Africa’s e-commerce boom a billion-dollar opportunity

By the end of 2025, nearly half the population of Africa will have engaged in buying goods and services online, compared to just 13% in 2017. This increase will be fueled by Africa’s young and growing tech-savvy population – 70% of sub-Saharans are younger...

How retailers can prepare for the R100bn e-commerce market

South African retail has experienced profound transformation over the past few years, with digital platforms and e-commerce reshaping consumer expectations. However, we are just in the earliest phases of digital transformation and SME retailers will need to be agile...

Why delivery times are important in e-commerce

One reason that big-name online retail stores like Amazon enjoy the market share they do is because of the speeds at which they deliver. In 2023 the company delivered goods to members using its Prime service at faster-than-ever speeds globally, with 7-billion items...

E-commerce could boost SME transporters

Since the pandemic, unprecedented numbers of people have embraced technology and shifted to e-commerce. Consequently, transport companies have increased demand. Justin Manson, sales director at Webfleet South Africa, sees this shift as a significant opportunity for...

Our last-mile delivery game needs to be on point

Africa’s last-mile delivery market is expected to be worth $2,3-billion (R43-billion) by 2030. If one considers that the continent will be home to some two billion people by 2050, it becomes clear that this sector will grow exponentially and offer many new...

Do global e-commerce platforms herald a boom for SA SMEs?

The news that Amazon is eyeing the South African market is sparking predictions that a new online future is almost upon us, and the established local e-shopping scene will never be the same. The beneficiaries of a more competitive local scene are expected to be...