South Africa has the continent's most mature e-commerce, banking app and online betting markets, and a large retail sector moving customers into apps. It is also a gateway for international brands launching in Africa.
This page tracks South African funding, app launches and relaunches, acquisitions, licences, growth and CRM hiring, and government and corporate tenders for digital marketing work.
16 signals
New owners backed by well-known South African investors are funding LekkeSlaap's expansion across Southern Africa against Airbnb and Booking.com.
Betmatch is testing a peer-to-peer betting model in South Africa. The dispute over its licence will decide whether exchange betting can grow in the market.
Audiobooks give Spotify a new paid add-on in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, beyond music and podcasts.
Weaver Fintech is building rewards, referrals and a mobile network offering for its 3.7 million PayJustNow and FinChoice customers.
OneDayOnly is hiring senior paid media and CRM specialists at the same time, pointing to bigger investment in app campaigns and customer retention.
SunBet's target of doubling its online share, a new sportsbook due in December and fresh CRM and paid media hires point to a growth push in South African online betting.
George Municipality is appointing an advertising agency for destination marketing for three years, with digital marketing, SEO, social media and analytics in scope.
A new Head of Brand and Marketing Strategy at Dis-Chem points to a review of how the pharmacy group markets across stores and digital channels.
A new app and a R49 Basic plan lower the price of entry for Disney+ in South Africa, while existing subscribers move across to the new app.
Discovery's second-phase 'super bank' adds travel, fuel, food and fitness to the bank app, raising the stakes in South Africa's digital banking race.
Takealot is hiring for app install and engagement campaigns and Braze-based lifecycle marketing, showing how central the app is to South Africa's largest online retailer.
Esports betting opens a new category for Hollywoodbets, and its CRM hiring shows a focus on keeping players engaged.
GCIS is setting up a three-year panel of marketing agencies, including digital campaign management and audience targeting for government communication.
South African Tourism is appointing a panel of integrated marketing agencies, covering creative, content, digital and social, activation, PR and media.
The South African Weather Service is seeking advertising and marketing agency services, including social media, SEO, paid digital and analytics.
The University of Pretoria wants one strategic partner for integrated marketing, media buying, online advertising, and measurement and insights.