Kuueza Korner – Week 55

African Market Insights

1. Online Retail Growth (South Africa)
   South Africa’s online retail sales are projected to exceed R130 billion (~US$7.42 billion) in 2025, making up about 10% of total retail. This is up from ~8% in 2024. A big part of the growth is driven by fashion and groceries delivered on demand. Reuters

2. Green Economy & Renewable Energy
   Investment in solar panels has jumped by ~60% in a year in many African countries. There is a strong push towards renewables, with goals to reach ~300 GW of renewable power capacity by 2030 and significantly reduce electricity access gaps. AP News+1

3. Trade Forecasts & AfCFTA Impact

   • Africa’s 2025 economic growth forecast has been revised down slightly (to ~3.9%) due to trade tariff uncertainties. Reuters

   • Intra-African trade is growing, currently around US$200+ billion, improving product diversity and better trade policies under the AfCFTA. Tradeimex+1

4. Consumer Behavior & E-Commerce Trends

   • Social commerce is rising rapidly; platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok are being used more for shopping and peer-driven sales. THERASZaire+1

   • Many consumers are becoming sustainability-aware. Younger demographics, especially Gen Z, are more willing to pay for sustainable products and support brands with ethical practices. Marketing Analytics Africa

5. Technology, AI & Fintech

   • There are over ~2,400 startups related to AI in Africa. Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya are particularly strong hubs. journal.neuravox.org

   • Fintech continues to expand: mobile money, digital payments, financial inclusion are rising quickly. DHL+1

  Global Market Insights

1. Oil Supply & Global Energy Dynamics
   Supply from OPEC+ and non-OPEC producers is expected to grow significantly in 2025-2026, outpacing demand in many scenarios. This could lead to a surplus in the oil market, putting downward pressure on prices, unless disrupted by geopolitical events. Reuters

2. Global Investment Sector Expansion
   The asset management industry globally is projected to exceed US$130-132 trillion by 2027. A lot of this growth comes from Asia Pacific and North America, but retail investors are rising everywhere. F N London

3. Japan & AI / Tech-Led Growth
   Japan has seen a strong stock-market rally in 2025, helped by interest in AI, semiconductor development, robotics, and favorable fiscal/monetary shifts. markets.businessinsider.com

4. Global Unemployment & Labor Markets
   The global unemployment rate is holding near a historical low of ~5%. Youth unemployment remains a concern, and many markets are seeing a strong push for upskilling to match changing demand especially in tech, green jobs, AI. Reuters

5. Trade Wars & Macro Risk
   Developing countries are being affected by rising trade barriers, U.S. tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty. These risks are slowing growth projections in some regions. Financial Times+1