People & Lifestyle

Improving Online Security Is Helping Grow The eCommerce Market In South Africa

Published

4 years ago

April 29, 2020

For Planet54, an online retailer based in Durban, South Africa’s rampant adoption of eCommerce in recent years came as no surprise. The company, set up in 2016 when online shopping was still in its infancy in the country, has witnessed 300% year-on-year growth.

The ambitious business, which offers a range of products from fashion items to tech, has now launched a new initiative offering independent suppliers the opportunity to sell through its platform as part of the Planet54 E-Retailer Entrepreneurship Programme.

Since the initiative began, company director Shahil Maharaj says a number of small businesses, based in South Africa and elsewhere including Namibia and Botswana, have reported up to 100% growth in turnover, month-on-month. Demonstrative of the company’s clever strategy, the new initiative is also indicative of South Africa’s blossoming online market.

A market rapidly on the rise

eCommerce is now worth around $3,804 million, putting the country among the top 40 for annual spending. Driven by significant investment in online retail platforms, an increase in the number of users engaged with emerging shopping channels such as via mobile devices, and the proliferation of social media, eCommerce is expected to see around 32.5 million users in 2020, 7% more than 2019.

Last year, the CEO of PriceCheck, Kevin Tucker, said South Africa had lagged behind other developed nations, but that the online shopping industry was primed for growth. His reason? Increased investment in innovation and the security of users’ data and transactions.

Indeed, cybersecurity may have been a stumbling block previously, stalling the ambitions of traditional bricks and mortar retailers to go online, and giving customers no confidence in the security of their money.

But that’s all changing – South Africa’s growing eCommerce industry demonstrates that. A 2019 study by Comparitech showed that the country improved in a number of key areas, such as successfully reducing the presence of mobile, financial, and computer malware, and the number of crypto miners and telnet attacks originating domestically.

It shows the Ministry of State Security’s efforts are working. The government department set up the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework (NCPF) in 2015 to tackle these problems. Over the last five years, engagement with business leaders and citizens has coincided with support for key skills. It has also encouraged the sort of investment we’re beginning to see transform the eCommerce market in South Africa.

Security has given customers peace of mind

Source: Pixabay

Better online security has given users peace of mind that, when they make a transaction online, their money is safe. According to Bizcommunity, the leading shopping categories for South Africans are clothing, digital entertainment, and event tickets.

Secure websites with up to date SSL certificates (displayed as a “lock” in most browsers), two-factor authentication when purchasing, and investment in infrastructure to support backend administration, (addressing concerns around privacy and data security) has engendered more trust among the potential customer base.

Indeed, over the last few years, South Africa has addressed many of the issues holding back the growth of eCommerce. That’s meant solving the issue of online payments by offering users flexibility. Now they can pay by EFT, eBucks, Mobicred SnapScan, credit card, and other technologies.

Furthermore, some businesses still offer secure over-the-phone payment. South Africa’s biggest online retailer Takealot.com allows customers to pay this way through its NSFAS Wallet, a secure system developed by Celbux.

Similarly, the country’s growing iGaming industry has embraced this form of payment. Using a similar method, customers can pay by phone bill to play games such as slots, roulette, blackjack, and craps. It has the major advantage of not having to input personal data, and ensures banking details are not held by any third party.

This sort of flexibility, alongside better online security, has enabled merchants to better engage with a wider customer base. Indeed, investment in payment security has also been targeted at the user experience, which has also been widely improved.

Still room for improvement

South Africa has still got work to do. But at least it is now successfully tackling the persistent problem of online security, with the focus now turning to other areas. For the eCommerce industry to thrive long-term, it must, for example, address issues with logistics to ensure customers get their products safely and efficiently.

Kevin Tucker says this means looking at the advances made both in the West (in the UK and US) and in the East (where Japan, China, and South Korea lead the way). It also means acknowledging a lack of availability at stores such as Amazon, where stock levels aren’t on par with, for example, the US or UK.

Yet, we know take-up is rising. More South Africans are eager to spend their money online, and the shift seen in other developed nations, where physical stores no longer dominate, is beginning to take hold. Knowing that our online presence is secure remains fundamental to this.

Related Topics:Improving Online Security

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People & Lifestyle

Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

Published

11 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Reign

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II: Celebrating 25 Years of Local and Global Impact.
Showing on @GTV_Ghana and streaming on all our social media platforms on Sunday, April 28, at 8:30PM.#Asanteman #OurCultureOurHeritage pic.twitter.com/g3u0Ql5q6i
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) April 26, 2024

The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.

This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.

