Markets/Africa and Middle East/News

Africa & Middle East news & analysis

21 December 2022
On 29 th November 2022, we were joined by 194 delegates from across the world as we launched our global channel forecasts to 2027. Today we launch our supporting global channel forecasts 2022-2027 reports and answer questions that we were unable to respond to in the webinar’s Q&A session. Catch up on demand and be inspired For subscribers who missed the webinar session, the recording can...
29 August 2022
Walmart and Massmart have reached an agreement in principle on a R6.4 bn offer from Walmart to acquire the outstanding shares (47%) in Massmart that it does not already own. Missed expectations Walmart initially acquired a 51% stake in Massmart in 2011. While it was seen as a long-term investment in the region, to capitalise on a significant growth opportunity, the deal hasn’t lived up to i...
21 June 2022
Our latest research reveals that Walmart’s revenue is set to reach almost $750 bn by 2027. Between 2021 and 2027 it is expected to grow by 4.7% on a CAGR basis, reaching $747.6 bn. $180 bn growth opportunity Our new report Strategic outlook for Walmart , reveals that Walmart’s growth will be led by its operations in the USA, India and Mexico. Over recent years the retailer has recast i...
01 February 2022
Watsons, part of A.S. Watson group, is further expanding its presence in the Middle East and has launched its first store in Qatar at Doha Festival City. The store looks to attract beauty enthusiasts of all ages with its wide range of beauty products and its exciting store layout featuring dedicated zones. Following the launch in UAE The launch into Qatar is part of Watsons’ franchise agr...
20 January 2022
We highlight five trends that will shape the convenience channel this year and beyond. RA subscribers can access the full report here . 1) Return of regional divergence COVID-19 removed a lot of the nuances between convenience stores in different markets and regions globally. Many retailers incorporated a wider selection of pantry and essential items. While some categories w...
13 October 2021
7–Eleven has signed a master franchise agreement with Electra Consumer Products Ltd. to develop and operate 7-Eleven stores in Israel.  7-Eleven confirms Israel market entry Speculation first emerged in November 2020, but the retailer has now signed an official agreement. 7-Eleven will support Electra to implement and localise the offer. The shopping experience, food-to-go and variety o...
03 September 2021
Amazon has launched Amazon.eg in Egypt, a rebranding of Souq.com. Amazon rebrands Souq Amazon.eg has been rebranded from Souq.com, an ecommerce platform which Amazon acquired in 2017 in the Middle East. Shoppers’ account information for Souq.com was automatically transferred to the new site. In June 2020, Amazon also converted the Souq website in Saudi Arabia to Amazon.sa. In January 202...
02 September 2021
In separate developments, Walmart-owned Massmart and Shoprite have announced plans to exit several markets across Africa. The exits underline South African retailer’s growing focus on profitability and desire to sell off non-core assets to enable them to invest in faster growing areas of their operations. Massmart to exit five markets… Following its sale of non-core retail assets to Shopr...
26 August 2021
Walmart majority-owned Massmart is divesting non-core retail assets to Shoprite Checkers, the leading grocery retailer in South Africa. The retailer has also confirmed that it is in talks to acquire a controlling stake in OneCart, the country’s leading grocery delivery service. Divesting Cambridge Food, Rhino Cash and Carry and Masscash Cash and Carry Massmart is divesting its Cambridge Foo...
18 May 2021
SPAR International has published sales for 2020 showing it had grown by 7.4% at constant currencies to €39.8 bn. Its performance was driven by its operations in Western Europe, where sales grew by 12% in the 2020 calendar year. SPAR presence continued to grow in 2020… Despite the challenging operating environment, SPAR continued to expand in existing markets and into new ones as well. At th...