Backed by over 30 years of speed and innovation, AutoTrader South Africa will unveil cutting-edge AI technology designed to empower dealerships, enhance performance, and make life easier for car-buying consumers. For over three decades, AutoTrader has shaped the way vehicles are bought and sold in South Africa. What began in 1992 as a 24-page print magazine connecting
Nokia today announced that fibertime is expanding its fiber broadband access footprint to include an additional 400,000 homes located across South Africa’s underserved communities. The broadband roll-out is part of fibertime’s larger goal of connecting 2 million homes by 2028. Fibertime will deploy a combination of Nokia’s IP and fiber access technologies to build semi-mobile
Global cloud communications platform Infobip has announced the expansion of its integration with Microsoft Azure Communication Services, enabling its advanced SMS interface to connect businesses with customers in more than 100 additional countries. This collaboration unites Infobip’s carrier-grade global messaging with Microsoft’s communications platform, empowering organisations to deliver secure, high-quality, and compliant messages worldwide. As
Checkers has launched South Africa’s first smart shopping trolley, pioneering a major step towards a frictionless, technology-led in-store experience. Called the Xpress Trolley, it allows shoppers to scan-and-bag items as they go, track a live running total, and pay directly on the trolley without needing to stand in a queue or bag products at a
Written by 1Nebula | https://www.1nebula.com/ Get your free Telecom Cost Audit here Company growth is a good thing. However, growth often requires even more work to consolidate its gains. For operationally intensive retail companies, this often looks like an increasing footprint of stores, warehouses, and delivery fleets. This new infrastructure brings with it a need
Vodacom South Africa has successfully made the country’s first native voice call on 5G, also known as Voice over New Radio (VoNR). The call was made on Vodacom’s test network – an important prelude to launching the service on the live network. Vodacom South Africa’s Technology Director, Beverly Ngwenya said, “As a company led by
Amdocs (NASDAQ: DOX), a leading provider of software and services for communications and media companies, announced today the successful completion of a major business support systems (BSS) transformation with Telkom South Africa. The South African service provider upgraded its legacy BSS to Amdocs Customer Experience Suite (CES), Amdocs’ cloud-native, modular platform, now supporting approximately 25 million
AI is transforming manufacturing operations, compelling business leaders to move beyond exploration and into rapid execution. As the manufacturing industry undergoes rapid transformation, driven by the green transition, digital innovation, and shifting supply chain dynamics, local businesses must adapt or risk being left behind. In PwC‘s latest report, AI in Operations: Revolutionising the manufacturing industry, it
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
SYSPRO has announced that it has added two new companies as official SYSPRO Independent Software Vendor (ISV) referral partners for the EMEA region, bringing additional functionality to the SYSPRO ERP platform. Geo Rep, a South African-based provider of field sales management software, and Cranswick, which is focused on the intelligent warehouse space, join the SYSPRO
Pick n Pay has launched a powerful new app that brings together its on-demand delivery service asap!, Smart Shopper loyalty programme, and value-added services into a single, next-generation platform. This is the retailer’s most significant digital milestone since launching asap!. The asap! back-end and front-end technology has been completely re-platformed over the past 18 months, resulting
SYSPRO has released new research to support executives in mid-sized organisations considering the value of implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in their business. Manufacturing and distribution organisations require practical tools to drive growth and cultivate a data-driven culture that empowers decision-makers throughout the supply and value chains. “In today’s digital age, effective data
Modern retail is dependent on technology to deliver the type of frictionless experience consumers demand and employees need. Over and above this, seamless integrations are the lifeblood of operational efficacy and efficiency in the race to win and retain market share. Peter Ludi, Managing Executive at redPanda Solutions, a leading retail software solutions partner, says
FNB and Pick n Pay are proud to announce the expansion of their partnership to add more value for all their FNB and RMB Private Bank’s customers. The bank’s retail and commercial customers will all earn up to 30% of their spend back in eBucks when using Pick n Pay’s asap! on-demand delivery service, and up
Kazang Insights provides analytical and predictive solutions that empower FMCG firms, wholesalers and other companies to thrive in South Africa’s informal market. Leading data analytics, insights and merchant services company, Touchsides, is rebranding as Kazang Insights and integrating into Kazang—the prepaid value-added services (VAS) and card acquiring business within JSE-listed fintech Lesaka Technologies. Integration of
