Lesaka Technologies: How Fintech Bridges Gaps for Township Merchants

Posted on by africanretailteam | 7301 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

Pargo, South Africa’s Logistics Company, Expands into Egypt After Securing a $4 Million Funding Boost.

Posted on by africanretailteam | 11701 Views | 8 min read
Pargo

Pargo, a South African eCommerce logistics startup, has announced its expansion into Egypt following a successful $4 million funding round. The funding round was led by 3Capital Ventures formerly part of Allan Gray), Endeavor, SAAD Investment Holdings, and UW Ventures. The startup has launched its collect and return services at over 500 Pargo Points in

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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 17124 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

Vodacom to Invest Over R500 Million to Expand Connectivity in the Eastern Cape

Posted on by africanretailteam | 14563 Views | 19 min read

Vodacom Eastern Cape region is spending R500 million this financial year on modernising the network, energy projects and accelerating broadband coverage across the region, particularly in townships and deep rural areas of the province. This investment forms part of the company’s commitment to drive digital inclusion in the communities in which it operates. In 2023–2024

PepsiCo South Africa Partners With Standard Bank Partners on Key Initiatives With a Sustainability-Linked Working Capital Facility

Posted on by africanretailteam | 14936 Views | 11 min read

Standard Bank is proud to announce that it has provided PepsiCo South Africa with a sustainability-linked working capital facility to support the company’s renewable energy commitments and support their broader localisation aspirations in relation to their procurement spend in South Africa. PepsiCo is one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies, with a global

Massmart Launches ECONO Samp in Continued Drive to Help Customers Save Money

Posted on by africanretailteam | 16894 Views | 7 min read

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

Gift of the Givers and Engen Join Hands for Madiba Day

Posted on by africanretailteam | 8617 Views | 9 min read

“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.” – Nelson Mandela Engen employees have once again made a difference in the communities to mark Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July. In partnership with Gift of the Givers, Engenites visited Nomzamo

Africa’s Retail Sector Set to Score Big as AI Adoption Accelerates – SAP Africa

Posted on by africanretailteam | 14422 Views | 15 min read

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

Retail and Wholesale Sector Faces Growing Business Interruption Risks, Allianz Risk Barometer Reveals

Posted on by africanretailteam | 21600 Views | 19 min read

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

Informal Sector Has a Crucial Role in the Global Economy, Accounting for One Third of Local Jobs – SAITEX 2024

Posted on by africanretailteam | 15873 Views | 33 min read

The informal sector has a crucial role in the global economy, and it needs to be connected to government and businesses properly so that opportunities to collaborate, learn and grow are created. This was the key message discussed during the e-Kasi talks theme on the first day of SAITEX 2024. Driven by micro enterprises across

Payment24 Offers Innovative Fuel Voucher Solutions to Modernise Fleet Management and Loyalty Programmes

Posted on by africanretailteam | 16567 Views | 13 min read

Payment24, a leading provider of advanced payment, loyalty, and fuel management solutions, is proud to announce the availability of its fuel voucher offering. This innovative product is set to transform how Payment24 partners incentivise customers, loyalty subscribers, internal teams, and even drivers. With seamless integration across a vast network of over 1,000 service stations, these

AI-Driven Product Testing Powers up Innovation in SA – IPSOS

Posted on by africanretailteam | 21076 Views | 14 min read

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

Celebrating Youth Month: Engen’s Maphuthego Etu Maditsi Says “Knowledge Is Power”

Posted on by africanretailteam | 9861 Views | 23 min read

Polokwane’s Maphuthego Etu Maditsi believes education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world, which is why she will never stop learning and challenging herself. “I believe that sharing my success story can inspire other young women to prioritise education,” says the graduate trainee based at Engen’s head office in Cape

Retailer’s Guide on How to Shift From Multichannel to Omnichannel Payment Experiences – Ecentric

