Africa’s online retail landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of Nile, designed to combine messaging apps, content creators, and artificial intelligence into a unified shopping experience.

Positioned as one of the first social e-commerce models on the continent, Nile aims to bring the product discovery and purchasing process to the mobile apps consumers use every day. Instead of browsing traditional websites, users can begin their shopping journey directly through WhatsApp or Instagram. Nile’s AI-powered assistant, Sabrina, manages product reviews, answers questions, suggests alternatives, and handles the payment process all within a single chat interface, reflecting existing buying habits in Africa.

With Nile, Social Conversations Turn into a Sales Channel

Nile’s model is a reflection of the global trend of chat commerce, where messaging platforms combine stores and customer service into a single point. What sets the platform apart in the African market is its ability to formalize informal shopping behaviors that already exist in everyday life on a large scale. Brands and content creators can track interactions that convert into sales when sharing Nile-connected content, seeing which content and creators drive real purchases. This feature addresses the long-standing need for sales measurement in Africa’s growing content creator economy.

Nile’s founder and CEO, Joy Des Fountain, sees the platform as part of a broader transformation in digital retail. Des Fountain highlights that while the content creator community in Africa is highly active, the infrastructure to turn their influence into a revenue-generating structure is lacking. Nile aims to close this gap by making content instantly purchasable and moving the entire sales process to daily messaging apps.

A Ready Market for Social Shopping

Africa is considered one of the fastest-growing social commerce regions in the world. Industry forecasts suggest that the continent’s social commerce market could exceed 9 billion dollars by 2030. Key drivers behind this growth include mobile internet usage and WhatsApp’s central role in daily communication. Over 90% of internet users in South Africa are active on WhatsApp, making it an ideal starting point for Nile’s mobile-first model.

The rise of shopping through social referrals is also linked to Africa’s young, mobile technology-friendly population. In many markets, informal trade already takes place via messaging apps, voice messages, and product photos. Nile’s technology enables these behaviors to be organized and secured without changing them, streamlining payment flows, product catalogs, and delivery processes.

A New Stage in Africa’s Digital Retail

The launch of Nile aligns Africa with the chat commerce trend seen in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. However, the platform’s strategy is fully aligned with the continent’s unique digital habits. By combining discovery, interaction, and purchase into a single chat interface, Nile aims to provide both large brands and independent sellers easier access to online commerce.

In this rapidly evolving era of digital commerce, Ni-le aims to build the infrastructure for Africa’s next retail era. By combining social interaction with the shopping experience, the platform offers a new definition of how consumers shop and how content creators and brands generate online revenue.

Southeast Asia’s E-Commerce Set for 16% Growth as Video Commerce and AI Accelerate

Gulf based e commerce giant Noon is preparing to take delivery speeds in the United Arab Emirates to a new level. The company plans to introduce fully autonomous drone deliveries through its mobile application. The service is expected to significantly shorten delivery times and improve accessibility for customers living in remote areas.

Noon’s drone delivery technology was showcased at DriftX, an international event focused on smart and autonomous systems held during Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week. At the exhibition, Noon Minutes set up an interactive booth where visitors could order food, personal care products and small household items through a touchscreen. Orders were delivered in under 15 minutes by fully autonomous drones. More than 50 successful deliveries were completed over the course of two days.

The demonstration marked the first public showcase of unmanned aerial delivery technology of this scale in the UAE. The system is powered by technology developed by the Technology Innovation Institute, coordinated through SteerAI’s fleet management software, and supported by hardware supplied by LODD.

“We Aim to Build a Faster and More Sustainable Delivery Model”

Noon highlights that autonomous drone delivery has the potential to redefine nationwide accessibility. Drones can reach islands, farms and new residential communities far faster than human couriers, creating an opportunity to reduce delays that often occur in distant or developing areas.

Ali Kafil Hussain, Chief Commercial Officer of Noon, stated that the company aims to build a faster and more sustainable delivery model. He added that the partnership with TII, SteerAI and LODD aligns with the company’s long term logistics vision and reflects Noon’s ambition to set a new benchmark in rapid delivery.

Drone Delivery Option Coming Soon to the Noon App

Engineering teams are currently working to integrate drone delivery into the Noon mobile app. Users will be able to select the drone option at checkout and track their orders in real time. Once launched, Noon plans to maintain a 15 minute delivery promise for eligible products and service areas.

The UAE continues to expand its initiatives supporting autonomous mobility technologies. Government programmes promote innovation in aerial delivery, robotics and smart transportation. Noon’s new service positions the company among the regional pioneers of autonomous last mile logistics and signals a future in which ultra fast drone deliveries may become a standard part of everyday life.

