Francophone Africa Could Be The Missing Piece In The African Growth Story For International Brands

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October 2, 2025

Passy Nopoudem, Irvine Partners.

According to Passy Nopoudem, Regional Communications Expert at Irvine Partners, too often, Francophone Africa is overlooked in global expansion strategies, overshadowed by larger Anglophone markets like Nigeria, South Africa, or Kenya. The assumption is that consumer behaviour in one part of the continent mirrors another. That’s where global headquarters get it wrong.

French-speaking markets are distinct: shaped by cultural nuance, language, and consumer perceptions that play by different rules. Brands approaching them with copy-paste strategies quickly learn that what worked in Lagos or Johannesburg may fall flat in Abidjan or Dakar.

Walk into a café in Abidjan or Douala and you’ll see it instantly: young people with their smartphones, scrolling TikTok, paying via mobile money, switching between French, English and local slang in a single breath. This always-on, mobile-money lifestyle makes switching brands effortless, so loyalty hinges on convenience and cultural relevance rather than long histories. Their discovery happens through viral trends and peer validation more than traditional advertising, forcing brands to win trust in real time. This is the face of today’s Francophone African consumer: young, connected, and radically reshaping how brand loyalty is built and sustained.

Young And Hungry For Connection

More than 60% of Africa’s population is under 25. This is a mobile-first generation that consumes entertainment, news, and advertising on their phones. This means they actively engage with brands that speak their language (literally and culturally). They follow influencers on TikTok, buy from local entrepreneurs on WhatsApp, and trust what feels relatable. While price matters, authenticity and cultural resonance are what turn first-time buyers into lifelong advocates.

Loyalty Is Built Differently Here

In many Western markets, loyalty comes from rewards programs or seamless digital experiences. In Francophone Africa, it’s more personal. People go back to brands that show up consistently, prove they can be trusted, and align with local values. This is why Spotify has gained traction by amplifying francophone creators — streaming French-language music, podcasts, and audiobooks to millions of users both within and outside traditional French speaking regions; and by investing in creator-support programmes like its Africa Podcast Fund, which backs content in French and ensures listening experiences rooted in local culture. Trust and credibility are the new currency of loyalty. That’s where we come in. We sit at the intersection of global ambition and local resonance, helping.

One of the biggest mistakes we see is over-centralisation of strategy. A campaign designed in London or Paris, translated into French, and then pushed into Dakar will rarely stick. Local consumers are quick to spot what feels like a one-size-fits-all approach. They want brands that understand their humour, their slang, their cultural references. Without this, global brands risk being seen as tone-deaf or opportunistic.

Unlocking Market Gems

More than just a new sales frontier, this region is one where brand loyalty can transform into brand advocacy if nurtured correctly. The opportunities are enormous thanks to its young consumers, rising digital adoption, and untapped cultural influence. But it demands a local-first strategy that’s globally aligned while remaining deeply human.

Expanding into Francophone Africa demands more than a launch plan; it requires partners who can bridge global ambition with local resonance. Brands that combine on-the-ground insight with strategic global thinking avoid the blind spots that derail expansion. With a deep understanding of media landscapes, consumer habits, and cultural codes, the right support can turn unfamiliar markets into loyal communities—and loyal communities into lasting movements.

For international brands, Francophone Africa could be the missing piece in the African growth story. The question isn’t if these markets are worth the investment; it’s whether brands will take the time to understand and approach them the right way. Those who do will find themselves not just selling products but building movements.

IRVINE PARTNERS
www.irvinepartners.co.za

Momentum’s Five-Year Billboard Showed The Benefit Of Long-Term Consistency

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Modern Marketing

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October 2, 2025

The billboard that (mostly) didn’t change and why your investments shouldn’t either

After five years of standing firm on Solomon Mahlangu Drive, Momentum Investments’ billboard with an important message recently came down. Momentum Investments intended the billboard to stay unchanged for five years, in contrast to the changes commuters would see daily.

Since then, Solomon Mahlangu Drive has been upgraded with additional lanes, large housing projects are underway, and the new Castle Gate Shopping Centre has been added. The road is now a major arterial road linking Pretoria East with its surrounding areas. And the world has also changed. Within a few months of putting up the billboard, the whole planet was dealing with the effects of COVID-19. Its message to commuters: ‘When the world changes, your investment goals shouldn’t’, was to highlight the importance of long- term thinking in uncertain times.

Although the billboard had some slight alterations – a countdown with years and months was added – and was stolen and had to be replaced, the main message always stayed the same: ‘When the world changes, your investment goals shouldn’t.’

‘Too often, investors are distracted by market trends, hype, and a short-term news cycle. As a result, they are prone to making short-term investment decisions that are not aligned with their long-term goals,’ said Fränzo Friedrich, Head of Marketing at Momentum Investments.

It’s a pattern Momentum Investments tracks closely. According to the latest Behavioural Science of South African Financial Decisions (Sci-Fi) Report, investors lose millions due to poorly timed switches between funds.

When markets fall, switching activity spikes. Switching activity gradually increases as panic sets in, investors move to safety and then scramble to get back into markets in the recovery. Many investors sell ‘low’ and buy back ‘high’, if they ever return to the market.

This ‘behaviour tax’ highlights exactly the kind of short-term thinking Momentum Investments warns against. As Friedrich reflected, ‘2020 was a watershed year, and its ripple effects are still being felt. Today, we live in a world that is constantly shifting and with increased volatility, it has never been more important to stay focused on long-term goals. Our research makes it clear: many investors are prone to making short-term investment decisions not aligned with their long-term investment goals. They rush for safety and get stuck in safe asset classes where they remain for a large portion of the inevitable market recovery.’

The Momentum Investments’ billboard on Solomon Mahlangu Drive remained (mostly) unchanged for five years while everything around it evolved. Just as the billboard stood steady amid the shifting landscape, investors should be reminded of the value of staying the course amid constant change. Because while everything else may change, your investment goals shouldn’t.

