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Checking in, to Checkout: Five Black Friday Tips

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Black Friday

Tapping into all available data from previous Black Friday sales to see what worked and what didn’t, is key

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 10, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Black Friday is quite possibly the most drama-filled time of the year, in-store that is. There was the woman who used her pants as a shopping trolley, and the individual who called the police over a sold-out TV #sorrywhat? It’s a bit like a weird movie in an intoxicating chaotic, repeat visit kind of way.

Mike Smollan, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer, Smollan checks out the Black Friday phenomenon and how to play the game.

Globally, according to www.Queue-It.com, Black Friday online sales grew 3.5% to $65.3 billion last year. Retail sales increased by 12% and was recorded as the biggest shopping day of the year in the US, with online retail traffic three times that of a normal October day. That said, 60% of consumers said they bought a sale item, only to regret it later, with 23% of women saying that they suspect retailers inflated prices ahead of Black Friday, only to “discount them” on the day.

Furthermore, marketing tactics not only drew traffic in 2022, but also revenue with 29% of online sales attributable to a paid search; 19% to direct web visits; 17% to organic searches; 15% to email and 3% to social media.

Closer to home, looking back to look ahead, from a banking perspective FNB reported that its customers spent a record R3 billion on Black Friday last year, with most shoppers popping into physical stores to grab deals. R2.4 billion was spent in-store an increase of 18% on the previous year, while over R670 million was spent online, a rise of 31%. This year amidst rising interest rates and inflationary demands South African consumers will no doubt be cautious as Black Friday goes live. That said, the adrenalin rush and instant gratification that it brings is all too real with the promise of a moment to “let loose”.

Determining the best fit for the promotional period to leverage both in-store and online strategies, will depend on the specific business and target audience, to ultimately hit the sweet spot with consumers. Both in-store and online options have their advantages. In-store offers the excitement of sensory appeal for shoppers, an opportunity to engage with customers, drawing them in with eye-catching displays and product demos and maxing on impulse buying. While online offers the potential for new customer acquisitions, reaching a wider audience, as well as being able to tap into detailed analytics to track shopping behaviours and identifying trends going forward. A hybrid approach makes sense for example, offering online deals that complement in-store promotions, and using online channels to drive foot traffic to physical stores.

Undoubtedly the customer connection is everything whether online or in-store as consumers demand an excellent shopping experience over Black Friday

“Undoubtedly the customer connection is everything whether online or in-store as consumers demand an excellent shopping experience over Black Friday. They want options, the latest ranges, offers on offers, quick check-outs, quality, delivery in the quickest time possible if ordering online, and a store experience where availability, and lots of it, does not switch their mood. What we’ve found from an in-store perspective during these times of high demand, is the immense value of sending in our surge merchandising teams. Where they focus solely on brand visibility, additional POS and making sure product is in stock, on shelf, all the time. That’s the whole idea right, speed, efficiency, and targeted sales,” said Mike Smollan, Chief Growth Officer at Smollan.

Top Tips by Marketing Specialist, Incubeta

Data

Tapping into all available data from previous Black Friday sales to see what worked and what didn’t, is key. This data will also stand companies in good stead for their festive strategies.

Checkout Choice

Having a buy now, pay later (BNPL) payment option will allow cash-strapped consumers who are hoping to make big-ticket purchases the opportunity to pay them off. In fact, it makes sense to have as many payment options as possible. Also, options like an in-store pickup could score points with customers.

Red Flags

Logistics will continue to be a challenge and brands must factor in delays. The key is to keep customers informed and manage their expectations. If you can’t deliver, keep them in the loop or if a product sells out, make sure you update this on your website as soon as possible.

Don’t Underestimate Customers

South Africans love a good deal. They have also become masters at gamifying loyalty programmes allowing them to get the most out of Black Friday shopping. Don’t pull the wool over shoppers’ eyes, chances are one will get caught out.

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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