Autonomous Delivery Project Launched in Abu Dhabi in Collaboration with Noon and AutoGo

AliExpress has announced Brand+, a new shopping channel designed to offer UK consumers a wider selection of branded products along with a price-matching guarantee.

Brand+ includes more than 1,500 brands, ranging from well known international labels to emerging names across beauty, electronics, lifestyle and several other categories. Every product within the channel features a Best Price Guarantee, ensuring shoppers receive a competitive deal. Customers who find the same item at a lower price on an approved comparison platform within seven days of purchase are eligible for a refund of the price difference.

Price Matching Becomes More Common Among Global E-Commerce Platforms

Industry analysts note that price matching is becoming an increasingly widespread strategy among global e-commerce platforms, especially as inflationary pressures push consumers toward more comparative shopping behaviour. While major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart also offer similar programmes, AliExpress positions Brand+ as a value-driven environment specifically designed for branded products.

With the launch of Brand+, AliExpress is strengthening its market presence in the United Kingdom while reinforcing a retail strategy built around price transparency on a global scale. Brand+ also provides exclusive limited-edition collections and prize draws through a partnership with POP MART. The company states that these additional benefits offer more flexible saving opportunities for budget-conscious shoppers.

“Brand+ Will Offer Consumers a Wider Selection of Brands at Competitive Prices”

Bonnie Zhao, General Manager of AliExpress UK, said the company continues to enhance customer experience by improving product variety and strengthening price advantages. She added that Brand+ will give consumers access to a significantly broader selection of brands at competitive prices, along with extended seasonal discount opportunities during the winter period.

AliExpress Extends Promotion Period Until December 3

To support peak seasonal shopping, AliExpress has extended its promotion period until December 3. This window includes both the 11.11 Singles Day festival and Black Friday. The platform is offering discounts of up to 80 percent across a wide range of products, and up to 50 percent off selected branded items. Shoppers paying with PayPal can also access an additional 20 percent discount.

“Consumers Are More Likely to Purchase When a Best Price Guarantee Is Offered”

Recent research in the UK shows strong consumer interest in affordable and transparently priced platforms. In a survey of AliExpress users, the majority described the platform as budget friendly, and most said they would recommend it to others. In a broader study of 2,000 adults, nearly half reported that they are more likely to purchase when a best-price guarantee is available, while more than half said they saved over 25 percent on their online purchases in the past year.

Amazon, after launching a dedicated online store for Belgium just three years ago, has rapidly grown to become the country’s second largest online retailer.

Amazon continues to make significant investments to strengthen its influence in the Belgian market. Some of these investments aim to expand Amazon’s distribution center in Hoboken, near Antwerp, to enable same-day delivery. Amazon plans to invest more than 1 billion euros in Belgium between 2025 and 2027.

Amazon’s Logistics Center in Belgium, the Only Online Distribution Center in the Country

Amazon Belgium Country Manager Eva Faict provided important information about Amazon’s investments in the Belgian market and its logistics center. Launched in the fall of 2022, Amazon.com.be now operates the country’s only online distribution center. Faict mentions that approximately 100 people work at this center. Half of the employees are directly employed, while the other half work through temporary agencies, mainly on night shifts. Amazon collaborates with 14 different partner companies to quickly deliver packages from warehouses in Germany and France to customers in Belgium.

Investing in Cargo Bicycles for Same-Day Delivery Services

While Ama zon aims to grow rapidly in Belgium’s e-commerce market, the company is also focusing on offering same-day delivery options. Faict points out that this service will be applied especially to urgently needed products. For example, everyday consumables such as baby diapers or toothpaste will be delivered quickly with same-day delivery. Amazon is investing in its own cargo bicycles to speed up the delivery process in busy cities like Antwerp, aiming to provide environmentally friendly and fast delivery.

Surpassing Coolblue to Take Second Place

While Amazon had a limited market share in Belgium in previous years, it now ranks second in all categories. E-commerce professor Roel Gevaers notes that Amazon has surpassed Coolblue to take second place. However, its Dutch competitor bol continues to lead the Belgian market, generating two and a half times more revenue than Amazon.

Amazon Invests €1B+ in Belgium

Hepsiburada, which has achieved a significant success in Türkiye’s e-commerce sector, sold 22 products per second on November 11, 2025, during its 11.11 campaign. This marks a substantial increase in customer engagement, with platform visits rising by 10% compared to last year.

Hepsiburada reported that the number of orders during the campaign increased by approximately 20%, and 100,000 new users downloaded the Hepsiburada mobile app. The company’s ability to reach such high interest shows the ongoing growth of e-commerce in Türkiye, especially during major shopping events like 11.11.

Mobile Phones Became the Most Viewed Product Category

During the campaign, the most popular products included children’s books, liquid laundry detergents, sports nutrition, cleaning supplies, and personal care products. However, mobile phones became the most viewed product category. Categories such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and home appliances showed rapid growth, while products like pressure cookers and air purifiers were also in high demand.

