Africa

In 2023, government intervention played a pivotal role in bolstering the resilience of small local grocers against mounting competition from modern retail formats. Recognising the economic importance of these traditional outlets, the government…

Small local grocers in Egypt continued to dominate grocery retailers in outlet and value sales terms in 2023. The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has confirmed the dominance of traditional grocery retailers in Egypt towards the end of the…

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, health protocols had to be implemented altering the shopping experience of Ethiopians. The use of masks and social distancing among consumers and staff were strictly enforced in stores. The pandemic and the war in Tigray…

The lifting of COVID-19 restrictions boosted the economy and helped resolve some supply chain issues. However, high inflation put pressure on incomes thus limiting stronger growth in some retail channels, with consumers focusing on their primary…

The persistent challenge of inflationary pressure continued to hinder growth in retail in Tunisia in 2022, despite concerted government efforts to alleviate the issue. This economic strain remains and is especially pronounced in discretionary goods,…

The digital revolution has been rewiring retail for years. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transition as e-commerce became the default setting for many homebound consumers. The crisis-inspired surge in e-commerce is leading to a permanent…

The digital revolution has been rewiring retail for years, leading to new business models, commerce ecosystems and channels for reaching and engaging consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transition, as e-commerce became the default…

Rising incomes and urbanisation are broadening the appeal of modern retailing, with more consumers able to access these channels. However, informal retail remains strong, while poor infrastructure is hindering retail development. Younger consumers…

In 2023, the retail landscape in South Africa remained challenged by the operating environment, translating into slow economic growth, which left unemployment at a relatively high level. As inflation remained above the South African Reserve Bank…

2023 commenced with significant challenges for retail in Nigeria, including a cash crunch in the first quarter triggered by the central bank's redesign of the local currency. This adjustment impacted many consumers in Nigeria's cash-based economy.…

The Moroccan retail landscape is gradually modernising across all channels. Traditionally dominated by conventional channels, there has been a timid entry into digital sales. However, with increasing competition and the impact of the COVID-19…

Retail in Kenya continued to expand in 2022, with new stores opening while there was increased footfall at brick and mortar stores. However, not all modern retailers are finding success in Kenya, with some players being forced to exit the market.…

Retailing saw a surge in current value sales as inflation rates soared in 2022. With retailers still struggling to recover post-pandemic, consumer purchasing power was hit by rising retail prices. Consumers made cutbacks and focused on essential…

Soaring inflation, due to the continuing civil war, as well as price pressures arising from the war in Ukraine, led to consumers cutting down on discretionary spending. On top of inflation, drought further aggravated supply chain disruptions. Within…

Retail in Egypt witnessed numerous challenges throughout 2023 amid a tough economic situation. The ongoing devaluation of the local currency, the rate of inflation reaching new highs, the effects of the ongoing war in Ukraine, joined by the security…

Retailing value sales continued to expand in Côte d’Ivoire during 2022 growing at a higher rate than they did in both 2020 and 2021 but at a slower rate than in the earlier part of the review period. The market continued to recover from disruption…

While positive growth was recorded in retailing in Cameroon during 2022, demand was under pressure due to the impact of the high inflation that was in effect throughout the year. In particular, many lower-income households struggled to make ends meet…

Consumer shopping habits still favour traditional and informal retail in Angola. Retail was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the economy suffering. However, with a recovering economy expected in the forecast period and the government focus on…

All categories in retail in Algeria are seeing positive value growth, with retail e-commerce as the big winner. Inflationary pressures are contributing to this value growth, although as prices rise, consumers also become more cautious in their…

Retail e-commerce in Tunisia underwent significant expansion in 2022, fuelled by enhanced internet penetration and evolving consumer lifestyles. According to the Department of Commerce, as of September 2022, Tunisia was home to approximately 1,680…