Rwanda

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa invests USD14.9m in Malawi production capacity

Posted on by africanretailteam | 8999 Views | 7 min read

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Proprietary Limited (CCBA) (www.CCBAGroup.com), through its subsidiary Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi Limited (CCBM), has invested USD14.9 million in a new state-of-the art production line in Lilongwe.  This investment marks a significant advancement in CCBM’s production capacity, allowing it to produce bottled water and beverages bearing Coca-Cola’s trademarks as well as the iconic local

Twiga Foods Buys Three Distributors Amid Turmoil

Posted on by africanretailteam | 10204 Views | 20 min read

This article was originally published here. In a bold but controversial pivot, Kenyan agritech company Twiga Foods has acquired majority stakes in three local distributors — Jumra, Sojpar, and Raisons — as it accelerates its transition from a farm-fresh produce supplier into a full-service fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) platform. While the move signals Twiga’s ambition to cement its place

Bhunjun Group to Lead Engen Mauritius into a New Chapter

Posted on by africanretailteam | 9127 Views | 9 min read

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

Counties Partner to Transform the Informal Dairy Sector

Posted on by africanretailteam | 7785 Views | 19 min read

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

Bayer Opens Maize Seed Facility in Zambia

Posted on by africanretailteam | 9588 Views | 19 min read

Bayer has announced the opening of a new maize seed facility in Kabwe, Zambia. Through the 32-million-euro facility alongside further investments in organization and the grower network, Bayer triples its existing capacity for high-quality maize seed production in the country in 2025. This capacity ultimately converts into annual maize consumption of approximately 30 million people

Malawi Launches Digital Portal to Streamline Trade and Expand Market Access

Posted on by africanretailteam | 8706 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.

AliExpress Elevates Online Shopping in Africa with More Local Payment Options

Posted on by africanretailteam | 21221 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

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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 13930 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,”

AGRA and Rwanda Launch Food Innovation Hub to Support Farmers

Posted on by africanretailteam | 7165 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

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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 9006 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

Dairyland Unveils Fresh Look for Ice Cream Tubs

Posted on by africanretailteam | 9159 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 | 10754 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

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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 12311 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

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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 12608 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

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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 32398 Views | 7 min read
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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 28586 Views | 11 min read
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

Rwanda Welcomes Africa Foods System Forum, for a Packed Four Days

Posted on by africanretailteam | 16624 Views | 14 min read

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

Prime Opportunity for Private Equity Funds to Rescue African Retail Companies

Posted on by africanretailteam | 24697 Views | 25 min read

By Tobie Jordaan and Jutami Augustyn, Partners, and Paras Shah, Kenya Managing Partner, BowmansThe retail sector in South Africa has experienced significant distress in the last year, with several high-profile retail businesses entering business rescue proceedings. Retail giants like AutoZone, West Pack and Cross Trainer, for example, have all recently entered business rescue, highlighting the

Wasoko & MaxAB Complete Landmark Merger

Posted on by africanretailteam | 17903 Views | 17 min read

Africa’s Largest Tech Merger Fuels Groundbreaking Expansion From E-Commerce to B2B Digital Services Platform African B2B e-commerce pioneers Wasoko and MaxAB have completed the continent’s largest-ever tech merger following the signing of preliminary terms in Q4 2023. Conducted as an all-stock transaction, the deal establishes a truly Pan-African platform for communities to access essential digital

“Tu-Sort Garage NA Shell Lubricants” Promotion Empowers Mechanics Countrywide

Posted on by africanretailteam | 15008 Views | 6 min read

Tu-sort Garage na Shell Lubricants is a countrywide promotion that is empowering garage owners and mechanics by rewarding them with an upgrade of tools at their locations to elevate their workspace and educate them on genuine Shell Lubricants. The mechanics and garage owners can register by dialing 459200# and following the prompts to participate in

Understanding SA’s Evolving Shoppers: A Call to Action for Brands and Retailers – Trade Intelligence

Posted on by africanretailteam | 26409 Views | 18 min read

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

The SPAR Group Is Geared for Further Growth in Southern Africa in 2024 – Adding 2,765 Jobs to the Region in 2023

