At a time when every rand counts and with loyalty usage at record levels and promotions increasingly shaping shopping decisions, Pick n Pay’s returning Smart Shopper Price Palooza campaign shows how loyalty-driven promotions can translate into real financial relief. Over the past two years, Pick n Pay’s Smart Shopper Price Palooza campaign has seen routine
Bosta, a key enabler of e-commerce, has announced a strategic collaboration with Mastercard to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Egypt by delivering integrated solutions that aim to accelerate e-commerce growth in line with evolving market needs. Through this collaboration, Mastercard and Bosta will introduce a dedicated discount program for Mastercard Business cardholders, granting access to preferential
Dangote Cement Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to making Africa fully self‑sufficient in cement production, strengthening the continent’s industrial backbone and reducing reliance on imported construction materials. Speaking during a strategic briefing on the company’s expansion drive, the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Arvind Pathak, emphasised that the company is accelerating its investments across
Swedfund is investing USD 15 million in Phatisa Food Fund 3, which focuses on established companies across the food value chain in multiple African markets. The investment aims to improve food security, support decent job creation, and contribute to more resilient and sustainable food systems. Africa’s food systems are under increasing pressure from population growth,
KAL Group today announced the appointment of Johann le Roux as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 March 2026. Le Roux will succeed Sean Walsh, who is retiring after almost 15 years of dedicated service as CEO. George Steyn, Chairman of KAL Group, said the appointment follows a carefully considered succession process by the board
Powerfleet, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIOT), a provider of AIoT SaaS solutions for mobile asset management, today announced it has been awarded a milestone public sector contract to deliver integrated video intelligence and real-time fleet visibility services for an extensive range of South African government departments overseeing more than 100,000 vehicles. The agreement is anticipated to represent a
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group approved, on 28 January 2026 in Abidjan, $110 million in financing to Support the Environmental Upgrading and Rehabilitation of the Production Units of the Tunisian Chemical Group (PAER-GCT). The Bank Group’s financial support will contribute to sustainably reducing air pollution and improving the environmental, energy,
Since its introduction last year, Woolworths’ MyDifference loyalty programme has marked a significant shift in how the retailer rewards, engages and builds long-term relationships with its customers, moving beyond traditional points-based loyalty to a more personalised, transparent and insight-led model. Evolving from the long-running WRewards, which the brand ran for more than 20 years, MyDifference
KAL Group, the unique South African agri, fuel & convenience specialty retailer listed on the JSE, today reported continued strong trading momentum, with the solid performance achieved in 2025 carrying through into the first quarter of 2026. “Despite the sluggish operating environment, we have consistently delivered in 2025, thanks to disciplined execution by the team. We are full steam ahead
In an era dominated by fintech apps and digital wallets, customers are still pouring more than R120 million a month into Shoprite Savings Stamps, which have seen annual growth in excess of 20%. This trusted, low risk financial savings tool continues to resonate with individuals, households, and even stokvels and other informal savings groups that utilize these stamps to efficiently pool and manage
● A Rand-backed stablecoin called ZARU is launching through a collaboration by Luno,Sanlam Specialised Asset Management (Pty) Ltd, EasyEquities and Lesaka● Every ZARU issued will be backed by high quality liquid assets denominated in Randmanaged by Sanlam Specialised Asset Management (Pty) Ltd, a licensed financial servicesprovider● ZARU’s banker will be Standard Bank with reserves audited
GoCab plans to expand its operations and fleet, aiming for 10,000 active vehicles and $100 million in annual recurring revenue within the next 24 months. Founded in 2024, GoCab was created to address a fundamental challenge across Africa: limited access to ethical financing and vehicle ownership for gig-economy workers. By combining mobility, technology, and inclusive
Vivo Energy, through its Engen business in South Africa, will once again showcase its mining solutions at the 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba, taking place from 9 to12 February at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the mining sector. Aligned with the 2026 Mining Indaba theme, “Stronger together:
Saint-Gobain Africa officially opened its new RhinoROC™ fibre cement manufacturing plant, a significant milestone in expanding local industrial capacity and product innovation for the South African construction sector. The R500 million facility, located in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, is dedicated to producing RhinoROC™ fibre cement board – a high-performance building material designed to deliver superior durability, moisture resistance, fire performance
Pick n Pay launched its inaugural Project School Takeover at Bergrivier NGK Primary School last week, marking the first of three farm school interventions this month in communities where the retailer operates. The initiative is a Pick n Pay-led programme delivered in collaboration with Pick n Pay’s CSI platforms, Feed the Nation Foundation, and Pick n Pay
Vivo Energy Uganda has commissioned a new Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) filling and storage plant in Mbale City, marking a key step in expanding access to clean and reliable energy solutions in Eastern Uganda. The facility was commissioned by Mr. Ali Cassim Waboga, the Deputy Town Clerk of Mbale City, alongside Mr Hans Paulsen, Executive
Vukile Property Fund (JSE: VKE), the leading consumer-focused specialist retail real estate investment trust (REIT), has acquired a 35% stake in Pradera Limited, a leading specialist retail property investment fund and asset manager with a 25-year track record across the UK, Europe, China and the Middle East. Laurence Rapp, CEO of Vukile Property Fund, comments, “This
BoxCommerce and Mastercard have collaborated to launch a prepaid Mastercard solution that gives small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the BoxCommerce platform fast, secure and direct access to their earnings. This innovation transforms BoxCommerce from a pure eCommerce enabler into a fintech partner for entrepreneurs, bridging the gap between selling online and accessing digital finance.