Vodacom and Orange have joined hands to form, a first of its kind, rural towerco partnership in Africa. Through this partnership, the companies will collaborate to build, own, and operate solar-powered mobile base stations in underserved areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The initiative will extend network coverage and enable access to telecommunications
Massmart and Walmart have announced the first Africa-focused supplier Growth Summit which will be held in Johannesburg on 2 April 2025. The summit is modelled on similar highly successful events that Walmart has hosted, most recently in their Chile market. The objective of the event is to expand and strengthen Massmart’s Africa-based supplier network to
Unitrans has witnessed firsthand how technology has drastically transformed our lives and work. In logistics, this transformation enables deeper insights, enhanced decision-making, and greater operational efficiency. It is no longer a mere trend but an essential tool for companies seeking to boost productivity and remain competitive in challenging economic climates. At Unitrans, successful innovation means
Kinola Pather, CEO of Randgo Royalty rewards programmes are becoming essential, with 76% of South Africans participating in them, prompting brands to leverage this opportunity for customer engagement and business growth. As technology evolves, these programmes have grown in sophistication, with the most successful offering real-time rewards and personalised experiences. Given the vast amount of
Kazang, the prepaid value-added services (VAS) and card acquiring business within JSE-listed fintech Lesaka Technologies, has launched the multi-faceted Kazang Rewards platform. The platform enables Kazang merchants to earn rewards for completing tasks for partners such as FMCG brands, wholesalers and companies providing prepaid services like airtime and data. These tasks include completing surveys, and
Telr, the award-winning online payment gateway, has announced its strategic collaboration with Mastercard to introduce its digital checkout solution, Click to Pay, across its extensive network of merchants in the UAE. Through this partnership, Telr will deploy cutting-edge payment technologies to enhance the customer experience. Click to Pay is an innovative, seamless, and secure payment
By Lauren Samaai, senior manager within the Retail business at Accenture, Africa It was just four years ago during the pandemic – with consumers restricted to their homes and mall doors tightly shut, that online commerce began its unprecedented rise. This phenomenon left retailers thinking about the role of the actual store moving forward. Today,
By Quintin van der Linde, Head of Business Development & Don Lange, Partner Manager at Ecentric Payment Systems Even as more retailers turn to setting up online storefronts to extend their presence and cater to shoppers looking for convenience, the majority of South Africans still prefer to shop at physical stores, and retailers are looking
Bob Group’s Ship Logic platform is helping the country’s courier companies overcome faulty address details, failed delivery attempts and poor communication with customers South African ecommerce ecosystem Bob Group is playing a leading role in optimising courier services around the country through its Ship Logic platform, a software solution that enables delivery specialists handling high
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
Debuting as the province’s first encounter with Makro and Game’s annual Top Rated by Kids event – parents and caregivers gathered as 250 children between the ages 6 and 12 took turns to judge this year’s newest toys. This is an important event for the retailers, as it serves as their guide to the ultimate
Despite the global move towards digital transacting, 1.4 billion people worldwide remain unbanked. It’s these individuals that payment service providers like Spenda are empowering through the use of innovative payment solutions that address the financial inclusion gap. In its latest move to do so, Spenda has integrated Scan to Pay to launch Spenda Scan to
South Africa’s Information Regulator recently revealed that it receives more than 150 monthly data breach notifications – a considerable increase from last year’s average of 56. Hackers are doing the country’s already battling economy no favours: the 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, produced by the Poneman Institute and published by IBM Security, states
Artificial Intelligence hasn’t just transformed our world but is also profoundly affecting market research by revolutionising how companies understand and predict consumer behaviour. This was the view of Ipsos Global Head of Product Testing Dr Nikolai Reynolds during a recent visit to South African clients and agencies, where he shared groundbreaking insights on using AI
In a bold step towards redefining the future of financial technology, Ukheshe has announced its official rebranding to EFT Corporation. The move consolidates Ukheshe’s pioneering digital solutions with EFT Corporation’s extensive reach and expertise under one unified brand, positioning it as a leading catalyst for financial inclusion in Africa. The rebranding of Ukheshe to EFT
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,
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, 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
By Mark Wilson, CEO, SYSPRO EMEA & APAC There’s no avoiding the reality that we’re in a tough economic cycle laden with global and local uncertainty. Since 2020, the manufacturing sector has undergone a period of unprecedented change. Multiple overlapping – and largely unpredicted – macro-level shocks have combined to create a radically changed world.