Posted on by africanretailteam | 39520 Views | 20 min read

By Max Oliva, CEO, The SPAR Group Southern Africa South Africa’s economy may be stagnating, but at The SPAR Group Southern Africa, we are pressing forward and making major inroads into creating growth, opportunities, and jobs that are desperately needed. Despite the challenges, which included long bouts of load shedding, tragic wars overseas impacting global

Keeping up With Order Fulfilment in an Always-on and Always-Growing Ecommerce World – Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI)

Posted on by africanretailteam | 77242 Views | 14 min read

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,

Belva Digital Partners With Infobip to Expand Its Product Portfolio Across Africa

Posted on by africanretailteam | 75871 Views | 17 min read

Belva Digital, a marketing technology company based in Kenya has expanded and enhanced its product portfolio through its participation in the Infobip Partner Connect Programme, which has enabled it to widen its customer network. Client background Belva Digital is a marketing technology company based in Nairobi, Kenya. It was founded over a decade ago and

A New Market, New Partnerships – Trade Intelligence

Posted on by africanretailteam | 63142 Views | 14 min read

Trade Intelligence, a respected market intelligence and research firm in the consumer goods sector, has announced its official foray into the Kenyan market with a Retail Trends presentation by Business Development Lead, Andrea Ellens. The presentation, held at the recent Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK) forum, provided an in-depth analysis of Kenya’s evolving retail

Pick N Pay’s Army of Franchisees Sees the Future of Retail

Posted on by africanretailteam | 47031 Views | 21 min read

A little-known fact about Pick n Pay relates to the size of its franchise network, and over the next few years the group will further strengthen the division. Nearly half of Pick n Pay stores in South Africa (excluding Boxer) are owned and run by franchisees. This large footprint emphasises the important role these stores

Mastercard SME Confidence Index: 76% of SMEs in Africa Project Similar or Increased Revenue in 2023

Posted on by africanretailteam | 63341 Views | 13 min read

From surviving to thriving in the post-COVID world, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa are optimistic about 2023 revenue projections. These are the findings of the second edition of the Mastercard Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) SME Confidence Index. The 2021 inaugural SME Confidence Index delved into the impact of the pandemic

Vivo Energy Uganda Expands Shell Network with 10 New Fuel Stations

Posted on by Initiator | 60147 Views | 13 min read

Vivo Energy Uganda, the company that distributes and markets Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Uganda, is thrilled to announce the addition of ten new Shell fuel stations to its network. The newly opened fuel stations are Shell Ndagire Road, Shell Nabweru, Shell Rushere, Shell Mayuge, Shell Zana Shell Nakiyanja, Shell Kira Mulawa, Shell Mityana Highway,

Kenya Breweries Limited and Murang’a County Sign Sorghum Farming Deal

Posted on by Initiator | 36079 Views | 10 min read

Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) and Murang’a County have signed a partnership that will see KBL support farmers growing sorghum in the area. This is part of the efforts by the alcohol manufacturer to empower communities through gainful employment as well as contribute to the shared growth of KBL. Speaking during the official signing ceremony at

Vivo Energy Rwanda Unveils New Engen Service Station – “KICUKIRO 250”

Posted on by Initiator | 46078 Views | 4 min read

Vivo Energy Rwanda has announced the grand opening of its latest service station, “KICUKIRO 250,” situated in Niboye sector. The inauguration took place on Wednesday, 2 August, 2023, at 3:00 PM, as part of Vivo Energy’s strategic growth agenda. Strategically located in a thriving area, “KICUKIRO 250” connects various high-potential zones encompassing commercial, residential, and

DFCU Bank, Mastercard, and Rabo Partnerships Join Forces to Digitize Agricultural Ecosystem in Uganda

Posted on by Initiator | 71380 Views | 22 min read

(L-R): Daniel Huba, Vice President of Sub-Saharan Africa Market Development for Community Pass at Mastercard; Charles Mudiwa, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of dfcu Bank; and David Gerbrands, Global Head of Agri and Banking Advisory Services and Inclusive Business Ventures at Rabo Partnerships, signing the partnership agreement in Uganda. Through the Farm Pass platform,

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Bets Big on Skills For the Future

Posted on by Initiator | 81500 Views | 15 min read

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) is making significant investments in capabilities to create an agile workplace that is engaging and productive, developing the skills of employees to compete in a digital age of artificial intelligence and big data. “CCBA’s digital transformation journey is an integral component to take us into the future, remain relevant and future-proof