Posted on by africanretailteam | 22981 Views | 16 min read

By Gary Bowers, Product Manager and Shaun Shehab, Senior Sales Engineer at Ecentric Retailers need to keep costs under control and reduce complexity in economic conditions that can best be described as uncertain and challenging. Yet, despite this, they need to give customers (and their employees) the kind of payment experience they demand. Beyond this,

Engen’s Partnership With RBS Boosts Local Enterprise Development

Posted on by africanretailteam | 10479 Views | 9 min read

Engen recently handed over the keys to a new truck to Resegofetse Business Solutions (RBS) that will enhance the 100% Black women-owned enterprise’s service capability along the Bafokeng mining belt.RBS, who are based in Phokeng in the North West province, supply consumables, cleaning services, and lubricants to mines in the area. Handover of the 4-tonne

V&A Waterfront Marks World Environment Day at Its First Totally Recycled Commercial Building.

Posted on by africanretailteam | 11519 Views | 13 min read

Picture this: More than 460 homes running on clean energy year-round. Buildings saving enough energy to power 2,500 homes. A community saving 200,000 litres of water a day, enough to meet the needs of 1,300 people. A place where residents’ reduced CO₂ emissions are equivalent to taking 6,600 cars off the road. In a world

How the Retail Property Sector and Local Government Can Collaborate to Prevent Urban Decay and Enhance Infrastructure – Fortress Retail

Posted on by africanretailteam | 14789 Views | 22 min read

Fortress Retail recently hosted the Collective Impact event, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss collaborative strategies to combat urban decay, improve infrastructure and integrate new technologies for the benefit of communities surrounding shopping centres. The event, moderated by renowned journalist Jeremy Maggs, featured insights from prominent industry experts including Julius Kleynhans (OUTA), Alan Dinnie (Profica),

Omnisient Recognised for Impact on Growing Financial Inclusion in Africa

Posted on by africanretailteam | 20708 Views | 8 min read

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

Smartfill Spearheads Packageless Retail With Major Accelerator Backing

Posted on by africanretailteam | 24054 Views | 22 min read

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

Harnessing the Potential of Mobile Payments in Africa – Halo Dot

Posted on by africanretailteam | 36140 Views | 12 min read

Dalene Deale, Strategic Consultant at Halo Dot Financial inclusion remains a critical barrier across Africa. A considerable segment of the population remains alienated from basic banking services. Yet, the arrival of mobile payment technologies, like Halo Dot, promises to bridge this gap. Halo Dot’s innovative approach turns mobile devices into secure, encrypted payment terminals, allowing

What Will Be Impacting Shoppers and Retailers as 2024 Unfolds? – BDO South Africa Incorporated

Posted on by africanretailteam | 36312 Views | 20 min read

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’s Thriving Consumer Market to Shine at 30th Edition of SAITEX

Posted on by africanretailteam | 37652 Views | 20 min read

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

South African Consumers Feel the Big Squeeze: 99% Have Changed Their FMCG Shopping Habits to Save Money – NIQ

Posted on by africanretailteam | 24864 Views | 15 min read

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 Rise of the Cashless Society – Halo Dot

Posted on by africanretailteam | 33660 Views | 12 min read

Jonathan Jacobs, Head of Product and Operations at Halo Dot In recent years, there has been a gradual shift towards going cashless. This is something that is impacting every society around the world. However, in developing countries like South Africa, this transition has become a layered one. Influenced by the divide that separates people when

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 | 32910 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

Take Heed of These New Retail Trends That Emerged Over the 2023 Holiday Season – Nedbank

Posted on by africanretailteam | 25641 Views | 16 min read

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

Retailers Turn to BNPL to Drive Sales Amid Declining Growth

Posted on by africanretailteam | 34253 Views | 9 min read

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

Tetra Pak South Africa Joins the Proudly South African Family

Posted on by africanretailteam | 36503 Views | 11 min read

Tetra Pak South Africa announced that it has officially become a member company of Proudly South African organization at an event that took place at Monte Casino on 30 January. In attendance was 1st Secretary of Trade and Economic Affairs, Swedish Embassy Mr. Martin Jornrud, representatives from various South African Government departments Department of Trade