MOMENTUM
www.momentum.co.za/momentum/personal

TikTok Hosted #LevelUpAfrica Creator Education Day

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Modern Marketing

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October 2, 2025

TikTok's #LevelUpAfrica Creator Education

TikTok recently held its annual #LevelUpAfrica Creator Education Day in Johannesburg, bringing together a dynamic mix of creators, media, industry leaders and government representatives. The session highlighted TikTok’s ongoing investment in the digital creative economy by empowering youth and expanding access to meaningful opportunities on the platform.

The event is part of TikTok’s flagship #LevelUpAfrica programme announced at the Creator Roundtable in June, designed to support and empower 3000 creators across sub-Saharan Africa by the end of 2025.

Beyond networking, the Creator Education Days offered creators the opportunity to interact and learn directly from the TikTok team as well as industry experts through a series of highly engaging sessions. Covering a wide range of topics including monetisation, account health, storytelling and content creation tips, the session was also designed to help creators grow their content and unlock new opportunities for impact.

‘The #LevelUpAfrica Creator Education Day is a powerful opportunity for us to connect with our vibrant creator community across Africa,’ said Boniswa Sidwaba, Head of Content Operations, sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok. ‘It’s not just about skills development, it’s about fostering a sense of community, inspiring collaboration and opening doors for creators to take their careers to the next level.’

Present at the event were creators such as DreamBoys and Keegan Gordon, popular for their large-scale, impactful challenges which often involve giving back to the community; Nathan Molefe, known as the ‘King of Skits’, with over 3.2 million followers enticed by his comedic videos and Yolenda Jawe, affectionately known as Yolzchannel, who offers clear, easy to understand lifestyle and property advice. Reflecting on his journey, Gordon shared, ‘TikTok has allowed me to bring ideas to life in a positive way. I like that creators have the ability to reach the world by telling a story with one device, if you use it the right way. Everyone has the ability to change something, it can be their own life, or the lives of others.’

Ayanda Halimana, revered film and TV practitioner added, ‘Take your content seriously. Additionally, you can only do this effectively if you know your ‘why’. Why are you doing this? What is the broader story you need to tell?’.

By combining TikTok’s global reach, with the shared commitment and support of partners such as Special Effects Media, and National Film and Video Foundation to nurture talent, the sessions gave creators the skills, exposure and support they need to build lasting careers. It’s a partnership that proves when creativity is empowered, opportunities follow.

TIKTOK
https://www.tiktok.com/

Publicis Groupe Africa Expands Commerce Division

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Modern Marketing

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October 2, 2025

Publicis Groupe Africa Expands Commerce Capability to Meet the Demands of a Converging Commerce Ecosystem — Paula Hulley, Publicis Groupe.

Publicis Groupe Africa has expanded its commerce division, Publicis Commerce, to give brands stronger, more integrated support as shopping habits continue to shift across digital and physical channels. Publicis Commerce focuses on solving real client challenges, from optimising product visibility on digital shelves to linking media investment directly to sales.

The expansion brings together global best practices with local market insights to create practical, results-driven solutions. The move means clients will now have access to a broader set of connected commerce services, spanning media, creative, data, experiential, and platform expertise – all designed to help brands reach shoppers wherever they are and to measure the impact more effectively.

Paula Hulley, Publicis Commerce Lead in South Africa, explained: ‘What excites me most is that we’re creating a space where brands can connect more meaningfully with their customers. Our job is to cut through the complexity and help clients grow, whether that’s through better use of data, sharper creative or making sure their products are seen and bought in the right places.’

In addition to leading Publicis Groupe Africa’s commerce strategy, Hulley also chairs the newly formed IAB South Africa Connected Commerce Committee, a cross-industry initiative designed to unify and elevate South Africa’s digital commerce ecosystem.

The committee brings together senior leaders across media, retail, tech, and data to drive collaboration, innovation, and the development of actionable standards. It is aligned with the IAB’s global Connected Commerce agenda, which champions:

– Smarter measurement and unified attribution.
– AI-powered personalisation and automation.
– Shopper-centric design across digital and physical shelves.
– Commerce media convergence across platforms, publishers, and retailers.

The committee will serve as a strategic platform to help South African brands stay ahead of global trends while delivering measurable growth and consumer value.

PUBLICIS GROUPE AFRICA
https://publicisgroupeafrica.com/

Algorithm Agency And Mobiclicks Celebrate New Generation Awards Win

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Modern Marketing

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October 2, 2025

Algorithm Agency And Mobiclicks Celebrate New Generation Awards Win

In a landmark moment for Algorithm Agency and their valued partner, Mobiclicks, they have secured a Bronze at the prestigious WesBank New Generation Awards. This honour for ‘Best use of AI in a marketing campaign by an Agency,’ earned on behalf of their client, BUCO, marks not just a win, but a significant milestone in their journey.

‘While we were honoured to be finalists in other categories, this award is especially meaningful as it is a powerful validation of our strategic shift and a stepping stone for our business. For a first-time sponsor and a first-time win, this award means the world to us. It confirms our vision that modern marketing demands more than just traditional tactics; it requires the intelligent use of data and technology to solve real-world business problems. Our collaboration with BUCO was born from a desire to push boundaries, to move beyond a simple reliance on last-click metrics, and to prove that digital engagement could drive tangible, in-store footfall,’ said Algorithm Agency.

Graeme Stiles, CEO of Algorithm, said, ‘We’re delighted to celebrate this award alongside BUCO and MobiClicks. That it’s for AI makes it even more meaningful. AI may be a new horizon for many, but it’s embedded in Algorithm’s DNA and how we solve real business problems. We’re immensely proud of the entire BUCO team and grateful to a client who backs ambitious ideas and the craft to execute them. This recognition is proof of what true partnership can achieve.’

This award is a testament to the strength of their long-standing partnership with BUCO, a forward-thinking client who trusted them to experiment with a new approach. It’s also a celebration of their collaboration with Mobiclicks, whose technology was instrumental in bringing this vision to life. By leveraging advanced AI to identify and act on real-time signals of intent from a consumer watching a how-to video (Mirrors) to a shopper near a competitor’s store (Blis), they were able to create a campaign that was both data-driven and deeply human.