Localisation of NESCAFÉ Coffee Mixes at Nestlé Babelegi Supports Economic Development and Job Creation

Posted on by Initiator | 45469 Views | 12 min read

Nestlé South Africa announced its investment in localising the production of NESCAFÉ coffee mixes (namely the NESCAFÉ Gold range, which includes Cappuccino Original, Cappuccino Original Reduced Sugar, Cappuccino Salted Caramel Latte, Cappuccino Vanilla Latte, Cappuccino Hazelnut Latte, and Cappuccino White Chocolate) and NESCAFÉ RICOFFY 3in1, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to meeting

The Netball World Cup Goes to Cape Town

Posted on by Initiator | 49102 Views | 4 min read

The Netball World Cup is on a South African tour in preparation for the Vitality Netball World Cup 2023 tournament. SPAR South Africa has sponsored national and international competitions for over 20 years and regards netball as its flagship sponsorship. The tournament trophy recently arrived, to much excitement, on South African soil. This highly-anticipated world

The Future of Trade Finance in Sub-Saharan Africa Amidst Hard Currency Challenges – Bank One

Posted on by Initiator | 120646 Views | 29 min read

With foreign exchange shortages plaguing sub-Saharan African economies, Bank One’s Head of Trade, Gerald Ndosi, explains what measures can be taken to overcome US dollar liquidity challenges, promote trade finance, and foster sustainable economic growth in the region International Trade is conducted in the currencies of major economic powers, largely the US dollar, European Union

Carrefour Partners With Visa to Provide Customers With Online Discounts

Posted on by Initiator | 117752 Views | 10 min read

KES 400 discount for goods worth KES 3,000 and above when customers shop on the MAF Carrefour Mobile app and pay with locally issued Visa cards The campaign will run every Tuesday for three months starting June 2023 Carrefour, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim in Kenya, has announced its partnership with Visa, the

Advanced Food Processing Technologies Could Make the Food Industry More Sustainable – SYSPRO

Posted on by Initiator | 127507 Views | 21 min read

By Marius Wessels Manager: Professional Services for SYSPRO Africa Food goes to waste at every stage in the food manufacturing and distribution process – from farming and production to packaging, storage, distribution, retail and finally, once it reaches consumers. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), globally we lose or

Jumia Appoints Charles Ballard as New Kenya CEO

Posted on by Initiator | 24571 Views | 6 min read

Jumia has announced today that Charles Ballard has been appointed as the new CEO of Jumia Kenya, effective from March. Charles takes over the mantle from Juan Seco who left after eight years at Jumia to join a pan-African player in the FinTech space. “I am excited to continue driving the e-commerce narrative in rural

Konga Named Most Innovative E-Commerce Brand in Africa

Posted on by Initiator | 61743 Views | 18 min read

A new consumer-focused survey has projected Konga as the most admired and innovative e-commerce company on the African continent. The survey, which was published on March 15, 2023, coincided with the World Consumer Rights Day. The market-wide consumer-based survey examined the current state, performance and growth path of e-commerce in Africa. The poll, which cut

A New Era of Digital Retail in Africa

Posted on by Initiator | 78951 Views | 18 min read

Exploring innovation coupled with cutting-edge tech is on the up as brands and retailers consider what, when and how to ride the new wave of consumerism in Africa. With the future of digital retail in Africa an exciting and ever-changing landscape. Africa Overview Customer expectations are forcing retailers to reassess the service they provide, not

Jumia Kenya Announces New Packaging Measures Ahead of World Zero Waste Day

Posted on by Initiator | 24543 Views | 6 min read

Jumia Kenya consumers will now receive their online orders in their original packaging from the manufacturer without any extra wrap from Jumia. This follows the company’s recent announcement, which aligns with its ESG strategy aimed at environmentally friendly activities in the countries it operates in. “In line with our sustainability agenda, we will continue cutting

A Guide to Selling Regulated Goods in Uganda

Posted on by Initiator | 19164 Views | 16 min read

Uganda has emerged as one of Africa’s rapidly developing economies, with an impressive annual growth rate of 6% for over three decades. As a result, Uganda presents great opportunities for retailers and brands looking to tap into its lucrative market. However, like other African countries, Uganda has regulations that businesses must comply with, such as