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A New Era of Digital Retail in Africa

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Digital Retail

According to Google Africa, the continent is home to 19 of the top 20 fastest-growing countries in the world, and its internet economy has the potential to grow to $180 billion by 2025

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 28, 2023/APO Group/ — 

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 just in terms of convenience and pace but also around engagement, service excellence and shopping satisfaction. Africa is playing catch up in a global sense – experiencing incredible change that presents both opportunities and challenges. According to Google Africa, the continent is home to 19 of the top 20 fastest-growing countries in the world, and its internet economy has the potential to grow to $180 billion by 2025. By the same year, more than half of Africa’s population will be under 25, creating an even more pressing need to generate economic opportunity. Done the right way, digital-first and data-led distribution is set to transform Africa.

To that point, (www.ITNewsAfrica.com) reported that, amidst limited infrastructure and a lack of skilled workers in Africa, ecommerce platforms such as Jumia, Konga and Mall of Africa and mobile payment offerings such as M-Pesa and Airtel Money, are already ringing in a new era of shopping for both retailers and consumers.

Drilling Down

Looking closer, small, and medium-sized businesses are under the microscope, making up 90% of all businesses in Africa. However, at a time when digital connectivity is more important than ever to small business resilience, not forgetting the unfolding age demographic, Africa has much to do to keep up with their global counterparts. The potential, however, lies in equipping people and businesses with tech tools to meet local needs and in turn unlock innovation.

Digitalization in Africa is changing quickly at a sales force, manufacturing, and distribution level but not as much at a retailer level

Warren Brett Cluster Executive, SEA Region, Smollan Tanzania shared his thoughts saying, “Digitalization in Africa is changing quickly at a sales force, manufacturing, and distribution level but not as much at a retailer level. On the most part it’s only scratching the surface. Traditionally the retailer must initiate the purchase of FMCG goods from wholesalers and distributors – sometimes having to physically close shop to collect stock and in turn losing out on potential earnings. Putting the power in retailer’s hands is the answer – building retailer databases and creating solutions enabling brands to reach them using technology to support the link between all parties.”

Solutions

Working to solve the digitalization gaps in Africa is an exciting challenge. A good example is the launch of Kyosk – an app that provides a seamless link for traditional retailers (providing them with market data visibility and last mile delivery), local eateries (access to quality products at competitive prices delivered directly to them within 24hours) and small-holder farmers (provide end-to-end digitization of their value chain). Currently operating over 40 fulfillment centres across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Nigeria.

So too, the Wasoko app works in communities in Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Côte d’Ivoire. Allowing shopkeepers ‘delivery on demand’ with free same-day delivery to stores when placing an order via SMS request or using their mobile app. Wasoko also offers ‘buy now pay later’ credit facilities.

Furthermore, different digital platforms are attempting to digitize the entire commerce value chain. Yoco for example, launched in 2013 in South Africa is a go-to platform that is successful in offering access to online payments. According to www.HowWeMadeItInAfrica.com Yoco filled an essential gap as 80% of their merchants had never accepted card payments before joining. Fast forward to 2021, Yoco served 150,000 of SA’s six million small businesses and are currently looking to reach at least a million SMEs across Africa and the Middle East within the next four years.

As a ‘watch this space’ side note of potentially robust proportions is ‘The Africa Digital Economy Initiative for Africa’ (DE4A) – an alliance created with the World Bank Group and the African Union to collectively think big on digital development. The aim is to ensure that every individual, business, and government in Africa will be digitally enabled by 2030 with their support.

“Partnering with NGOs, governments, or financial institutions to create sustainable employment and financial inclusion to entrepreneurs looking to grow their business is certainly an option and a step in the right direction. So too, creating the tech to support the link between retailer and supplier/distributor, a high priority. To create a solution for brands to reach retailers where there is a deeper understanding of how product moves to the retailer and into consumers hands. In turn, supported by a digitalized workforce to support this channel in Africa,” said Brett.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Smollan.

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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