The results speak for themselves, demonstrating the power of this approach:

• Expanded reach: the campaign generated over 3.4 million impressions and 28,467 clicks, significantly increasing audience engagement.
• Enhanced targeting: the OpenWeb campaign achieved a Click-Through Rate (CTR) of 1.29%, nearly 13 times higher than the industry benchmark.
• Driving in-store traffic: The location-based campaign’s CTR was more than double the industry benchmark at 1.02%, effectively connecting online ads to in-store visits.

The WesBank New Generation Awards are the largest independent, performance-based accolades in social-first marketing, digital media, AI, and integrated marketing. ‘Algorithm Agency are incredibly proud to be recognised among the industry’s best for our use of creative strategy and advanced technology. This win solidifies our position as a leader in the new era of marketing, where we turn data into dollars and digital engagement into real-world action. We believe this is just the beginning.’

‘As a brand that combines experience with innovation to drive real results, we are proud to be the very first in the building and construction industry to be recognised for such innovation. By bringing together quality, creativity, and technology, we continue to empower professionals and homeowners with solutions and inspiration, while remaining attuned to the demands of South Africa’s dynamic retail landscape,’ said Tumi Mphelo, Brand and Advertising Manager, BUCO.

ALGORITHM AGENCY
www.algorithm.agency

Nedbank IMC Breaks Own Record As Africa’s Largest Marketing Conference

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Modern Marketing

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October 2, 2025

Nedbank IMC Breaks Own Record As Africa's Largest Marketing Conference

On 18th September, IMC CEO Dale Hefer welcomed over 3300 communicators from over 20 countries to the Nedbank IMC, confirming its place as the continent’s top marketing showcase. The line up of global leaders from as far afield as Dubai, Accra and London included Charl Bassil, Chief Brand Officer of the BBC. His opening address was a heartfelt call to action for marketers to be brave, be kind and believe in the industry’s ability to effect positive change. Modern Marketing was a proud media partner of the event.

In his opening message, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, emphasised the industry’s role as a key growth multiplier and the conference’s global reach and ability to shine a spotlight on the skills, talent and innovation of this sector.

Major Mandisa Mfeka, South Africa’s first black female combat pilot, received a double standing ovation and inspired marketers to ‘not be afraid to go against the grain’. Her message and many others, highlighting how creative bravery, resilience and integrity are challenging but necessary ingredients to building brands that make a real difference.

Jason Quinn, Chief Executive: Nedbank Group Limited and Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive: Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Nedbank Group Limited, engaged in an honest and thought provoking discussion around why marketing deserves a seat at the boardroom table; agreeing that bold ideas, brave leadership, and authentic connections make marketing a key commercial force.

Another stand out presentation was from Vaughan Croeser, VP of Marketing at South African Breweries. His very own marketing team’s choir performance showcased collective harmony, leaving delegates wowed and proving that ‘a team that sings together, wins together!’

The conference also featured an industry-first partnership with the SABC, with their GCEO Nomsa Chabeli and SAfm’s live broadcast adding to the day’s success.

Industry leaders who presented at the conference also included:

– Melusi Mhlungu – Founder and Chief Creative Officer, We Are Bizarre.
– Ryan Sauer – CEO Redwood Analytics.
– Craig Shapiro – Executive: IP, ENS.
– Bryony Rose – Director, Yext Enterprise International Business.
– Mukona Ligege – Student, AAA School of Advertising.
– Nozizwe Sibisi – Student, University of Johannesburg.
– Micaela Wathen – Student, University of Pretoria.
– Stacy Jayne Saggers – Commercial Growth Director, Insights Division, Kantar.
– Lyn Bird – Corporate Vice President for Industry Solutions Delivery (ISD) at Microsoft.
– Dr. Gillian Hammah – Chief Marketing Officer, Aya Data.
– Welcome Witbooi – Inspirational Speaker.
– Zubair Timol – Partner and Global Vice President, Culture at Meltwater.
– Dean Oelschig – Founder and Managing Partner of Halo.
– Bridget Harpur – Head of Marketing, VW Group Africa.
– Mbalenhle Bhengu – Founder of Mind Switch and Marketing Lecturer.
– Darren Morris – Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lucky Hustle.
– Preetesh Sewraj – CEO, The Loeries.

Registered delegates may access all presentations on the event app for 3 months. The Nedbank IMC 2026 will take place on the 17th September. Information to follow.

NEDBANK IMC CONFERENCE
www.imcconference.com

Find Your Way Back To Your Career Dreams

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Modern Marketing

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October 2, 2025

Find Your Way Back To Your Career Dreams — Tinyiko Ndlala, Leagas Delaney South Africa.

As the year draws to a close, Tinyiko Ndlala, Business Unit Director at Leagas Delaney South Africa, is reflecting on career dreams – those quiet, persistent visions we sometimes tuck away as life gets busy.

I’m taken back to my high school valediction, one of my fondest memories. We were reminded of Dr. Seuss’s words: ‘Oh, the places you’ll go’. I remember my English teacher reciting the book, and even now, every time something happens (good, bad or unexpected) the words come back to me. They remind me that life is not intended to be linear. Most importantly, those words felt limitless. Somewhere along the way, especially as the dust begins to settle in our ’30s, we tend to get caught up in the doing and forget the dreaming. We become so focused on tasks, KPIs and daily deadlines that we sometimes forget to ask ourselves what we truly want from our careers, what would make our work feel meaningful, or what would make our professional journey exhilarating.

Why We Stop Dreaming

There’s something that happens in your ’30s that nobody really warns you about. The world starts asking different questions. Suddenly, it’s not ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ but ‘Where are you in your career progression?’ The conversation shifts from possibility to positioning. We trade wonder for stability, and somewhere in that exchange, we convince ourselves that dreaming is for people who haven’t figured it out yet.

Perhaps it’s the weight of responsibility that creeps in. Paying bonds, dependents, the very real need for medical aid and a decent pension. Or maybe it’s simply exhaustion. When you’re juggling client demands, team management and the perpetual quest for work-life balance, fantasising about your career can feel like an indulgence you can’t afford. But here’s the thing: when we stop dreaming, we stop growing. We become maintainers rather than creators of our own professional narratives.