Frontline Retail Workers Can Make or Break the Customer Experience, and in Turn the Business – BDO South Africa

Posted on by africanretailteam | 45107 Views | 24 min read

As businesses across the globe work towards making culture and employee wellbeing an integral part of their organisations, the retail industry should consider this when it comes to their retail employees says Serena Ho, head of consumer market at BDO South Africa Inc. Here they discuss the important role of retail employees in powering the

Somerset Mall’s 30th Anniversary: A Retail Success Story and a Catalyst for Community Growth

Posted on by africanretailteam | 19280 Views | 17 min read

Somerset Mall, a prominent player in the retail and commercial property sector, is marking its 30th anniversary this year, and it’s an occasion worth recognising not just for nostalgia’s sake, but for the profound strategic milestones it represents. From its humble beginnings with just a handful of stores, Somerset Mall has expanded into a formidable

6 Ways Payment Technology Has Revolutionised Opportunities for Companies – Paystack

Posted on by africanretailteam | 83262 Views | 28 min read

It doesn’t matter whether a company is a small to medium-sized enterprise or a large corporation, or where it’s based, we are all now operating in a global economy. Irrespective of the size of an enterprise, its location or what its product offering is, with the right payment and transaction mechanisms, it can compete equally

Abaqulusi Plaza Shopping Centre Extension Complete

Posted on by africanretailteam | 28462 Views | 17 min read

AbaQulusi Plaza, formerly Vryheid Plaza, has reopened its doors after an 18-month redevelopment programme. On 22 November 2023, Cllr Khehla Mkhwanazi, the Mayor of the AbaQulusi Local Municipality, officially opened the centre at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. In his speech, Cllr Mkhwanazi commented that the shopping centre was an essential boost to the economy of Vryheid,

Spar’s “More for Sho” Campaign Redefines Festive Season Shopping With Affordability at Its Core

Posted on by africanretailteam | 47344 Views | 17 min read

South Africans have faced countless economic challenges over the past year, including numerous interest rate hikes, fuel price escalations, and a surge in food costs. Considering the growing consumer focus on personal welfare and financial survival, SPAR has committed to ensuring that this festive season is one of both joy and financial ease. Historically, this

Disruptive Technology Is Driving Progress in Smart Manufacturing – SYSPRO

Posted on by africanretailteam | 43829 Views | 20 min read

By Mark Wilson, CEO, SYSPRO EMEA & APAC The manufacturing industry is a tough industry, vulnerable to impacts from the economy, geo-political events such as conflict and pandemics, and other stresses that impact the global and local supply chains and markets. Manufacturers constantly need to seek out a competitive advantage to stay at the forefront

Tarsus on Demand Launches Digital on Demand Division, Aimed At Accelerating Digitalisation for SMB Businesses

Posted on by africanretailteam | 54900 Views | 14 min read

In a strategic move to bolster the digital transformation of small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across South Africa and Africa, Tarsus On Demand is proud to announce the launch of Digital On Demand, and it’s Digital Business Hub Marketplace. This comprehensive digital business hub is designed to empower SMBs on their digitalisation journey, addressing the unique challenges

Fresh Retail for Polokwane as The Greenery Opens Its Doors on 26 October

Posted on by africanretailteam | 29865 Views | 16 min read

The Greenery, the much-anticipated convenience shopping centre in Polokwane, Limpopo, celebrated its grand opening today, 26 October, offering an eagerly awaited stylish one-stop shopping experience to the community. Co-owned and developed by the Moolman Group and Networth Group, the 11,000sqm centre will bring a fresh, upmarket and vibrant neighbourhood shopping experience right to the doorsteps

Is It Time to Re-Imagine Black Friday in the African Context? – Absa

Posted on by africanretailteam | 46323 Views | 27 min read

Chipo Masawi-Butayi, Coverage Banker: Consumer Goods & Services at Absa CIB and Pauline Manyoki, Product Manager at Absa Bank Kenya American novelist, Herman Melville once wrote: “It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.” This quote felt apt as we review consumer habits and the annual “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday”

