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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 2910 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

Vivo Energy Kenya Opens its 336th Shell Service Station

Posted on by africanretailteam | 3440 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 | 8896 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

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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 6536 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 | 9864 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

Twiga Foods Buys Three Distributors Amid Turmoil

Posted on by africanretailteam | 8659 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

Counties Partner to Transform the Informal Dairy Sector

Posted on by africanretailteam | 6667 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

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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 11665 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,”

Dairyland Unveils Fresh Look for Ice Cream Tubs

Posted on by africanretailteam | 8050 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

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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 10975 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 | 11312 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 | 29577 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

Prime Opportunity for Private Equity Funds to Rescue African Retail Companies

Posted on by africanretailteam | 23561 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

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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 13869 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

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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 74395 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 | 74820 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 | 62059 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

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

Posted on by africanretailteam | 62404 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

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

Posted on by Initiator | 35001 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

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

Posted on by Initiator | 80381 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

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

Posted on by Initiator | 116744 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 | 116559 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 | 124610 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 | 23621 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 | 60048 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 | 77305 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 | 23619 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

Bolt to Invest Over €500 Million in Africa Over Next Two Years as It Surpasses 1 Billion Rides on the Continent

Posted on by Initiator | 44746 Views | 13 min read

Bolt, the leading mobility app in Africa, has announced plans to invest €500 million in its operations on the continent over the next two years. The funds will be used to expand Bolt services in Africa and create opportunities for over 300,000 new drivers and couriers to join the platform in 2023. Having launched in

MACmobile: Driving Adoption of Digital FMCG Solutions in Kenya

Posted on by Initiator | 40418 Views | 12 min read

By Andrew Dawson, MD of MACmobile Mobile penetration is exceptionally high in the Kenyan market, and the adoption of mobile technologies is well accepted. The strength of this market presents a massive opportunity to grow and optimise the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) space, but several factors need to be considered to drive successful adoption. The

3 Key Trends for Africa’s Informal Retail Sector in 2023

Posted on by Initiator | 60251 Views | 15 min read

According to Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Africa’s informal retail sector accounts for more than 70% of food, beverage and personal care products provided to consumers across the continent. However, despite their importance, local informal shops throughout Africa have been consistently held back for decades by a host of major challenges including frequent stockouts, limited access

Jumia Kenya Targets 15% Growth in Rural Areas in 2023

Posted on by Initiator | 20846 Views | 5 min read

From next year,  2023, Jumia customers in Nyanza and Western regions in Kenya will benefit from the Jumia City Penetration program giving them access to millions of products on the online platform at a reduced delivery fee. Jumia plans to expand its reach to rural areas by 15% in the coming year as part of

Africa’s Changing Shopping Trends Allow E-tailers to Meet Customers’ Evolving Expectations to Gain Long-Term Loyalty

Posted on by Initiator | 52541 Views | 17 min read

By Darijan Bošković, Sales Director: Africa at Infobip The African continent is widely considered retail’s next big gold rush, based on its population of 1.4 billion people, which includes more than 500 million internet users and over 330 million eCommerce consumers. Additionally, with 19 of the top 20 fastest-growing countries in the world, the continent’s

Jumia, Coca-Cola Partner to Provide Online Shopping to Consumers In Africa

Posted on by Initiator | 39172 Views | 7 min read

Jumia (NYSE: JMIA), the leading e-commerce platform in Africa, has today announced a partnership with Coca-Cola Africa Operating Unit to offer consumers access to Coca-Cola products from the comfort of their homes. The partnership will provide a steady supply of Coca-Cola’s beverage portfolio to consumers who prefer to shop online through the Jumia platform and

Wasoko Launches Innovation Hub In Partnership with The Government of Zanzibar

Posted on by Initiator | 28621 Views | 17 min read

Africa’s Largest B2B E-Commerce Network Becomes Official Private Sector Ambassador for “Silicon Zanzibar” Initiative  Wasoko, the African e-commerce company leveraging innovative technology to transform the informal retail supply chain, has announced the official launch of the “Wasoko Innovation Hub” in partnership with the Zanzibar government. Located in Fumba Town, Zanzibar, the new Hub will focus on

Sabi Opens an Office in Johannesburg to Enable the Digital Transformation of South Africa’s ZAR 157 Billion Informal Economy

Posted on by Initiator | 25550 Views | 11 min read

South Africa’s micro, small and medium-sized traders can now improve their cash flow with more reliable supply chains and better customer marketing using Sabi, Africa’s leading B2B platform for goods and services distribution. SABI is partnering with Vumele to enable and empower South Africa’s informal economy. Sabi recently opened an office in Johannesburg and already

Nestlé Appoints Arvind Bhandari as Cluster Head for East and Horn of Africa Region

Posted on by Initiator | 40170 Views | 8 min read

Bhandari has 18 years’ experience of driving growth of the Nestlé business Nestlé has appointed Arvind Bhandari as the new Cluster Head for East and Horn of Africa, which forms part of Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR). In this role Bhandari will manage operations in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan,

Bolt Announces Ongoing Post-pandemic Growth to Mark Ninth Anniversary

Posted on by Initiator | 14651 Views | 14 min read

The company has quadrupled its business globally since the start of the pandemic and launched two products in the same period As of today, Bolt is present in 45 countries and over 500 cities, an increase of more than 200% before the pandemic  In South Africa, Bolt is available in 9 provinces and a total

Nestlé for Healthier Kids Celebrates Ten-Year Anniversary in Kenya

Posted on by Initiator | 15787 Views | 13 min read

In partnership with The Ministry of Education and The Ministry of Agriculture, to support parents and caregivers on a healthier lifestyle for their kids. Nestlé Kenya together with its partners, The Ministry of Education and The Ministry of Agriculture, have launched the Nestlé for Healthier Kids Programme in Kajiado County which will benefit 128 schools