Finding Your Way Back

When I first started out, I had a long list of aspirations, some clear, some that evolved from full stops to question marks, others written in the smallest font, and a few in bold red caps. Some I couldn’t have imagined at all. Like the time I was one of two people selected to represent my agency in Paris for a WPP programme called Craft Skills Training. That wasn’t on my list, but it became one of the highlights of my career. More recently, opportunities like writing and sharing parts of my professional journey have reminded me how fulfilling it feels to see my words out there and to connect and exchange ideas with others. It’s in those moments that I realise career success isn’t always linear or predictable. It’s often unexpected and can be wonderfully serendipitous.

If you’re reading this and thinking ‘I can’t even remember what my career dreams were’, you’re not alone. Reconnecting with those buried aspirations doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul or a vision board (though no judgement if that’s your thing). Start small. Ask yourself: What parts of my work genuinely excite me? What would I do more of if I could? What opportunities have I dismissed because they seemed impractical or too far-fetched?

Sometimes, it helps to look sideways rather than up. Your dream might not be the next rung on the corporate ladder. It could be mentoring junior colleagues, speaking at industry events, learning a new skill that has nothing to do with your current role, or even working fewer hours to pursue something meaningful outside the office. Give yourself permission to want something different from what you thought you should want.

Career fantasies come in all shapes and sizes, and not all of them have to end up on LinkedIn. For some, it’s a coveted title. For others, it’s financial freedom. It could be working on a passion project, building something of your own, or simply carving out the time to live fully outside of work. Big ones, small ones, they all matter. They matter because careers should be more than a value exchange measured solely by time and remuneration. In an ideal world, we should walk away from our careers with more than just a retirement annuity. Who did you get to meet along the way? Where did your journey take you? How did you positively influence someone else’s path?

It’s easy to forget that the fantasy isn’t just about a title, a salary or a shiny accolade. It’s about fulfilment, impact, growth and joy. It’s about aligning your work with your values and making space for those things that light you up. Sometimes, the fantasy is daring; other times, it’s quiet but no less powerful. It’s the little victories, the risks you took, the lessons learned and the stories you’ll carry forward that truly define it.

So as this year winds down, I’m asking you: What’s your career fantasy? Say it out loud. Write it down. Share it with someone you trust. Give it the space to exist, even if it feels far away or unconventional. Because as Dr. Seuss reminds us, ‘Oh, the places you’ll go. How much can you lose? How much can you win?’ Read that again. Let it sink in. And then, maybe, start imagining the next chapter with courage, curiosity and a teaspoon of audacity.

LEAGAS DELANEY
https://www.leagasdelaney.co.za

2025 WesBank New Generation Awards Announce Trailblazing Winners

By

Meggan McCarthy, Modern Marketing

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September 29, 2025

2025 WesBank New Generation Awards Announce Trailblazing Winners

Renowned as the largest independent, performance-based accolades in social-first marketing, digital media, AI, creativity, integrated marketing, and online technology, the WesBank New Generation Awards embody the pinnacle of achievement in these vibrant fields. The winners were announced at a packed banquet ceremony in Sandton on Tuesday, 23 September. Modern Marketing is the proud media partner of these prestigious awards.

Kenosi Matsebatlela, Unilever South Africa.

Simon Lloyd and Graeme Stiles, Algorithm Agency.

The awards, now in their thirteenth consecutive year, received over 500 submissions from the corporate, agency, and tertiary sectors, as well as from individual candidates. They honour the innovators among corporates, agencies, and individuals who embrace creativity and leverage advanced technology to elevate their brands and products, adapting to the evolving demands of today’s consumers.

Stephen Paxton, founder of the awards, remarked that this exceptional engagement is a powerful testament to South Africa’s vibrant growth in the digital and online technology sectors over the past year. ‘We extend our deepest gratitude to all participants for their outstanding contributions. The remarkable quality of this year’s submissions has truly surpassed our expectations. Many silver and bronze winners achieved the gold benchmark of 80% and above, and campaigns that received identical scores from our judges were honoured with multiple gold, silver, and bronze awards,’ said Paxton.

‘Our analysis highlighted a significant rise in Influencer Marketing, Technical Innovation, and strategic Content Marketing that resonated powerfully with audiences. Virality emerged as a pivotal force in numerous campaigns, particularly those with modest budgets. Furthermore, an increasing number of brands are boldly embracing the limitless potential of artificial intelligence.’

Paxton conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the 30 esteemed jury members for their dedication and invaluable insights throughout the judging process. Special gratitude was directed to the Headline Naming Sponsor, WesBank; Bronze Sponsors, Unilever South Africa and Algorithm Agency; Brand Sponsor, Forge By Brave; and Vehicle Brand Sponsor, Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa. ‘As an independent awards programme, sponsorship plays a crucial role in creating a truly memorable event, and we eagerly anticipate continuing these partnerships for many more inspiring gatherings in the future.’

Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank said: ‘WesBank extends its warmest congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the New Generation Awards. The ground-breaking work we saw this year is truly inspiring and is rapidly advancing the digital marketing space. This spirit of innovation perfectly reflects and aligns with WesBank’s core brand promise of moving forward with our customers. Just as these talented individuals and teams are charting new territory, we pledge to move in lockstep with the creative industry that they represent, providing the support needed to reach future milestones.’

Here are your winners:

CORPORATE CATEGORIES:
Best Revenue-Generating Marketing Campaign or Event
GOLD WINNER 2025	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Net#work BBDO	Keep Them Guessing
SILVER WINNER 2025	Clicks Group		Clicks & Vaseline Cera Glow
SILVER WINNER 2025	The Beverage Company	Hellosquare	Reboost Watermelon Splash
BRONZE WINNER 2025	PepsiCo South Africa	M+C Saatchi Abel & PHD	Weet-Bix Flavourites
BRONZE WINNER 2025	PepsiCo South Africa	M+C Saatchi Abel, IMA SA (Pty) Ltd, MSports Marketing	Simba x KFC: Original Recipe campaign
Best Social Media Reach from an Event / Activation – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	MPA Alliance	Flow Communications	MPA Day 2024
SILVER WINNER 2025	Nedbank	Levergy	Ya Rona House
SILVER WINNER 2025	SuperSport	Blue Robot	SuperSport’s SA20 SuperFan Engagement Challenge
BRONZE WINNER 2025	PepsiCo South Africa	M+C Saatchi Abel, PHD, IMA SA (Pty) Ltd, EVG Media, Hirt and Carter, MSports Marketing	Simba x KFC: Original Recipe campaign
Best Online Competition – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	PepsiCo South Africa	Accenture Song	NikNaks #OwnYourNak & Cheesy Kota
GOLD WINNER 2025	Volkswagen South Africa	OGILVY	#SHOULDGOTAVIVO
SILVER WINNER 2025	Absa	Flume Digital Marketing	Absa Group Tyla Concert
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Heineken Beverages	Dentsu Red Star	UCL Delivery
Most Innovative App Developed – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	Shyft, powered by Standard Bank		Shyft
SILVER WINNER 2025	Global Business Solutions		Disciplinary Enquiry Bots
BRONZE WINNER 2025	NEXT ORBIT		Docaroo.ai
Best Use of Technical Innovation – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	Unilever South Africa	VML	Dove Real Beauty Generation
SILVER WINNER 2025	Ringside Fitness	Lucky Hustle	The Legacy of Ludumo Lamati
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Castle Lite	Blue Robot	Extra Cold Quest
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Volkswagen South Africa	OGILVY	The Night School Life-Saving Platform
Best Low Budget Campaign
GOLD WINNER 2025	Ringside Fitness	Lucky Hustle	The Legacy of Ludumo Lamati
SILVER WINNER 2025	SuperSport	Blue Robot	SuperSport’s SA20 SuperFan Engagement Challenge
SILVER WINNER 2025	TEARS Foundation	Dark Matter Creative Communications	Soothing the Nation
SILVER WINNER 2025	Unilever South Africa	Oliver Marketing	Vaseline Cera Glow & Clicks Live Shopping
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Absa	On Point PR and Lifestyle Management	AbsaXTakealot House of Beauty
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Cape Union Mart International – Old Khaki	365 Digital Media	Old Khaki’s TikTok Journey to Community and Revenue
BRONZE WINNER 2025	PluxNet	Spitfire Inbound	Fibre50: Connected for Less
Mobile Marketing Excellence – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	Vodacom	OGILVY	Vodacom V-Up Summer
SILVER WINNER 2025	Castle Lite	Blue Robot	Extra Cold Quest
SILVER WINNER 2025	Vodacom	OGILVY	When You See It
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Tiger Brands	Hellosquare	Albany Breaducation
Blogging Excellence – Sponsored by Unilever
GOLD WINNER 2025	Hippo	Pitch SM	The Complete Car Guide (SA)
SILVER WINNER 2025	Nedbank Limited		MoneyEDGE
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Chas Everitt International	Stratitude	Chas Everitt International Property Group Blog
Most Innovative Use of Social and Digital Media – Sponsored by Algorithm Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	Woolworths		This Apple Can Save the World – Farming for the Future
GOLD WINNER 2025	Volkswagen South Africa	OGILVY	#SHOULDGOTAVIVO
SILVER WINNER 2025	Mondelez South Africa	VML	They’re out there. LunchBar’s, UFO’s and Aliens.
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Net#work BBDO	Keep Them Guessing
Most Innovative Gamification Campaign – Sponsored by WesBank
SILVER WINNER 2025	Vodacom	OGILVY	Vodacom V-Up Summer: Count The V’s’ Gamification
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Castle Lite	Blue Robot	Extra Cold Quest
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Aware.org	WONDER	Makers of Tomorrow – Party in your Pocket
Best Community Engagement Award
GOLD WINNER 2025	AB InBev	draftLine	Messages of Support
SILVER WINNER 2025	Volkswagen South Africa	OGILVY	#SHOULDGOTAVIVO
BRONZE WINNER 2025	PepsiCo South Africa	Accenture Song	NikNaks #OwnYourNak & Cheesy Kota
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Umlazi Mega City	Mbuso Media	Azidle Ekhaya With Maka Enzo
Excellence In Content Marketing – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	Mondelez South Africa	VML	They’re out there. LunchBar’s, UFO’s and Aliens.
SILVER WINNER 2025	Bryte Insurance	Instinctif Partners	#PackBryte: Redefining Insurance Through Data, Design, and Digital Culture
SILVER WINNER 2025	Woolworths		This Apple Can Save the World – Farming for the Future
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Heineken Beverages (Amstel)	Accenture Song, Dentsu Red Star, AIR Agency, Red Pepper Pictures	Friends of Amstel
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Standard Bank South Africa	VML	Standard Bank Budget Speech Blow by Blow
Best Online PR Campaign – Sponsored by Algorithm Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	Unilever South Africa	Oliver Marketing	Dove Express Yourself in 100 Colours
SILVER WINNER 2025	Nedbank	Levergy	Ya Rona House
BRONZE WINNER 2025	African Union Sports Council	Flow Communications	Keep Moving Campaign
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Shein	Dialogue Communications	Shein Johannesburg Pop-up Store
Best Integrated Marketing Campaign – Sponsored by Unilever South Africa
GOLD WINNER 2025	Mondelez South Africa	OGILVY	#RealMzansiNames
GOLD WINNER 2025	Mondelez South Africa	VML	They’re out there. LunchBar’s, UFO’s and Aliens.
SILVER WINNER 2025	Volkswagen South Africa	OGILVY	The Night School Life-Saving Platform
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Net#work BBDO	Keep Them Guessing
Most Viral Campaign – Sponsored by Unilever South Africa
GOLD WINNER 2025	Woolworths		This Apple Can Save the World – Farming for the Future
SILVER WINNER 2025	MPA Alliance	Flow Communications	MPA Day 2024
SILVER WINNER 2025	PepsiCo South Africa	Accenture Song	NikNaks #OwnYourNak & Cheesy Kota
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Simba (PepsiCo)	M+C Saatchi Abel & PHD	Simba: For The Love of Tomato Sauce
Best Use of Social Media to Research and Evaluate – Sponsored by WesBank
SILVER WINNER 2025	Bed Bath Home	Correlate	Hospitality Checks Out Online
SILVER WINNER 2025	Mondelez South Africa	OGILVY, Publicis-Starcom	Cadbury Mzansi Names
Best Influencer Marketing Campaign
GOLD WINNER 2025	Standard Bank South Africa	VML	Standard Bank Budget Speech Blow by Blow
SILVER WINNER 2025	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Net#work BBDO	Keep Them Guessing
SILVER WINNER 2025	Woolworths		This Apple Can Save the World – Farming for the Future
BRONZE WINNER 2025	PepsiCo South Africa	MullenLowe South Africa	7 Days 7 Ways for 7 Weeks with Spekko Rice
BRONZE WINNER 2025	The Beverage Company	Hellosquare	Reboost Watermelon Splash
Best Use Best Use of AI in Marketing Campaign – Sponsored by Forge By Brave
GOLD WINNER 2025	Ringside Fitness	Lucky Hustle	The Legacy of Ludumo Lamati
SILVER WINNER 2025	SA Heart	The MediaShop & Lucid	Check My Beat
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Momentum	Techsys Digital	She Owns Her Success
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Unilever South Africa	Oliver Marketing	Lifebuoy Global Handwashing Day 2024
Best Email Marketing Campaign by a Corporate – Sponsored by Unilever
SILVER WINNER 2025	FUTURELIFE® (PepsiCo)	TDMC	From Shelf to Self
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Good Work Foundation	Flow Communications	Reimagining Rural Education campaign
Best CRM Strategy Campaign – Sponsored by Volkswagen Financial Services
GOLD WINNER 2025	Takealot	Blue Robot	Takealot Ultimate Checkout Sale
SILVER WINNER 2025	Suzuki Auto South Africa	Spitfire Inbound & Penquin Advertising	Driving Loyalty Through CRM Excellence
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Clicks Group		ClubCard loyalty programme
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Bonitas Medical Aid	Adclick Africa	Bonitas For All Life Stages

