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Shaping Retails Future – Trends Recap 2023 (By Mike Smollan)

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Edge Global Insights Report

Leading retailers and brands will have to have disciplined, measured, and innovative programs that allow for business strategies that sense, vet and experiment to reimagine and transform themselves

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, December 7, 2023/APO Group/ — 

By Mike Smollan, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer, Smollan (https://Smollan.com).

As per the Edge Global Insights Report 2023 – overall, the retail industry this year has navigated the lingering effects of the pandemic, embraced digital transformation, addressed sustainability concerns, and tackled supply chain challenges. Coupled with the disentanglement of major market dynamics from the clutter that is, supply chain disruptions, rising inflation and the pros and cons of new tech. As well as making critical choices in the ecommerce space and pushing to deliver exceptional shopping journeys in the context of seamless omnichannel customer experiences.

Undeniably the FMCG retail trade remains under enormous pressure with many retailers and brand owners bracing for conditions to worsen in the near term, yet despite this they are continuing to innovate, to serve shoppers, and turn a profit. Adding to the mix – innovation, flexibility, and agility, the benchmark for competitive advantage.

Leading retailers and brands will have to have disciplined, measured, and innovative programs that allow for business strategies that sense, vet and experiment to reimagine and transform themselves. For example, by optimising investments with data-driven creativity, through powerful mediums such as Netflix and Hulu (with a collective 480+ million subscribers) to get in front of a much larger consumer market. Or in crowded ecommerce spaces, where sales are projected to exceed $7 trillion by 2025, digital marketplaces are having to continually evolve, by offering more opportunities to engage with customers (source, Insider Intelligence). In line with that, retailers and brand owners are plugging into physical retail experiences in which physical elements and tech coexist, bringing brands closer to their customers and making sure the in-store and online space make a seamless connection (source, www.RetailTouchPoints.com).

Disruptors going forward that will create space for winning solutions (sources, Edge Report & Edge by Ascential ‘Store of the Future’ 4th Edition) include, the need for stores to transform even more to offer exceptional shopping experiences to customers. The aforementioned digital integration and new technologies that will shape the retail environment of the future, offering personalised experiences, optimised operations, innovation, as well as meeting evolving consumer demands across the shopping journey. Coupled with a deep understanding of the various markets as growth in the West and China is expected to slow in the medium-term, while Latin America and other developing markets such as Nigeria and Indonesia are expected to be more resilient to global economic slowdown.

At a high level, the following trend developments are on the radar as the retail industry transformation continues (sources, Edge Report & www.RetailTouchPoints.com):

Digital Commerce

The integration of online and offline channels increased mobile usage, AI and a growing emphasis on sustainability, digital commerce is expected to continue its rapid growth and evolution.

The integration of online and offline channels increased mobile usage, AI and a growing emphasis on sustainability, digital commerce is expected to continue its rapid growth

Social Commerce

An important ecommerce sub-channel, social commerce in 2024 will continue to blend the worlds of social media and ecommerce, offering seamless and personalised shopping experiences on their favourite social platforms.

Quick Commerce

Is expected to offer consumers even faster and more convenient delivery options, with a focus on personalisation, sustainability and seamless integration off mobile apps and online platforms.

D2C

Models will continue to be leveraged to connect with consumers with D2C expected to grow in popularity. Allowing companies to collect valuable customer data, enabling personalisation and a better understanding of target markets. As well as greater control over pricing and branding.

Third-Party Marketplace

One significant trend that may arise next year is the consolidation of third-party marketplaces where larger marketplaces acquire smaller ones or form strategic partnerships to expand reach. This could lead to increased competition resulting in improved services and features for both sellers and buyers.

Store & Warehouse of the Future

Both spaces are likely to undergo significant transformations in 2024 as technology advances and consumer expectations change yet again. From automation and robotics, to personalised experiences, seamless omnichannel integration, sustainable practices and enhanced data collection and analytics.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Smollan.

Events

As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Business

Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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Business

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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