A New Market, New Partnerships – Trade Intelligence

Posted on by africanretailteam | 57949 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

South African Consumers Forge a New Shopping Path – NIQ

Posted on by africanretailteam | 53734 Views | 10 min read

According to NIQ, 99% of South African consumers have changed the way they shop for FMCG (95% globally) and have adopted a range of strategies to manage their spending. The three top saving strategies are buying whatever brand is on promotion (34%), shopping more often at discounters (40%) and focusing on essentials (46%). These findings

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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 42410 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

Shoprite Group Recognised for Transformative Youth Employment Initiatives at Esg Awards

Posted on by africanretailteam | 42923 Views | 5 min read

South Africa’s largest private sector employer, the Shoprite Group, has been honoured for its outstanding contribution to the ‘Social’ component of ESG at the Youth Employment Service (YES)’s inaugural Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) Awards this week. The YES programme is a business-driven initiative in partnership with government and labour to build economic pathways for

Makro Launches New Online Offering to Serve Businesses Across South Africa

Posted on by africanretailteam | 72364 Views | 6 min read

In its latest move to become the leading eCommerce player in South Africa, Massmart has launched a bespoke business (B2B) website to meet the needs of business customers, who are facing similar economic challenges to end consumers. This ‘Makro Business’ branded website will offer businesses of all sizes, an online platform tailored to meet their

Energise Africa’s Food and Beverage’s Future: Sustainable Solutions for Growth and Resilience – Schneider Electric

Posted on by africanretailteam | 56473 Views | 17 min read

By Clive Roberts, Segment Lead: CPG – Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric Africa is home to one of the world’s fastest growing populations, reaching a projected 2.5 billion people 2050. It is also this demographic advantage translates into a vast consumer base that is youthful, aspirational, and urban-centric. As a result, the demand for diverse

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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 58517 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

Omnichannel Strategies: One Size Does Not Fit All In South African Retail – NIQ

Posted on by Initiator | 46496 Views | 21 min read

By Nikki Quinn, retail lead for South Africa at GfK – an NIQ company South African consumers face a difficult economic environment, characterised by high inflation, low economic growth and persistent load shedding. These challenges have helped to exacerbate the already wide divide between different population groups, making it more important than ever for brands

Harnessing the Power of 360-Degree Retail Technology – redPanda Software

Posted on by Initiator | 59300 Views | 15 min read

By Peter Ludi, MD Solutions at redPanda Software In the wake of the rapidly evolving digital landscape, retailers are continuously confronted with a myriad of software solutions. Implementing these systems often requires a considerable investment of resources, frequently resulting in a patchwork of fragmented systems and siloed operations. One can only browse through recent media

Positive Retail: Adapting & Thriving – Smollan South Africa

Posted on by Initiator | 46891 Views | 17 min read

It can be a slippery slope – loadshedding, the economy, post-pandemic aftershocks, communities facing hardships and even the chill of winter. However, as we ease into spring the retail pendulum is shifting as an optimistic breeze starts blowing in South Africa (SA). Joanne Gould CEO, Smollan South Africa plugs in to this renewed energy, highlighting

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

Posted on by Initiator | 31429 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

Tackling Payment Fraud Head-On in South Africa’s Mining and Construction Industries

Posted on by Initiator | 55711 Views | 19 min read

As one of the top ten mining countries in the world, South Africa’s economy relies heavily on this industry as well as those closely related to it, such as construction. Yet this also makes these industries attractive targets for cyber criminals. The mining industry is among the most at-risk industries for fraud and in some

Collaboration Crucial for Township Economy and Local Retail Sector to Thrive

Posted on by Initiator | 26671 Views | 15 min read

The informal sector has a crucial role to play in the global economy and connecting it properly to government and corporates to bring about opportunities to collaborate, learn and grow was at the heart of the recent SAITEX, which concluded in Johannesburg recently. The Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX), the leading multi-sector trade event