AGENCY CATEGORIES:
Best Augmented Reality Marketing Campaign by an Agency
SILVER WINNER 2025	Hailr and XR Growth Lab	uCreate Design & Innovation Hub	Wild Space “Space Grannies” AR Activation
Best Use of Technical Innovation by an Agency – Sponsored by Forge By Brave
GOLD WINNER 2025	VML	Unilever South Africa	Dove Real Beauty Generation
SILVER WINNER 2025	OGILVY	Volkswagen South Africa	The Night School Life-Saving Platform
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Blue Robot	Castle Lite	Extra Cold Quest
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Dentsu Red Star	Amstel	Amstel Radler Re-Launch
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Rookdigital & PHD	Audi South Africa	Audi Aftercare
Most Viral Campaign by an Agency – Sponsored by Algorithm Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	OGILVY	Volkswagen South Africa	#SHOULDGOTAVIVO
SILVER WINNER 2025	Net#work BBDO	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Keep Them Guessing
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Levergy	Nedbank	Ya Rona House
BRONZE WINNER 2025	M+C Saatchi Abel & PHD	PepsiCo South Africa	Weet-Bix Flavourites
Most Innovative Social and Digital Media by a Small Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	Correlate	Bed Bath Home	Hospitality Checks Out Online
SILVER WINNER 2025	2Stories	Shyft – Standard Bank	Shyft Squadcation
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Hellosquare	The Beverage Company	Reboost Watermelon Splash
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Lumico	Estee Lauder	Foundation for the Nation
Most Innovative Social and Digital Media Campaign by a Medium Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	Machine_	PepsiCo South Africa – SASKO Bakeries	SAM’s Stacks
SILVER WINNER 2025	Net#work BBDO	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Keep Them Guessing
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Mscsports	Engen	Engen Champions
BRONZE WINNER 2025	The MediaShop & Lucid	SA Heart	Check My Beat
Most Innovative Social and Digital Media Campaign by a Large Agency – Sponsored by Algorithm Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	VML	Unilever South Africa	Dove Real Beauty Generation
SILVER WINNER 2025	VML	Mondelez South Africa	They’re out there. LunchBar’s, UFO’s and Aliens
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Oliver Marketing	Unilever South Africa	Cleanipedia -Countdown To Clean
BRONZE WINNER 2025	OGILVY, Publicis-Starcom	Mondelez South Africa	Cadbury Mzansi Names
Best Influencer Marketing Campaign by an Agency
SILVER WINNER 2025	Net#work BBDO	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Keep Them Guessing
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Mediology	Tetmosol	#MySkinTrustsTetmosol
BRONZE WINNER 2025	OGILVY	Volkswagen South Africa	#SHOULDGOTAVIVO
Best Integrated Marketing Campaign by an Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	Net#work BBDO	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Keep Them Guessing
SILVER WINNER 2025	OGILVY	Volkswagen South Africa	#SHOULDGOTAVIVO
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Publicis-Starcom	Mondelez South Africa	Cadbury LunchBar Bra Lucas
Blogging Excellence by an Agency
SILVER WINNER 2025	Media24	Vodacom	Vodacom now! Blog
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Spitfire Inbound and Penquin Advertising	Suzuki Auto South Africa	From Strategic Blogging to Market Leadership through SEO-First Content
Best Use of AI in Marketing Campaign by an Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	Avatar Agency & 99c	Absa	Behind the numbers
SILVER WINNER 2025	The Brave Group	Nedbank	Nedbank NAR Africa Month Campaign
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Algorithm Agency & MobiClicks	BUCO	Begin with Buco
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Dentsu Red Star	Amstel	Radler Re-Launch
Best Email Marketing Campaign by an Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	Black&White (The Up&Up Group South Africa)	Dis-Chem	Extra Rewards
SILVER WINNER 2025	Flow Communications	Good Work Foundation	Reimagining Rural Education campaign
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Publicis-Machine	Sanlam	SLS Sync
Best CRM Strategy Campaign by an Agency – Sponsored by Volkswagen Financial Services
SILVER WINNER 2025	Black&White (The Up&Up Group South Africa)	Dis-Chem	Extra Rewards
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Adclick Africa Agency	Bonitas Medical Aid	Bonitas For All Life Stages