In the electronics and mobile categories, the most preferred products were smartphones, robot vacuums, and cordless vacuums. Additionally, e-commerce was chosen for gold purchases. In the clothing category, socks and tracksuit sets stood out, while in the sports category, electric scooters, treadmills, and thermoses were popular. In the home and living category, sleep sets and pillows were in demand, while in cosmetics, skincare sets, lip products, and foundations were the most preferred.

Mobile App Takes the Lead in Sales

88% of purchases during the 11.11 campaign were made through the Hepsiburada mobile app, highlighting the growing importance of mobile commerce. Female users were more focused on clothing, essentials, and cosmetics, while male users concentrated on small home appliances, essentials, and health and beauty categories.

Top Shopping Cities: Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir

In addition to major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, Bursa, Kocaeli, and Antalya also showed high shopping rates. In the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, the most purchases were made in the mobile phone category, while the Eastern Anatolia, Southeastern Anatolia, Central Anatolia, Black Sea, and Marmara regions showed more interest in small home appliances.

Hepsiburada Premium Members Played a Significant Role

Hepsiburada Premium members played a crucial role in the success of the campaign, accounting for 70% of all orders. Premium users also made 1.2 times more purchases than regular users, demonstrating the effectiveness of membership-based shopping advantages.

Special Car Sale: Kia Picanto Offered at a Special Price

Going beyond traditional categories, Hepsiburada offered the Kia Picanto for sale at a special price during the 11.11 event. The Kia Picanto, released at 10:00 AM on November 11, was met with significant demand from the start of the campaign. The cars sold out the same day, with the highest demand coming from the three major cities and surrounding areas.

Hepsiburada Continues Campaigns After the Success of 11.11

Following the success of the 11.11 campaign, Hepsiburada is continuing its campaigns throughout November. The company will offer special shopping opportunities in fashion, technology, home & living, supermarket, and personal care categories during E-Commerce Week. In the last week of November, the “Efsane Cuma” (Black Friday) period will start, where users can expect attractive offers across a wide range of products.

Walmart has announced that Doug McMillon, its long-serving CEO, will retire in January 2026 after nearly 12 years at the helm. McMillon, 59, will pass on the role to John Furner, the current CEO of Walmart’s U.S. division. Furner, 51, has been with Walmart for over 30 years and will begin his tenure as CEO on February 1, 2026.

Furner started as an hourly employee at Walmart and quickly rose to become one of the company’s top executives. Since 2019, Furner has led Walmart’s U.S. division, overseeing nearly 4,600 stores, the company’s largest segment. Walmart’s Chairman Greg Penner stated that Furner is the right leader to guide the company into the next phase of growth and transformation.

“John’s deep understanding of every aspect of our business, from store operations to global strategy, and his experience in leading diverse teams, makes him the ideal leader for Walmart,” Penner said.

Walmart Took Significant Steps in E-Commerce Under Doug McMillon’s Leadership

Doug McMillon’s tenure as CEO coincided with significant changes in the retail world. Walmart made substantial strides in e-commerce under his leadership. Navigating through challenges such as global supply chain disruptions, tariff changes, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Doug McMillon also made significant progress in digital commerce. During McMillon’s leadership, Walmart’s stock increased by approximately 300%, showcasing his successful leadership of the company.

“Serving as Walmart’s CEO has been a great honor, and I am grateful to the Board and the Walton family for the opportunity,” Doug McMillon said. “I have worked with John for over 20 years, and I’m confident he will successfully guide the company through the AI-driven transformation ahead.”

John Furner Achieved Many Successes at Walmart

Furner’s appointment comes at a time when the retail industry is undergoing major shifts driven by technology and changing consumer habits. Analysts predict that under Furner’s leadership, Walmart will continue to leverage advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics to enhance both in-store and online shopping experiences. As part of this transformation, Walmart is expected to strengthen its role in the growing online grocery retail market, which faces increasing pressure from competitors like Amazon, Target, and others.

In addition to his career at Walmart, Furner has contributed to various philanthropic efforts, including education and workforce development. He is also a strong advocate for sustainability, pushing Walmart to adopt more environmentally friendly practices across its operations, from supply chain logistics to store operations.

Walmart’s announcement comes at a time when many executives are transitioning in response to the new challenges in the global economy. For McMillon, this decision marks the end of an era, while for Furner, it signifies the beginning of an exciting new chapter in leading the world’s largest retailer.

Given McMillon’s legacy of growth and innovation, all eyes are now on Furner. How Walmart will continue to lead in a rapidly changing retail environment, with AI and digital commerce playing an increasingly central role in the company’s strategy, remains a topic of great interest.

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