X wearevuka.com

Our PurposeAccelerating digital commerce growth and enabling thriving online businesses across Africa

We believe in the transformative power of the digital economy and its ability to shape the future of business. Our mission is clear: to drive the digital economy forward and empower businesses to thrive in this dynamic and ever-evolving ecosystem.

Building Africa’s eCommerce Ecosystem: The Connected Journey

Converge Africa is the premier platform for connecting Africa’s digital commerce ecosystem. Bringing together leaders in e-commerce, payments & fintech, digital marketing, fulfilment, and customer experience, the event empowers businesses to harness the full potential of an integrated digital landscape. Here, innovation meets execution, and strategy aligns with technology to shape the future of commerce across the continent.

Converge Africa Showreel

The Connected Journey

Statistics That Matter

The digital economy in Africa has been experiencing notable growth and potential. The continent has witnessed increasing internet penetration, leading to the rise of fintech innovation, e-commerce expansion, and the emergence of tech startups and innovation hubs

1

Fintech startups in Africa grew 81% in 2021, with South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya emerging as key hubs on the continent, found a Mastercard study on the state of fintech in African markets. The growth in the number of fintech companies in Africa is reflective of global fintech funding which jumped to a new record of US$131.5 billion in 2021.

2

A lack of reinvestment in the digital foundation of online retail businesses is an obstacle to growth. Established online retailers have strengthened their digital presence and improved their fulfillment models, while many traditional retailers are beginning to see significant growth in their online offerings.

3

Cyber attacks on e-commerce sites in Southern Africa are steadily increasing. With the region experiencing a significant growth in online retail, cybercriminals have been capitalising on the opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities in these platforms. Attacks such as DDoS, data breaches, and phishing attempts have been reported with greater frequency. The lack of robust cybersecurity infrastructure in some countries within the region has made it easier for attackers to infiltrate systems and compromise sensitive customer information.

4

The South African digital advertising market had total revenues of $343.9 million in 2022, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.1% between 2017 and 2022. Digital sales are the next horizon of business growth for all consumer-facing businesses in Africa, but only a fraction of this potential has been tapped. With competition increasing daily, those players that can make digital a strategic priority and systematically build the digital function in their organisations are likely to pull ahead.

5

TThree retail industry trends and priorities according to Deloitte: The confluence of obstacles retailers face can make the next steps daunting. As such, we believe there are three key areas that retailers can—and should—address now to create efficiencies while addressing the changing consumer: last-mile capabilities, reverse logistics, and social commerce.

But change is coming...

With advancements in technology and evolving consumer preferences, the digital commerce landscape is undergoing exciting transformations. Converge Africa will explore the latest developments and innovations that are driving this exciting evolution.

1

Seamless Payment Options: In the digital commerce space, the focus has shifted towards streamlining payment processes to provide customers with a frictionless and secure transaction experience, Several developments have contributed to this transformation, these include - Mobile Wallets & Mobile payment options, Contactless Payments, Cryptocurrency Adoption.

2

Personalised Shopping Experiences: Digital commerce has become more focused on providing personalised and tailored experiences to individual customers. Companies are leveraging data and AI-driven technologies to offer personalised features such as, Product Recommendations, Customised Offers and Discounts, Personalised Content, Virtual Try-On and Augmented Reality (AR),

3

Seamless Omnichannel Experiences: The boundaries between physical and digital channels will continue to blur. Customers will expect seamless interactions across multiple touchpoints, such as websites, mobile apps, social media, chatbots, voice assistants, and physical stores. Integration and consistency across these channels will be paramount for delivering exceptional CX.

4

Blockchain technology has a significant role to play in enhancing Cybersecurity. With its decentralised storage, immutable record, digital signatures, smart contracts, public key cryptography, and consensus mechanisms, blockchain technology provides a highly secure and transparent framework for storing and transmitting data.

5

Understanding the Power of Social Commerce: The cost of acquiring a new customer can be up to six to seven times more than retaining old customers,4 and social commerce can help reinforce existing customer loyalty. Retailers should invest in technologies to provide a seamless purchasing experience within social channels and shoppable media to nudge users toward purchases and create loyalty.

6

Increase your customer base with Reverse Logistics: Every return is an opportunity for retailers to save a sale. Retailers should look to take advantage of in-store reverse logistics capabilities. In-person returns satisfy customers' desire for immediate credit while reducing expenses for mailed return delivery. And with the growing popularity of return bars—stores that pack and ship returns for partnering retailers—there is an opportunity to drive additional store traffic and expand the footprint of their client base, an ideal situation during inflationary times.