ONLINE MEDIA & TOOLS CATEGORIES:
Best Intranet
SILVER WINNER 2025	Accenture	Stratitude	Accent on You
Best Corporate Website
SILVER WINNER 2025	Lexus South Africa	Flume Digital Marketing	Lexus Website
SILVER WINNER 2025	Toyota South Africa	Flume Digital Marketing	Toyota Website
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Barloworld Equipment	Spitfire Inbound	Barloworld Equipment Website Digital Overhaul
Best Marketing Automation Campaign
GOLD WINNER 2025	Telkom	Dentsu Data	Merkury for Telkom
SILVER WINNER 2025	Spitfire Inbound and Penquin Advertising	Suzuki Auto South Africa	Smart Journeys, Real Results: Suzuki’s Always-On Automation Engine
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Vodacom	OGILVY	Vodacom Postpaid Always On
Best Online Newsletter
GOLD WINNER 2025	Travelisa	Flow Communications	Travelisa newsletter
SILVER WINNER 2025	Good Work Foundation	Flow Communications	Reimagining Rural Education newsletter
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Chas Everitt International Property Group	Stratitude	THE PROPERTY SIGNPOST
Best Use of Podcast/Vlog to Promote a Brand or Event – Sponsored by Unilever
GOLD WINNER 2025	Savanna	Dentsu Red Star	Weekend of Marvels Live Podcast from the Durban July
SILVER WINNER 2025	TIM.Africa		The Incredible Machines Podcast
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Jacaranda FM		Mevrou Mevrou (Season 2)
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Transnet	Brand Leadership Group	Transnet Red Table Podcast
Best Online Magazine/Newspaper
SILVER WINNER 2025	SME South Africa
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Publicis-Machine	Sanlam	Connect Client Whisperer Special Edition digi mag

STUDENT CATEGORIES:
The New Generation Student Group of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	AAA School of Advertising Bryanston	Hisense, More Than a Brand
GOLD WINNER 2025	IIE-Vega	Cipla South Africa
The New Generation Student of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	AAA School of Advertising Bryanston	Mehna Gokal	If your shoes were On

BLACK ONYX AWARD WINNERS:
The New Generation Agency Community Engagement Manager of the Year Award
	Philani Mokoena	DNA Brand Architects
The New Generation UX UI Designer of the Year Award
	Lara Nel and Elizabeth Ras	NEXT ORBIT	Docaroo.ai
The New Generation Digital Marketer of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
	Nicole Glover	Penquin Advertising
	Thato Soato	Vodacom
The New Generation Top Animator of the Year Award
	Shaheen Jacobs	Clicks Group
The New Generation Social Wiz of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
	Oarabile Kgantsi	DNA Brand Architects
The New Generation Best Customer Experience (CX) of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
	Publicis-Digitas SA	South African Tourism	Perfect Match
The New Generation Digital Brand of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
	Vodacom
The New Generation Online Strategy of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
	Suzuki Auto South Africa	Penquin Advertising and Spitfire
The New Generation Small Agency of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
	Lucky Hustle
The New Generation Medium Agency of the Year Award
	Penquin Advertising
The New Generation Large Agency of the Year Award
	Dentsu Media South Africa
The New Generation Overall Social & Digital Corporate of the Year Award – Sponsored by Algorithm Agency
	PepsiCo South Africa

WESBANK NEW GENERATION AWARDS 2025
https://www.newgenawards.co.za/pages/awards

Algorithm Agency Discusses Performance Marketing Trends And How Marketers Can Use AI To Its Fullest Potential

By

Meggan McCarthy, Modern Marketing

-

September 23, 2025

Algorithm Agency Discusses Performance Marketing Trends And How Marketers Can Use AI To Its Fullest Potential — Jamie-Leigh Barnett, Algorithm Agency.

Algorithm Agency is a Bronze sponsor for the 2025 WesBank New Generation Awards, a move reflecting the agency’s ongoing investment in digital excellence and emerging talent. Jamie-Leigh Barnett, Director of Growth and Development at Algorithm Agency, discusses the top performance marketing trends; how marketers can use AI for prediction, personalisation, and efficiency; as well as the value Algorithm brings to the awards. Modern Marketing is a proud media partner of the awards.

Why did Algorithm Agency decide to be involved as a sponsor for the WesBank New Generation Awards?

This is our first year as a sponsor, and we’re excited to be part of a platform that celebrates digital excellence and innovation. At Algorithm, we believe in turning potential into performance, and the New Generation Awards champion exactly that by recognising work that delivers measurable impact. Sponsoring these awards allows us to support the broader marketing community, showcase the power of performance marketing, and celebrate those pushing the industry forward.

What value does Algorithm Agency bring to the awards?

Algorithm brings a perspective grounded in data-led creativity and commercial impact. Our team lives and breathes performance marketing, so we understand that great work is not just about clever ideas or pretty pictures, it’s about measurable outcomes. By participating as a sponsor, we’re not only contributing to the dialogue around accountability, innovation, and the smart use of AI and data, but also creating visibility for Algorithm as a growing independent agency.

As a small business, we see the New Generation Awards as an opportunity to expand our footprint and share the work we’re so proud to deliver for our incredible clients. We partner with ambitious brands that value results, and these awards provide a platform to highlight those partnerships, celebrate their success stories, and connect with like-minded marketers who share our passion for turning potential into performance.

What are the top performance marketing trends for 2025?

We’ve all heard these buzzwords, so it’s about knowing what is important and what will pass. We have seen the following really stand out this year:

AI is everywhere, but smarter: Moving beyond experimentation to fully integrated AI for predictive targeting, dynamic creative, and automated optimisation. However, the data that goes into these AI tools needs to be accurate, relevant and clean, which will ensure the output will make a real impact to the business. Rubbish in also means rubbish out!

First-party data acceleration: With privacy changes continuing, brands that own and activate their data will have a clear competitive edge.

Performance and brand convergence: The line between performance and brand marketing is blurring; winning campaigns will connect storytelling with measurable conversions.

What are your top three performance marketing tips?

Start with business goals: Define success in terms of leads, sales, or lifetime value, not just clicks or impressions. We are moving away from vanity metrics to those that actually move the needle for our clients’ businesses, so understanding what success looks like will help define the strategy to get there.

Build a clean data foundation: Data quality, as I mentioned before, is the fuel for AI and automation; invest in accurate tracking and attribution.

