The e-commerce landscape in Africa is experiencing a remarkable transformation, with South Africa’s market projected to reach approximately $8.5 billion in 2024, reflecting a growth rate of 9.76%. By 2028, this value is expected to soar to $11.6 billion, driven by key sectors such as electronics, fashion, and mobile commerce.
Key segments such as electronics, fashion, and mobile commerce are driving this upward trend, with mobile sales expected to represent 9.2% of total retail by 2025, up from 7.5%. Major players like Takealot, which achieved $349.8 million in revenue in 2023, highlight the burgeoning opportunities that Converge Africa aims to harness.
Converge Africa has, over the years, established itself as the leading industry event on the continent, and this will be no different in 2025. The event prides itself on championing innovation and growth within this dynamic sector by galvanising industry leaders and aspiring businesses alike. Annually, it gathers industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from across the continent to explore emerging trends and strategic insights within the e-commerce ecosystem.
Converge Africa 2025 promises to be a transformative gathering for the e-commerce sector, offering unparalleled insights into emerging trends and innovative technologies. Designed for industry leaders and businesses of all sizes, the event will feature focused sessions on critical topics such as digital marketing, payments, and digital security.
Terry Southam, CEO and Founder of Converge Africa, states, “Converge Africa is the ultimate event for professionals looking to master the interconnected digital-commerce ecosystem. Attendees will dive deep into how a robust omnichannel platform integrates online, mobile, and physical retail channels, creating seamless customer experiences. From digital marketing strategies to fintech innovations, this summit provides comprehensive insights essential for success in today’s marketplace.”
What’s New at Converge Africa 2025
This year, Converge Africa introduces a suite of innovative features aimed at enhancing engagement and facilitating meaningful connections:
- Startup Pavilion: A dedicated space for e-commerce and fintech startups to showcase their innovations and connect with potential investors, featuring pitch sessions and mentorship opportunities.
- Curated Matchmaking Sessions: AI-driven, one-on-one meetings designed to connect solution providers with prospective buyers, fostering valuable business relationships.
- Expanded Exhibition Floor: A larger space to accommodate more exhibitors and interactive areas, enhancing networking and discovery opportunities.
- Buyer’s Lounge: An exclusive area for high-profile buyers to engage with solution providers in a relaxed setting, fostering candid conversations and collaboration.
- Educational Workshops: Roundtable discussions focusing on key sectors, promoting knowledge sharing and partnership opportunities.
- Digital Networking Platform: An app allowing attendees to connect, schedule meetings, and continue conversations online, maximising networking opportunities.
- Main Stage Conference in a State-of-the-Art Auditorium: Enhanced experiences for keynote sessions and panel discussions, creating an immersive environment for learning.
- Dedicated Track Stages: Specialised content areas for Fulfilment, Payments & Fintech, and Digital Security, featuring expert-led sessions and live demonstrations.
- Knowledge Hub for Digital Security: A central point for discussions on the latest trends and solutions in digital security, providing essential insights for safeguarding digital assets.
A Shifting of the Key Focus Tracks
2025 will also re-align the event to what is currently on the lips of industry practitioners. With a focus on the latest Payments & Fintech innovations, Converge Africa showcases secure transaction solutions, from mobile wallets to blockchain, essential for today’s digital commerce. Attendees will also explore Digital Security strategies to protect against evolving cyber threats, ensuring customer trust and data integrity.
The event will, as per the previous years, also feature various other specialised tracks designed to address key industry challenges and opportunities:
- Retail and E-commerce, emphasising omnichannel strategies for creating seamless customer journeys;
- Digital Marketing, focused on driving engagement and conversion;
- Payments and Fintech, dedicated to powering secure and seamless transactions;
- Digital Security, aimed at safeguarding the e-commerce ecosystem; and
- Fulfilment and Last Mile, ensuring excellence in customer delivery.
Key Speakers
Attendees can look forward to insights from industry leaders such as:
- Bunmi Adeleye, Chief Strategy Officer – Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited
- Deven Moodley, Executive Head: Financial Services – Pick n Pay
- Gautam Kumar, Co-Founder and COO – Fareye
- Khensani Nobanda, Group Exec – Marketing – Nedbank
- Maon Seidel, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer – The Ecommerce Counsel (Pty) Ltd
- Phil Coetzee, Sale Director – RTB House
- Renier Louw, Managing Executive – Inhance Supply Chain Solutions
- Sahil Afrriya, Founder – Shiprazor
- Sherry Kaoues, GTM – E-com Lead – Adobe
- Adebayo Adedeji, Group CEO – WakaNow
- Charmagne Mazhindu, Global Marketing Director – Aleph Holdings
- David Akinin, Founder and CEO – Jabupay
- Gedeon Rossouw, Head of Client Care (Principal/Director) – ABSA
- Gerrit Thiart, Route To Market Lead – Danone
- Grant Hughes, It Manager – Cybersecurity – Engen
- Hannes Wessels, General Manager of South Africa – Binance
- Isaac Hunja, Founder and CEO – Skygarden
- Jessy Severins, Group Director: AdTech & MarTech – Jumia
- Johnson Idesoh, Group Chief Information and Technology Officer – Absa Group
- Kerissa Varma , CISO – Vodacom
- Kershnee Ballack, Data and Analytics Executive – Old Mutual
- Matthew Leppan, Marketplace Sales Manager – Takealot
- Nandipa Mntonintshi, Vice President- Commercial Lending Credit – ABSA
- Nicole Harris, CTO – Massmart
- Ronald Du Toit, Lead Data Scientist – Allan Gray
- Rory Brachner, Founder and Managing Director – Doshguide
- Terishia Reddy, Experienced Data and Analytics Leader – Pick n Pay
Join Us at Converge Africa 2025
Converge Africa is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to redefine how we approach digital commerce in Africa. With an impressive lineup of speakers, innovative features, and unparalleled networking opportunities, this summit promises to catalyse growth and collaboration across the continent’s e-commerce landscape.
For more information and to register, visit https://wearevuka.com/retail/converge-africa