7

Harness the power of Data Analytics for effective Marketing Strategies: Data Analytics plays a critical role in shaping successful marketing campaigns. In today's data-driven business landscape, companies gather vast amounts of information from various sources, such as customer behaviour, preferences, and market trends.

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By harnessing the potential of tech-driven solutions, retailers can revolutionise their fulfilment operations, ensuring faster, more accurate deliveries while staying one step ahead in an increasingly competitive market. From advanced inventory management systems that ensure real-time stock updates to automated order processing and optimised routing algorithms for efficient delivery, technology is the backbone of retail fulfilment.

We absorbed game-changing insights, forged powerful connections, and harnessed the energy of innovation. Don't miss your chance to be part of this immersive experience.

Ajish Pillai
Commercial Director, MEA, India & Pakistan
Insider

Event featuresExplore the Future of Digital Commerce through our Conference Tracks

Immerse yourself in a thought-provoking and knowledge-packed experience as we delve into the diverse facets of digital commerce. Our carefully curated conference tracks bring together experts and industry leaders to share insights, strategies, and innovations across key areas shaping the future of business in the digital landscape.

Retail & E-commerce

Dive into the world of online retail and e-commerce, exploring the latest trends, strategies, and technologies that are shaping the future of digital commerce.

  • Enhancing customer experiences in online shopping
  • Optimising e-commerce platforms for increased conversions
  • Emerging technologies transforming the retail industry (AI, AR/VR, voice commerce)

Fintech & Payments

Explore the advancements and innovations in digital payments and fintech, unlocking new possibilities for secure, convenient, and seamless financial transactions.

  • Open banking and API-driven financial services
  • Fintech solutions for financial inclusion
  • Innovative payment technologies and their impact on commerce

Cybersecurity

Address the critical issue of cybersecurity in the digital commerce landscape, understanding the latest threats, risk mitigation strategies, and best practices to safeguard your business and customers.

  • Protecting customer data and privacy in an interconnected world
  • Threat intelligence and proactive security measures
  • Building a robust cybersecurity framework for digital businesses

Logistics & Fulfilment

Delve into the intricacies of logistics and fulfilment in the digital commerce ecosystem, exploring strategies and technologies for efficient order management, shipping, and delivery.

  • Last-mile delivery innovations and challenges
  • Warehouse management and inventory optimisation
  • Supply chain visibility and transparency

Marketing

Uncover the latest trends and strategies in digital marketing, enabling you to create impactful campaigns, reach your target audience, and drive customer engagement and loyalty.

  • Data-driven marketing and analytics
  • Automation and AI-powered marketing solutions
  • Measuring marketing ROI and performance metrics

Customer Experience

Put the customer at the center of your digital commerce strategy, focusing on delivering exceptional experiences that drive satisfaction, loyalty, and advocacy.

  • Designing intuitive and user-friendly online experiences
  • Omnichannel customer engagement and seamless transitions
  • Customer support and service excellence in the digital age

Matchmaking

Maximise your experience at Converge Africa with our exclusive Matchmaking service. We understand the importance of connecting with the right people – that’s why we’ve made it easier for you than ever before. Before you even set foot at the event, our platform allows you to pre-book meetings with fellow delegates, ensuring your time is well-spent and filled with meaningful conversations.

Whether you're looking to forge new partnerships, source suppliers, or explore collaborative opportunities, our Business Matchmaking™ service ensures you don't leave it to chance. Simply browse the profiles of attending delegates, select those most aligned with your objectives, and schedule a meeting. By the time you arrive, you’ll have a personalised schedule waiting for you.

VUKA Team Meet The Team

Terry Southam

Director: Retail Portfolio

Terry is the visionary behind our retail events, bringing extensive industry experience and strategic leadership to the table. With a deep understanding of the retail sector, Terry has successfully established and shaped our retail-focused events, fostering valuable connections among industry leaders and addressing key challenges. His expertise and entrepreneurial spirit make our events a must-attend.

Charlie Mossop

Sponsorship Sales

Charlie is a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of the e-commerce industry. By leveraging an extensive network of strong industry leaders, Charlie plays a pivotal role in curating impactful speaker lineups and sponsorship opportunities for our events. His expertise ensures that our conferences not only build valuable connections but also address key industry challenges, making them a must-attend for professionals looking to stay ahead in the field.

