It’s no secret that B2C and B2B ecommerce in South Africa has skyrocketed in recent years due to the plummeting cost of data and growing penetration of internet-connected devices, particularly smartphones.
For most South African businesses, the transition to an ecommerce platform is becoming a matter of necessity to meet customer expectations, grow market share and stay ahead of competitors.
South African eCommerce and Internet Usage Statistics
According to Statista, there were 18.43 million South African ecommerce users in 2017. That number is expected to grow to 24.8 million by 2021, the same year that internet penetration is expected to reach 59.5% and smartphone penetration is expected to reach 37.2%.
In South Africa, 60% of online shoppers make purchases using a desktop or laptop computer, while 55% use smartphones and 38% use tablets, such as the iPad. Therefore, it’s crucial for businesses to use a trusted B2C or B2B ecommerce solution to ensure that their digital platforms can be accessed from any internet-connected desktop or mobile device, regardless of the manufacturer or operating system.
The Future of eCommerce in South Africa
South African ecommerce spending is estimated to have reached approximately R10 billion in 2017, according to Geraldine Mitchley, senior director for digital solutions at VISA in Sub-Saharan Africa. “Our research showed customers want speed, simplicity, and they want the process to be safe,” said Mitchley at the 2018 DHL eCommerce Money Africa conference. An advanced ecommerce portal like Saleslogic can help businesses deliver all three to customers online.
The recent ecommerce statistics clearly show that customers are much more willing and trusting when it comes to purchasing online, but if businesses are not there to meet them, they’ll gladly spend their money with someone else.
Enrico is a copywriter, author, content producer and radio broadcaster with over 16 years of experience. He has worked
in various media, marketing and creative roles since graduating from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal with a B.A degree
in Media & Communications. In 2017, he was appointed to the role of Conceptual Copywriter at Cloudlogic and its sister
companies under the Rewardsco Group.