It’s a chilling truth hidden just beneath the shimmering surface of our pools, rivers, and beaches. Drowning, silent, sudden, and devastating, claims the lives of hundreds of South African children every year. The horror is not just in the numbers, but in the heartbreaking fact that these deaths are almost all preventable. Yes, preventable. Yet,
The Shoprite Group has achieved a major sustainability milestone with the installation of its 100th solar photovoltaic (PV) system, 10 years after launching its first solar project in 2015. With an installed capacity of over 43 300 Kilowatt-peak (kWp), the retailer’s solar portfolio ranks among the largest of any South African private company. Currently, rooftop solar systems generate enough clean electricity to power nearly 12 300 households
Inspections reveal expired and poorly stored food products at major supermarkets. SOUTH AFRICA – The Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) closed two Shoprite supermarkets and several other shops as part of a continuing inspection campaign to enforce consumer protection standards. The shutdown comes on the second day of operations, during which officials discovered expired goods,
The retailer will deploy Provenir’s AI Decisioning Platform in the cloud to improve agility and operational efficiencies, with the ability to capitalize on greater customer insights PARSIPPANY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–South African furniture retailer Lewis Group is migrating its credit decisioning to the cloud with Provenir, a global leader in AI risk decisioning, to streamline its onboarding processes
This marks the second consecutive year that CCBA has achieved regional-level certification, with its operations in Ethiopia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda also certified at a country level Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) (www.CCBAGroup.com) is proud to announce its recognition as a Top Employer in Africa for 2026 by the Top Employers Institute (https://apo-opa.co/45b21Rr). In addition
The Marble Hospitality Group has launched a new premium “Pantry” store. The new outlet opens on the 22nd January 2026 at the Omni Square Shopping Centre in Bassonia, an affluent suburb in the south of Johannesburg. It is the company’s third Pantry store. Founded in 2016 by chef David Higgs and businessman Gary Kyriacou, the
Bringing enterprise payment solutions to township entrepreneurs. Youth-led initiative digitises township commerce through DebiCheck, offline POS, and secure disbursements, creating jobs while advancing financial inclusion. Altron FinTech announced the expansion of its Kasi Sales Squad initiative from Soweto into Ekurhuleni and the Johannesburg CBD, scaling a proven model that brings enterprise-grade payment infrastructure directly to
For more than two decades, Boxer has been investing in something far bigger than retail — the future leaders of Southern Africa. Since 2002, the Boxer Youth Leadership Programme has created life-changing opportunities for young learners from South Africa and Eswatini, offering access to leadership development experiences that build confidence, resilience and a belief in
JD Sports Fashion plc (JD Group), a leading global omnichannel retailer of sports fashion brands, today announces it will enable customers to use AI platforms to search for and purchase sports footwear, apparel and accessories – all in a single click without leaving the apps. JD customers in the US will be able to purchase
Vodacom Group has once again been certified and recognised as Africa’s number one employer by the Top Employers Institute, marking its third consecutive win and reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering an exceptional employee experience. This prestigious certification and first place ranking have been awarded to Vodacom Group, alongside separate certifications for Vodacom Mozambique, Vodacom
Famous Brands, Africa’s leading branded food services franchisor, has opened its first Steers and Debonairs Pizza combo restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This opening follows the conclusion of master licence agreements with Mesra Retail & Café Sdn Bhd (MESRA), a wholly owned subsidiary of PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB). The agreements grant MESRA exclusive rights to
New hardware, software and AI solutions reduce in-store friction, optimize business performance, and create better customer experiences. News Highlights PALO ALTO, Calif., January 8, 2026 – Today, HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) announced that it is bringing together hardware, software, services, and intelligence into a unified solution to help retailers operate with greater visibility, consistency, and control.
Ghana is taking a significant step to strengthen its horticulture sector with the launch of the Ghana Seed Partnership (GSP). With rising demand for vegetables and ongoing challenges such as climate change and limited access to quality seeds, this initiative is essential for supporting farmers. Supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands,
Carrefour announces a franchise and supply Partnership with Queens Supermarket PLC, a subsidiary of Midroc Investment Group, for the roll-out of Carrefour banners, expertise and products in Ethiopia. Under this agreement, will support Midroc teams in the transformation of the entire stores network under Carrefour banners, and in the implementation of an ambitious expansion plan.
