Seeds of Opportunity: The African Growth Series
May 2024 | Issue 2
In this week's issue, you will learn more about:
- AFRICA TREND: E-Commerce Giants Set Sights on South Africa's Booming Market
- AFRICA OPPORTUNITY: Load-shedding or not, renewable energy generation is paramount to ensuring South Africa stays out of the dark for good
- EXPERT INSIGHT: Water a hurdle in Africa's development
- UPCOMING EVENT: Enlit Africa 2024 | CTICC, CAPE TOWN
- UPCOMING EVENT: African Smart Cities Summit | Johannesburg
AFRICA TREND: E-Commerce Giants Set Sights on South Africa's Booming Market
South Africa's e-commerce market is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 10.41%, showcasing its potential for international players. The entry of Temu, a subsidiary of Chinese e-commerce giant PDD, into South Africa, and the anticipated arrival of Amazon by the end of 2024, is set to intensify competition in this dynamic market.
PDD, with its successful track record and lean business model, is well-positioned to challenge the dominance of local e-retailer takealot.com. Meanwhile, Amazon's vast product range and efficient logistics are expected to disrupt the market further.
The South African e-commerce landscape is witnessing a significant transformation, with the presence of global players like Temu and the upcoming entry of Amazon. This shift is expected to drive innovation, improve customer experience, and create new opportunities for local businesses.
AFRICA OPPORTUNITY: Load-shedding or not, renewable energy generation is paramount to ensuring South Africa stays out of the dark for good
South Africans revel in relief, with this past month of April having experienced negligible load shedding. While many celebrate, some remain skeptical at the sudden influx of power despite the ever-increasing demand.
With the exception of Medupi and Kusile, Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd’s power stations have an average age of 44 years, and around 20 000MW of the total capacity of 48 000MW will need to be replaced in the foreseeable future. In the face of this energy emergency, independent power producers (IPPs) of renewable energy have stepped up to bridge the gap. Over the past decade, South Africa has since seen a significant increase in the number of IPPs in the market, particularly so during 2023. However, with total production only at 2767.6MW, there is still plenty of need for more.
Whatever the reasons behind the recent load-shedding suspension, former ESKOM COO Jan Oberholzer maintains that: ‘Load-shedding or not, South Africa urgently needs a large amount of new, renewable generation capacity.'
EXPERT INSIGHT: Water a hurdle in Africa's development
Water scarcity poses a significant hurdle to Africa's growth and development, with climate change and deteriorating infrastructure intensifying the challenges.
Hannro Steenekamp, Consulting Analyst at Frost & Sullivan Africa explains more in an article published in the Engineering News - https://lnkd.in/gMtzgTA9.
UPCOMING EVENT: Enlit Africa 2024 | CTICC, CAPE TOWN
We are only a few weeks away from Enlit Africa, starting 21 - 23 May at the CTICC in Cape Town.
Be a part of the discussion on 22 May as Ian Nathan (Director, Gas and LNG Research, Energy Intelligence) will moderate the panel discussion ''Africa’s Transitional Fuel Game Changer – Natural Gas: The role of LPG as a transition fuel for Africa''.
Panellists include:
▪ Paul Eardley-Taylor, Oil & Gas, Southern Africa, Standard Bank, South Africa
▪ Sandisiwe Ncemane, GM: Gas Commercialisation & Aggregation (acting), CEF, South Africa
▪ Wayne Glossop, Development Director, GLOSSOP
▪ Hendrik Malan, Africa CEO & Partner, Frost & Sullivan Africa
▪ Olakunle Williams, Chief Executive Director, Tetracore Energy Group Limited, Nigeria
▪ Thabang Audat, Chief Director, Planning, Department of Mineral Resources and Energy
⚡Get your 𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙀 visitor pass: https://lnkd.in/dpqetdrg
⚡Unlock more opportunities, get your delegate pass: https://lnkd.in/drg_SXVs
Secure your spot today and let's illuminate Africa together!
UPCOMING EVENT: African Smart Cities Summit | Johannesburg
Africa’s only dedicated conference that explores and tackles the continent’s readiness to adopt smart methodologies, technology, and creative thinking for implementation on current infrastructure. Taking place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg on 5 June 2024, this exclusive gathering of key smart cities private and public stakeholders features within Big 5 Construct South Africa and is one of the must-attend events in the smart cities calendar.
Hendrik Malan, also an African Smart Cities Summit Advisory Board Member, will participate in a panel discussion on the trends, challenges, and opportunities for the future of African Smart Cities.
Gain insights into cutting-edge technologies like tech adoption, smart mobility, economy & governance, and sustainable urban development.
Secure your delegate pass now: https://bit.ly/3UleQ5A
To find out more about opportunities in Africa, please get in touch with Lynne Martin.
