AI-driven retail media is transforming performance marketing for South African brands. As ecommerce platforms like Takealot, Checkers Sixty60, Makro, and Woolworths invest in retail media, brands gain powerful opportunities to reach high-intent shoppers with personalised, measurable, and data-driven campaigns. AI enhances targeting, product recommendations, and closed-loop reporting, making retail media the next big growth frontier.
Tag: South Africa
Confident but constrained—SA’s SMBs need a boost to grow
South Africa’s SMBs remain optimistic in 2025, with 78% confident about growth despite rising costs and economic pressures. Digital adoption, AI integration, and targeted support from government and big business are key to unlocking sustainable success for small and medium enterprises.
Unlocking Profit: A Guide to Commercial Property Investment
Commercial property investment offers long-term returns, portfolio diversification, and strategic growth opportunities. Post-pandemic recovery, easing interest rates, and urban development have boosted South Africa’s commercial real estate market, with prime office, retail, and industrial spaces showing strong performance. Success relies on understanding location, vacancy rates, zoning, development potential, and sustainable practices, while avoiding speculation. Informed investors can capitalize on market cycles, rising rental yields, and low vacancies to maximize returns.
Lesotho.biz – A Smart Digital Asset Investment
Lesotho.biz, a premium exact-match domain representing the Kingdom of Lesotho, is now on auction at SEDO. This short, memorable, and globally recognizable domain is ideal for businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors seeking a digital foothold in Lesotho or targeting international audiences. With its .biz extension, it is perfectly suited for e-commerce, tourism, trade platforms, and national branding projects. As a rare digital asset in a politically stable and emerging economy, Lesotho.biz offers a strategic opportunity to establish a strong online presence and capitalize on growing interest in the region.
AutoTrader reports robust July sales growth as practical used cars rise in popularity
South Africa’s used car market continues its strong performance, with AutoTrader reporting robust July 2025 sales. A total of 33,919 vehicles were sold, reflecting YoY growth of +7% and MoM growth of +9.4%. Toyota remained the top-selling brand, while Ford Ranger led as the most popular model. Notable growth was seen in affordable, practical hatchbacks and crossovers, including the Hyundai Grand i10 (+116.7% YoY) and Suzuki Swift (+34.5% YoY), indicating evolving buyer preferences toward reliability, fuel efficiency, and economic practicality. The cumulative market value reached R14.10 billion, with average vehicle prices and mileage reflecting stable, resilient demand.
Powering the future: Unlocking Africa’s renewable energy potential
Africa holds vast renewable energy resources, yet over half a billion people on the continent still lack electricity access. This article by Izaak Coetzee, Head of Strategic Insights & Analytics at Absa Group, outlines the strategic actions required to bridge Africa’s energy gap—ranging from modernising infrastructure and regulatory reform to unlocking blended finance solutions. With coordinated investment and policy, Africa can emerge as a global leader in the clean energy transition.
Luno Launches Crypto Staking in Nigeria — Earn Up to 18% Annually on Your Crypto
Luno launches Nigeria’s first locally available crypto staking platform, offering up to 18% annual returns on ATOM, SOL, DOT, and NEAR. No lock-ups. No hidden fees.
Microplastics and the South African health crisis no one’s talking about
South Africa is facing an escalating health and environmental crisis driven by microplastic pollution, with over 80% of freshwater sources contaminated. As plastic waste continues to outpace recycling infrastructure, microplastics are entering the food chain and human body, posing serious long-term health risks. Fortis X offers a solution with Africa’s first 100% plant-based, biodegradable packaging—helping reduce exposure to toxic plastic particles and protect ecosystems and public health.
Durban’s uMhlanga Booms with R1.4 Billion Oceans North Tower Launch and R1.3 Billion Leisure Development Plan
Durban’s uMhlanga continues its rise as a top real estate investment hub with the launch of the R1.4 billion Oceans North Tower—featuring 258 luxury ocean-facing apartments—and a planned R1.3 billion leisure development in the South Tower. The mixed-use precinct, which includes Oceans Mall and Radisson Blu Hotel, has already created over 25,000 jobs and champions inclusive, Black-owned economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal.
Trapped by tech? Avoid the CRM that costs more than money
Many South African companies find themselves trapped in a digital quicksand due to poorly executed CRM implementations that lead to costly, underperforming systems. Eldon Bothma and Hayley Blane from Braintree discuss the risks of choosing complex, feature-heavy CRM solutions without aligning them with business needs, leading to frustration and lost growth opportunities. Instead of focusing solely on technology, businesses should consider a strategic approach that prioritizes long-term scalability, clear objectives, and a phased implementation. By doing so, companies can unlock the true value of CRM systems, drive growth, and better position themselves for future advancements like AI and automation.