❤️ @AkwaboahMusic meets The King of Ashanti Kingdom Otumfoc Osei Tutu II. pic.twitter.com/wdvlulV7Ez
— FELICIA OSEI (@Osei_Feliciaa) April 26, 2024

The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

People & Lifestyle

Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

Published

25 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

Wow, Mr Beast is in Ghana! Look at how boys are gathering to take pictures with him. pic.twitter.com/46gawXYWnJ
— Big Kay🇬🇭 (@OfficialBigkay) April 26, 2024

His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.

MrBeast is in Ghana and no one is talking about it? Make I step out more times I go get new phone or car saf pic.twitter.com/AUP9CSoDoV
— Kofi Ntim (@NtimBarima) April 26, 2024
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Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.

The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.

People & Lifestyle

Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

Published

29 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.

The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.

While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.

This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.

“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.

If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.

Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.

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‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.

Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).

The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.

However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.

He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.

People & Lifestyle

Rebecca Osam: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment in Africa

Published

50 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

In a heartfelt social media post, Rebecca Osam, Managing Director of Reflo Company Limited, Reflo’s TV, and Femme Fatale Productions Limited, has pledged her full commitment to empowering young women.

Rebecca expressed her desire to move beyond mere inspiration and instead build a deeper connection with young women, offering guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.

Her passion for women’s empowerment stems from her experiences growing up in Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the oppression and lack of opportunities faced by women. This drove her to co-found The Florence Mensah Foundation with her mother, aiming to empower African women and girls, and encourage them to recognise their worth, strength, and potential.

Through her foundation and personal endeavors, Rebecca seeks to provide a supportive platform for young women to thrive. She aims to be a relatable figure, offering mentorship and encouragement to help them overcome challenges and achieve success on their own terms.

Rebecca’s dedication to empowering young women proves her leadership and commitment to creating positive change in her community. Her efforts serve as an inspiration to others, highlighting the impact one person can have in driving gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As Rebecca continues her work, her message resonates with young women across Africa: “Anything is possible, and I am here to support and cheer you on every step of the way.”

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People & Lifestyle

Caradise Ghana Car Rental Facilitates Transportation for Global Christian Forum held in Accra

Published

2 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Caradise Ghana Car Rental has once again successfully facilitated the transportation of over 240 participants from 60 countries across the globe for the recently ended Global Christian Forum in Accra, Ghana.

Numerous buses hauled the various participants from the Airport to their designated hotels from the 12th to 15th of April, 2024. Participants were then transported from their hotels to the conference grounds daily for the gathering of devoted Christians from the 16th to the 19th of April, 2024.

The forum began with a vibrant, joyful worship service held at Accra Ridge Church. The Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah welcomed participants to Ghana and to the Fourth Global Gathering, and participants spent the day sharing their faith stories with one another across the litany of differences represented.

The forum was climaxed with a dinner and 25th anniversary celebration at the Action Chapel Internation Church hosted by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.

After the forum, the participants took the opportunity to visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum where they learnt about the great Pan-Africanist, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana’s journey to inpendence.

The participants also spent a day in Cape Coast where they learnt about the millions of enslaved, dehumanised African men, women, and children at the Cape Coast Castle. Witnessing first hand how Africans were forcibly taken captive to the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe as objects of lucrative trade.

People & Lifestyle

DJ Khaled Announces Second Annual We The Best Foundation Golf Classic On June 12 & 13 in Miami Beach !

Published

3 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

GRAMMY® Award-winning, global megastar DJ Khaled proudly announces the return of his annual WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC for the second year in a row.

For 2024, the mega-popular charity event expands to two days on Wednesday June 12 and Thursday June 13 in Miami, FL. Given the demand by countless superstar artists, A-list athletes, and entertainers to participate, he needed to stretch the proceedings over two days!

Once again, the event will be sponsored by Jordan Brand, and all proceeds support the We The Best Foundationand its numerous efforts to bolster education. Stay tuned for the multitude of exciting confirmed guests, and more.

Khaled created a cultural groundswell and personally appeared on ESPN’s SPORTSCENTER to break the news of the second installment of the WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC today. Watch HERE.

Regarding the return of the WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC, he commented, “Last year, the WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC brought out so many friends and family to make a difference, play some great golf, and have an incredible day for a great cause. This year, we’re going even bigger, and we thank everyone for their continued support. TEE UP AND BLESS UP!”

Last year, the inaugural WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC hosted Serena Williams, pro golfers Michael Block and Bubba Watson, Odell Beckham, JR., Shannon Sharpe, Victor Cruz, Jalen Rose, Terrell Owens, Marcus Jordan, Jeezy, Quavo, The-Dream, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, Fat Joe, Cedric The Entertainer, Joey Fatone, and more. The foundation raised over $500,000 which benefited the enrichment of children and youth through educational programming, scholarships, and extracurricular activities.

More guests and partners for 2024 will be unveiled soon.