Test relentlessly: From creative formats to bidding strategies, continuous experimentation is key to unlocking incremental gains. Make sure you trust your agency partners to do this well for you!

Are marketers using AI to its fullest potential, and if not, what can they do to harness its power?

Most marketers are still scratching the surface. AI is more than a buzzword, it’s a toolkit for prediction, personalisation, and efficiency. To harness its power, brands need three things:

Structured data: AI is only as strong as the data it learns from.

Clear use cases: Identify where AI can solve real business problems (e.g., lead quality, budget allocation).

Human oversight: Pair AI’s speed with human creativity and strategic judgement to keep campaigns both effective and authentic. We have been using AI at Algorithm for years, and while it’s evolved, it’s just reinforced why we need that human touch to make sure the output is relevant and useful to our clients.

How does Algorithm’s culture drive the kind of innovation recognised by the WesBank New Generation awards?

Our culture is built on three values: Act Like a Business Owner, Be Curious, and Don’t Be a D*ck (pardon the swear word). These principles aren’t just words on a wall, they shape how we show up every day. Acting like a business owner means every team member takes full accountability for results, treating client challenges as if they were their own. Curiosity pushes us to constantly ask why and what if, encouraging experimentation with new tools, data sets, and creative approaches that drive breakthrough performance. And by committing to respect and transparency, we create a safe space where diverse ideas can be debated, tested, and refined without ego getting in the way.

This combination of ownership, relentless questioning, and collaborative problem-solving creates the conditions where genuine innovation happens. It’s what allows a lean, independent agency like Algorithm to stay agile, embrace AI and emerging technologies quickly, and consistently deliver the kind of measurable, forward-thinking work that the New Generation Awards celebrate.

What does ‘turn potential into performance’ mean for your clients and your team?

It’s our philosophy and our promise. We show up as business partners, not vendors, asking the hard questions, challenging briefs, and delivering work that moves the needle. It’s about curiosity, accountability, and never settling for ‘good enough’. We push our team hard because we know they can perform and we work hard because we want to deliver and deliver well!

ALGORITHM AGENCY
www.algorithm.agency

NEW GENERATION AWARDS
www.newgenawards.co.za

VML Study: Brands Are Still Failing To Deliver On The Basics Of Customer Experience

By

Modern Marketing

-

September 23, 2025

VML Study Brands Are Still Failing To Deliver On The Basics Of Customer Experience

VML has unveiled its ninth annual Future Shopper report, an expansive global study revealing that, despite years of digital acceleration, many brands are still failing to deliver on the basics of customer experience. Surveying over 25,000 shoppers across 16 countries, the 2025 edition exposes a gap between what consumers expect and what brands provide when it comes to value, speed, and trust.

In fact, 45 percent of global shoppers surveyed, and half of South Africans surveyed, often abandon their online shopping cart because the digital experience is too frustrating.

According to the report, brands must prioritise human-centric experiences and address consumer frustrations with current digital offerings, especially if they want to grow in an AI-first world. Although in its infancy in the customer journey, AI’s high usage and trust indicates that it will fundamentally change how consumers shop, from discovery to purchase. Despite marketplaces setting the benchmark for customer service, their market share has dropped since last year and search engines have seen a resurgence during the information and search phases of the journey, possibly fuelled by AI integration.

AI’s Rapid Emergence Across The Path To Purchase

– 81% of South African respondents have used ChatGPT or an alternative.
– 30% of South African respondents have used AI tools like ChatGPT to create shopping lists or meal plans or find inspiration for what to purchase, while more than 18% have used these tools to find the best place to buy something.
– 59% are excited by the prospect of having their own AI agent to talk to brands or retailers on their behalf and get the products they want at the price they want.

Personalisation Powers Discovery But Falls Short For Some

– 75% of South African consumers surveyed say personalised recommendations help them discover new products (significantly higher than the global average of 63%.
– 72% are more likely to buy from brands that remember their preferences.
– 46% think most brands do a poor job of personalisation.

A Shift Toward True Omnichannel Retail

Globally, marketplaces remain the dominant force throughout the shopper journey, with 22% using the lead marketplace in the region for inspiration, 15% using the secondary marketplace, and 9% using other marketplaces. When it comes to search, 17% use the lead marketplace, 12% the secondary and 7% other marketplaces. However, marketplace share of wallet has slipped to 22%, down from 29% last year, signalling a shift toward true omnichannel retail.

In South Africa, 76% of respondents prefer to shop with a brand that has both a physical store and an online store and 66% wish brands communicated with them seamlessly across different channels.

Jade dos Santos, Strategy Director at VML South Africa, noted: ‘South Africans have always had incredibly high expectations and very high adoption rates, despite economic constraints. This stems from widespread digital adoption across all market segments, creating a wonderful dichotomy in our technological advancement; we’re simultaneously early adopters and harsh critics.’

He sees this play out in the survey data: ‘We’ve readily adopted AI in our day-to-day lives; 81% use tools like ChatGPT compared to 68% globally, yet we’re equally quick to abandon purchases when online experiences don’t meet our standards, with 50% dropping off versus 45% globally. We demand compressed commerce, moving seamlessly between online and offline, expecting true omnichannel experiences while wanting them made specifically for us through intelligent use of our data. And we need it almost instantly, with a higher-than-global-average need for fast journeys and a massive dislike for poor digital experiences where brands get punished with abandoned baskets.’

More findings:

Customer Experience

– 47% of South African respondents are often amazed at the poor online shopping experience by major retailers.
– 54% think businesses have no idea what customers want from their digital channels.

‘I Want It Right Now Or I Don’t Want It At All.’

– 32% of global shoppers surveyed expect delivery within two hours; 40% will not order if same-day delivery or scheduled delivery isn’t available.
– 71% of South African respondents want to move from inspiration to purchase as quickly as possible, a trend VML has coined ‘compressed commerce’.

‘The South African consumer has evolved rapidly; we’re AI-native, require personalisation, and demand omnichannel excellence above global standards,’ concluded Dos Santos. ‘This might be because we need to be smarter and better with limited resources, but it positions us to leapfrog global competition by creating nothing short of world-class experiences.’

VML SOUTH AFRICA
https://www.vml.com/south-africa