Nomanini launches StockNow, a digital retailer solution, to bring affordable working capital to Africa’s informal retail markets

Posted on by Initiator | 31558 Views | 13 min read

Nomanini (https://Nomanini.com), a fast-growing fintech platform in Africa, has today announced the launch of a new supply chain finance solution called StockNow that connects FMCGs and financial service providers to serve Africa’s informal retailers at scale. StockNow, an easy-to-use app for retailers developed by Nomanini, makes it possible for informal micro and small retailers to

Kenya Bankers Association: Bankers, Payments Firms and Retailers in Drive to Reduce Consumer Exposure to Fraudsters

Posted on by Initiator | 17490 Views | 12 min read

Consumer education will play a central role in addressing emerging security challenges. During the launch of the Kaa Chonjo! (Be Alert!) card, mobile and online safety awareness campaign, players in the financial, payments and retail sectors highlighted the importance of continuing to empower the public with information on fraud prevention. In his remarks, Kenya Bankers

Infobip’s Omnichannel Solutions Enable Kenya’s Stima Sacco to Offer a Superior Customer Experience and Lower Costs

Posted on by Initiator | 12283 Views | 19 min read

Infobip, a global cloud communication company for businesses and a leader in omnichannel customer engagement, has deployed an omnichannel platform for Stima Sacco, the second-biggest saving and credit cooperative in Africa. This platform enables the organisation to enhance customer engagement and thus improve customer experience. Client Background Stima DT Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Limited

Tushop Raises $3M to Scale Community Group-Buying in Kenya

Posted on by Initiator | 17648 Views | 16 min read

4DX leads the round with participation from Wasoko Tushop, the Kenyan social-commerce platform that enables communities in Nairobi to buy groceries more cheaply with free delivery, has secured $3M in a pre-seed funding round, led by 4DX Ventures and with participation from JAM Fund, Breyer Capital, Chandaria Capital, TO Ventures, Golden Palm Investments, FirstCheck Africa,

KITEA Acquires the Leader in Furniture Distribution in Kenya

Posted on by Initiator | 14020 Views | 3 min read

The KITEA Group, leader in the distribution of furniture in Morocco, has just announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Furniture Palace Limited, leader in the distribution of home furniture, office furniture and house in Kenya. This transaction in East Africa is KITEA’s first acquisition outside the borders of Morocco and is in line

Mastercard Economics Institute: Lodging Small Businesses Thrive in Middle East and Africa in 2021

Posted on by Initiator | 13928 Views | 16 min read

Small businesses globally go digital at three-times pre-pandemic levels   To shed light on the impact the global health crisis – and ongoing recovery – has had on small businesses globally, Mastercard released Recovery Insights: Small Business Reset. The report revealed that in the Middle East and Africa, lodging small businesses have consistently outperformed larger businesses in 2021

DP World Launches E-Commerce Platform DUBUY.com in Kenya

Posted on by Initiator | 15661 Views | 17 min read

The wholesale platform brings efficient, reliable B2B eCommerce to Kenya, enabling market access for businesses of all sizes Backed by leading global logistics provider DP World (DPWorld.com), DUBUY.com opens a new digital trade corridor for Kenya and the East Africa region; The wholesale platform brings efficient, reliable B2B eCommerce to Kenya, enabling market access for businesses of all

Nestlé Holds Agripreneurship Training to Support Coffee Farmers

Posted on by Initiator | 13871 Views | 11 min read

Nestlé held an agripreneurship training workshop for coffee farmers in Mutheka, Nyeri. The workshop aims to help farmers build on entrepreneurship skills, learn about food waste and preservation, investigate price fluctuations and market seasonality, as well as gain trader knowledge on nutrition. At the agripreneurship workshop in Mutheka, coffee farmers learned about potential market links

Smollan | What Retailers Need to do to Succeed in the African Market

Posted on by Initiator | 39569 Views | 19 min read

Africa can be a challenging place to do business from infrastructure issues, complex compliance, fragmented markets and dispersed populations and particularly post pandemic, harder lives for ordinary people. One cannot ignore those who have gone before with Massmart announcing earlier this month the sale of Game stores in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, and Tanzania, citing

NESCAFÉ wins Best Coffee Brand at the 2021 Kenya Beverage Excellence Awards

Posted on by Initiator | 13865 Views | 5 min read

NESCAFÉ emerged the winner in the coffee category, as chosen by Kenyan consumers, during the 2021 Kenya Beverage Excellence Awards (KBEA) that took place on 24th September 2021 at Movenpick Hotel, Nairobi. The KBEA are designed to recognize, celebrate, and award excellence and innovation across every category of the Kenya beverage industry. The awards are

Finserve Africa Bags 2021 Best in E-Commerce Category at the 3rd Edition of the Kenya ECommerce Awards

Posted on by Initiator | 19096 Views | 11 min read

The award recognises Finserve’s commitment to innovation and customer centricity Equity Group’s fintech subsidiary, Finserve Africa, has been named the best in E-commerce – Banking/Financial and Insurance Services Gold Category at the 3rd Edition of the Kenya E-Commerce Awards 2021 held in Nairobi. The award recognises Finserve’s continued commitment to innovation and customer-centricity in Kenya

Women Entrepreneurs Lead the way in Digital Presence, According to Mastercard SME Research in Middle East and Africa

Posted on by Initiator | 38748 Views | 18 min read

81% of women entrepreneurs across the Middle East and Africa have a digital business presence according to Mastercard MEA SME Confidence Index Latest research by Mastercard highlights high digitalization among women-owned businesses as opportunity for broader SME recovery and digital economy growth Despite the gender gap and social challenges, entrepreneurial women across the world and