Britney Price

Event Project Manager

Britney is a highly skilled and organised event manager with a passion for delivering exceptional experiences. With her meticulous attention to detail and strong project management skills, she oversees the planning and execution of CEM Africa, ensuring that every aspect of the event runs smoothly and seamlessly. Britney's ability to juggle multiple tasks, coordinate with various stakeholders, and keep everything on track enables the team to deliver a successful and memorable event.

Ursula Cloete

Conference Production & Delegate Sales Specialist

Ursula brings an extensive 20 years of experience in event sales and management, with a passion for creating impactful and meaningful connections. With a history of success in prominent events such as eCommerce and CEM, Ursula joined our team ready to make a difference. Drawing from a deeply personal journey of resilience and a commitment to service, she also leads a support group for young girls, fostering their growth and confidence. Through both her professional and personal endeavors, Ursula embodies the values of dedication, empathy, and empowerment.

Marc Olivier

Sponsorship Sales

Marc is a results-driven sales professional who specialises in sponsorship opportunities for CEM Africa. With a deep understanding of the customer experience industry and its key players, Marc identifies strategic sponsorship prospects that align with the goals and objectives of companies. Through his consultative approach, Marc builds strong relationships with sponsors, ensuring their participation adds value to our events and enhances their brand visibility.

Steven Dennett

Marketing Manager

As the Marketing Manager, Steven is responsible for overseeing the overall marketing strategy of CEM Africa. With a wealth of experience in the industry, Steven brings a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the table. He leads the marketing team, driving brand awareness and engagement through strategic campaigns and targeted messaging. Steven's expertise and leadership play a pivotal role in shaping the success of our marketing efforts.

Matthew Riley

Marketing Coordinator

As a dynamic and passionate Marketing Coordinator, Matthew brings creativity and energy into every project undertaken. He approaches marketing with a strong belief in making a statement and empowering those around him, and with a focus on strategic thinking. Matthew’s strength lies in the ability to collaborate effectively with teams, ensuring that every initiative is executed with precision and creativity. Dedicated to extracting the maximum potential out of every activity, Matthew ensures that each effort contributes to the ultimate success of the project.

Matthew Wilson

Sponsor and Exhibition Sales

With extensive experience in exhibition and sponsorship sales, Matt is dedicated to driving impactful partnerships for the Converge Africa event. He strives to connect brands with strategic opportunities that enhance visibility and engagement. Matt's commitment to fostering valuable relationships ensures that exhibitors and sponsors achieve their objectives while contributing to the vibrant dialogue around innovation in African retail. His goal has always been to create memorable experiences that resonate with audiences and support business growth.

Peter Chinanzvavana

Sponsorship and Delegate Sales

Peter is a skilled sales professional specialising in delegate and sponsorship sales. With his customer-centric approach, he connects potential delegates with enriching experiences and secures valuable sponsorship opportunities for maximum exposure. Peter's industry knowledge and interpersonal skills drive attendance and forge valuable partnerships at our events.

Roderick Benjamin

Delegate Sales

Roderick is a skilled delegate sales professional at CEM Africa, dedicated to delivering exceptional attendee experiences. With effective communication and relationship-building, he engages potential delegates, ensuring their satisfaction and seamless registration.

Warda Jakoet

Customer Experience

A passionate leader with a determined focus to ensure that the touchpoints across the client’s journey are engaging, efficient and effective. Attention to customer experience has led to Enlit Africa consistently scoring a high NPS score from attendees. Her role in the business has allowed her to travel extensively, connecting with our clients whilst displaying a positive customer centric attitude.

Rue Limekhaya

Registration

With over 20 yrs experience in organsing African projects across the continent, her focus and attention is to ensure a smooth, enjoyable visitor and delegate experience both online and from the moment the entry badge is collected at the venue. Understanding that we have only one chance to make a good impression she is dedicated in her belief that the customer always comes first.

Chanelle Benjamin

Head Of Operations

Having delivered a full scope of African projects over 13 years demonstrating an ability to manage all aspects of event planning; from conception to execution, while ensuring that events are aligned with our brand. Managing contractors across cultures, to special stand projects for customers, the Operations team deliver against customer objectives to effectively realise customer objectives.

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