A new report from Accenture reveals that 95% of South African leaders (vs 83% globally) think that eCommerce is growing faster than they can adapt, and are finding it costly to be where customers are. This shared feeling of falling behind affirms how difficult it is to keep up with the pace of change. Additionally,
Over the course of the past three decades, the composition of the top global retailers has seen significant churn, with few managing to maintain a lead position. Established players have been usurped by creative newcomers that have prioritised innovation, staying ahead of the curve in terms of technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. A new
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
By Jason Sive, CEO, Mobicred (and Strategic Partnerships Executive at RCS) Greater levels of digital adoption and the increasing sophistication of technological tools have ushered in a new era for shoppers – one characterised by choice and convenience. Empowered by evolving demands, retail finance leaders have the exciting task of shaping the future of the
By Nicola Allen, Senior Retail Analyst, Trade Intelligence Earlier this year, social media was abuzz with outrage at an announcement which was misinterpreted to mean that Woolworths was going to stop accepting cash in its stores – it was in fact Woolworths’ WCafés only that were going to stop accepting cash. Trade Intelligence partnered with
One of the market leaders in the fintech space in South Africa, iKhokha, has announced the launch of a new smart card machine that fits into your pocket, called the iK Flyer Lite. This new offering follows the success of the flagship iK Flyer card machine, launched in 2022, which far surpassed initial sales expectations.
Shoprite recently announced its remarkable half year sales results proving that its retail strategy is hitting all the right marks. Faheem Hoosen, Partner at BDO South Africa., unpacks these results and shares some insight into the learnings that other retailers can take from this success. Shoprite, a leading South African grocer which owns brands such
Physical retail businesses remain crucial in the South African landscape, catering to the preferences of many customers. However, as eCommerce continues to surge, these businesses will experience challenges competing with industry giants like Amazon. The trends outlined below are essential considerations for a thriving retail business in an increasingly online world. While they’re not a
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
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
In today’s digital world, retailers are looking for more innovative ways of optimising operations, increasing employee efficiency, and enhancing customer experiences. The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) provides them with an invaluable tool to do so especially when it comes to data analysis to augment existing employee skills. Retail modernisation by enhancing productivity in
By Peter Ludi, Business Development Executive at redPanda Software Perhaps the single most effective thing retailers can do in 2024 and beyond is to acknowledge that aspirations and consultative conversations have overtaken reality. If a retailer wishes to take advantage of the latest and greatest trends for this year and next, it would do well
With online sales in Africa on course to top the trillion-rand mark by 2026, the race is on for ecommerce businesses to claim their piece of the pie. Research by Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI) indicates that in the next two years the digital commerce market is expected to reach US$72-billion across South Africa,
By Mariette Fouche, Head of Product Development and Solution Design at LoyaltyPlus Few people would dispute the importance of customer loyalty for business success. Companies have realised the need to create tailored solutions that meet the unique requirements of individual clients. This can at least partly be attributed to more efficient data analysis resulting from
The Human Face of Retail By Peter Ludi, Business Development Executive at redPanda Software There’s widespread acceptance that improving customer experience will go a long way towards attracting and retaining customers, especially at a time when there’s increased competition for valuable consumer spend. Naturally, all eyes turn to technology to remove friction, add convenience, automate,
Once upon a time (literally like last week!) a shopper popped in for a quick pre-holiday shop. Welcomed by a Bot that offered personalised suggestions based on previous purchases – a hassle free push to make their experience “more than”. Drawn into the clothing section, smart mirrors gave them the option to virtually try on
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