According to htxt.africa, the Online Retail in South Africa 2026 report projects that ecommerce spending in South Africa will reach R159 billion this year. The projection is presented as evidence that local online retail continues to expand even as South Africans face a tougher economic year. The blurb does not provide the report’s methodology, sector breakdown, consumer drivers, or comparisons beyond the stated R159 billion figure.

A R100-billion BEE transformation fund and a proposed ‘2030 race-free’ roadmap are at the center of a debate in South Africa regarding the future of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). Both sides acknowledge that the existing system is ineffective, but they disagree on the best approach to achieve meaningful transformation, according to The South African Biz.

Rival retailers are leveraging Takealot's technology, which has resulted in significant business growth. According to The Citizen Business, revenue from 'fulfilment services' has nearly doubled within a year, indicating a highly profitable trend in the sector.

Pick n Pay has launched an AI assistant as part of its strategy to reclaim market share from the Checkers Sixty60 app. Meanwhile, Woolworths is expanding its operations with the addition of another 'dark store'.

South Africa's Yoco is expanding its services beyond payment processing through a new artificial intelligence deal. This development is part of a broader discussion that includes the Central Bank of Nigeria's data localisation rule, which has raised concerns within the fintech sector, and Visa's plans to integrate AI for shopping with cards in South Africa, according to Techpoint Africa.

Woolworths is set to implement changes to its rewards programme, prompting questions about whether customer loyalty is genuinely being rewarded or manipulated. The specifics of the changes have not been detailed, but they aim to enhance the customer experience and engagement with the brand.