The festive season may be a time of celebration, rest and togetherness, however, as the new year begins, many South African families face a far more sobering reality. January brings with it school fees, uniforms, transport costs and the pressure of stretching household budgets after the holidays. In this moment of transition, community food gardens
South Africa — Parents and caregivers across South Africa are being urged to carefully check specific infant formula products following a recall that has raised concerns about the potential presence of cereulide, a toxin that can pose health risks to babies if consumed. The recall applies to selected batches of SMA infant formula and SMA follow-on
Rising costs and supply challenges strain small-scale producers ZIBAMBWE – Poultry farmers in Bulawayo are facing a critical shortage of day-old chicks, threatening their ability to meet demand during the festive season. Typically, farmers begin securing chicks around six weeks before Christmas to prepare for increased holiday consumption, but this year their plans have been
Surge in national egg output brings relief to consumers while straining poultry farmers financially. EGYPT – Egg prices in Egypt have fallen sharply in recent months, with some markets reporting a decline of nearly 35 percent, prompting concern among poultry producers. The drop comes amid a surge in domestic egg production, as newly operational farms
Press release: Taager, the Egyptian social e-commerce platform, has officially expanded into Morocco, opening operations in Casablanca as part of its wider regional growth across MENA. This move marks Taager’s first entry into North Africa after establishing its presence in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The expansion targets Morocco’s fast-developing e-commerce sector, where Taager
SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court ruling that had challenged the legality of anti-dumping duties on imported frozen bone-in chicken, offering clarity for domestic producers. The original duties targeted imports from Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, which were being sold in South Africa at prices
JSE-listed Pepkor Holdings Limited has announced recordprofit growth for the year ended 30 September 2025, delivering a strong financial performanceunderpinned by diligent operational execution and the successful implementation of keystrategic initiatives. The group reported a 12.0% increase in revenue to R95.3 billion, whileoperating profit increased by 13.2% to R11.1 billion.Driven by market share gains in
Bayer convened a high-level dialogue with AGRA, the African Union (AU) and First National Bank (FNB) during last week’s B20 Summit in South Africa. The aim of this was to bring together policymakers, development partners and industry leaders to discuss the urgent reforms needed to transform Africa’s food systems. With rising climate pressures, economic instability
Vodacom Group, a leading pan-African telecommunications group, today announced a transaction that would significantly increase its ownership in Safaricom, reinforcing its commitment to the East African markets of Kenya and Ethiopia. Under the terms of this transaction, Vodacom has entered into an agreement with the Government of Kenya to acquire 15% of Safaricom PLC and
With 143 new stores opened in South Africa between July and November 2025, the Shoprite Group is firmly on track to meet its target of 223 openings for the 2026 financial year. A highlight among these new openings is the Checkers Hyper at Winelands Square in Paarl, which features the retailer’s first LEGO shop-in-shop in the
The Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited (“MCB”) has successfully granted a strategic financing package to Invictus Investment Company PLC (ADX: INVICTUS), a leading agro-food enterprise in the Middle East and Africa. The financing package is structured as an acquisition finance and revolving credit facility and will support Invictus Investment’s expansion into new markets while also strengthening its working
Sandile Sitsholwana (33) has been named the Shoprite Group’s 2025 Driver of the Year, emerging as the top performer among 1 658 colleagues from South Africa and neighbouring countries in the retailer’s annual competition. Sitsholwana, who joined the Group in 2024, hails from Botshabelo in the Free State and is the first-ever winner from Bloemfontein
Checkers Sixty60 has set new records for daily orders, pick rates, and on-time deliveries during its Early Black Friday online exclusive promotion – reaffirming its ability to reliably deliver at speed and on time, even during high demand. Between 20 and 23 November, Checkers Sixty60 ran online-only deals across both groceries and general merchandise – culminating in its
The new Walmart store brings Every Day Low Prices, one-stop convenience, and economic opportunity to Johannesburg. Key Insights JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Nov. 22, 2025 – Walmart (NYSE: WMT) announced the grand opening of its first-ever Walmart-branded store on African soil. The new store is a feat of speed, and a point of immense pride for the
Pick n Pay has unveiled its newly refurbished Klerksdorp Hypermarket, offering North West customers a modernised, one-stop shopping destination that delivers greater convenience, variety and value. After many years of serving the local community, the Klerksdorp Hyper has been completely refreshed to bring shoppers a contemporary store experience with an expanded product range and improved
Groot Drakenstein – RFG Holdings delivered a resilient regional performance for the year to September 2025, with regional revenue increasing 4.1% despite constrained consumer spending and weak sentiment. The regional operating profit margin exceeded the 10% target. Group revenue increased by 1.6% to R8.1 billion, tempered by the international segment which continued to be impacted
One year after partnering on the Vitality HealthyFood benefit, Checkers and Discovery can report a growing shift toward healthier grocery habits in South Africa – driven by meaningful rewards and everyday convenience. The HealthyFood benefit rewards Vitality members for purchasing any of the over 2,500 approved healthy food products – available at Checkers, Checkers Hyper and Checkers
Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, known for offering a massive selection of products across numerous categories, is about to boost customers shopping experience in Nigeria with the recent launch of a Bazaar App, Amazon Haul in the country. The availability of the app will give Nigerians the opportunity to shop from a huge variety
