Global family offices are tempering their expectations amid rising economic headwinds, according to a recent survey by RBC Wealth Management and Campden Wealth. Nearly half of respondents (48 %) said they are focusing on improving liquidity, while one-third (33 %) are actively de-risking their portfolios.

Key Findings

The survey revealed that family offices identify major near-term risks including:

• U.S. tariff announcements seen as constraining global growth (60 %) Rising inflation (55 %)

• A potential U.S. recession (47 %) Markets Group

Looking two to five years ahead, these offices also flagged concerns such as excessive government borrowing (56 %), on-shoring of supply chains (31 %) and a potential depreciation of the dollar (31 %) as significant structural risks.

Investment-return expectations for 2025 averaged just 5 % — markedly lower than the 11 % average expected in the prior year. About 15 % of respondents anticipate negative returns. Markets Group

Asset-Allocation Shifts

In response to the less-bullish environment, family offices are making tactical shifts:

• A majority (52 %) expect cash or cash-equivalents to deliver the best returns in the next 12 months. Markets Group

• Artificial intelligence remains a top long-term theme, with 75 % of respondents citing it as likely to reward shareholders in the medium term. Clean energy (56 %), growth equities (54 %) and large-cap North American equities (41 %) also featured prominently. Markets Group

• Private markets remain central, with 88 % of offices retaining private-market exposure, but the share of such assets slipped from 30 % to 29 %. Markets Group

Strategic Implications

The mood among family offices has shifted from opportunity-driven growth to caution and preservation. The findings reflect growing recognition of elevated macro and geopolitical risks, combined with more conservative return assumptions. As one research lead at Campden Wealth noted, “family offices have become notably more cautious stewards of capital.” Markets Group

This recalibration has several implications for asset managers and advisors:

• Liquidity-management tools are gaining prominence as families prefer flexibility over commitment in uncertain markets.

• Portfolio construction may lean more toward quality assets and greater diversification — especially in sectors less sensitive to growth cycles.

• Risk-monitoring frameworks will likely strengthen around macro-tail risks, supply-chain dislocations and regulatory transitions.

• The push for innovation (such as AI) continues, but deployment timing, scale and return horizons may be extended.

A More Complex Investment Landscape

Family offices now navigate a more complex set of parameters. Tariffs, inflation, stagflation risks, higher policy-rates and structural shifts in technology and supply chains are all shaping decision-making. The expectation of lower returns is leading many to reassess traditional models of growth-oriented portfolios.

Some strategies emerging in this environment include:

• Higher allocations to liquid assets or short-duration fixed income to preserve optionality.

• Greater focus on thematic and structural plays (e.g., AI, clean energy) rather than cyclical bets.

• Increased emphasis on governance, operational resilience and data-driven decision-making.

• More cautious entry into private markets, given longer investment horizons and exit-path uncertainties.

Outlook

While family offices remain inclined to deploy capital into innovation and private markets, the pace and size of commitments may slow. The shift toward finding “less-risk, more-resilience” in portfolios suggests the next 12-18 months may see incremental rebalancing rather than aggressive expansion.

However, the long-term belief in transformative themes like AI remains strong. For asset-management firms, this environment presents opportunities to service both defensive and growth-oriented mandates tailoring solutions for preservation and innovation simultaneously.

Conclusion

The survey captures a clear pivot in family-office strategy: from optimism about outsized returns to a mindset centered on defence, resilience and prudent growth. As macro-risks rise and expected returns shrink, these institutions are preparing for a slower growth era. Their approach now emphasizes liquidity, diversification and selective exposure — all while keeping a watchful eye on the long-term opportunities that still remain.

Ooredoo Group has announced a strategic partnership with Aduna, a global aggregator of network application-programming interfaces (APIs), to make Ooredoo’s telecom API portfolio available to businesses across the Middle East, North Africa and beyond.

The collaboration allows banks, fintech firms, e-commerce platforms and digital-service providers to integrate directly with Ooredoo’s standardized APIs covering services such as identity verification, SIM-swap, know-your-customer (KYC), payments and communications without needing multiple local integrations or country-specific agreements.

Strategic Rationale

For Ooredoo, this alliance marks a key step in its strategy to monetise network capabilities via the burgeoning global API economy. Chris­tian Werner, Group Chief Strategy Officer and Acting Chief Commercial Officer at Ooredoo, said: “With this collaboration we are turning network intelligence into practical business value. Businesses can now plug Ooredoo APIs into their platforms and deliver safer, faster and more innovative digital services to customers wherever they are.”

By linking its network capabilities with Aduna’s global aggregation layer—and building on standards defined by the GSMA’s CAMARA initiative—Ooredoo aims to remove complexity for enterprise customers, accelerate time-to-market for embedded telecom services, and expand its role beyond a traditional operator into a digital-platform partner. PR Newswire

What the Partnership Offers

The partnership will provide a unified developer experience through Aduna’s platform, enabling access to Ooredoo’s telecom API suite across markets. Key benefits include:

• Reduced integration overhead for enterprises: rather than negotiating multiple carrier agreements, companies access a standardized API layer once.

• Faster product launches: fintechs or e-commerce firms can deploy identity or payment workflows leveraging Ooredoo’s network-level services.

• Cross-border scale: enterprises operating across MENA and globally can use one API connection rather than reinventing local connectivity each country.

• New revenue models for the operator: Ooredoo can monetise network assets by licensing them via APIs and sharing in innovation built on its infrastructure.

Anthony Bartolo, CEO of Aduna, described the move as “a milestone for the global network-API economy,” highlighting that the collaboration expands Aduna’s regional footprint and enhances the ability of enterprises to innovate at scale. PR Newswire

Market Context and Implications

The telecom industry is being reshaped by open APIs, platform-economy models and embedded connectivity services. Traditionally, network features like SIM-swap or carrier-billing were only available to large operators or tightly controlled ecosystems. By opening these capabilities via standard APIs, operators like Ooredoo seek to participate in new value chains built by fintechs, commerce platforms and digital-service providers.

In this context, the collaboration enables Ooredoo to compete in domains beyond connectivity such as identity-as-a-service, cross-border payments, and embedded communications. For enterprises, it reduces friction, accelerates digital-service development and makes telecom services a plug-and-play module within their offering.

Execution and Roll-Out

The integration of Ooredoo APIs into Aduna’s global platform will be rolled out across Ooredoo’s operating companies through 2027, according to the announcement. Initial phases are expected to involve enterprise onboarding, developer-tooling support, joint innovation labs and sector-specific use cases. PR Newswire

Technical and commercial readiness are both in focus: enterprises will gain access to secure APIs, global documentation, dashboards for monitoring, and standardised SLAs. Ooredoo will align its carriers to the CAMARA open-gateway framework, facilitating interoperability with other networks and platforms.

Challenges and Considerations

While promising, the initiative must overcome several challenges:

• Regulatory diver­sity across markets may require localisation of compliance, data-sovereignty, privacy and telecom-licensing rules.

• Commercial models must balance operator margins with competitive pricing for enterprises seeking API access.

• Developer ecosystem maturity is essential: enterprises must adopt the APIs, build meaningful services and scale usage to justify the operator investment.

• Operational readiness: carriers must ensure APIs are reliable, performant and secure at scale across geographies.

Outlook

The partnership between Ooredoo and Aduna positions both companies at the cutting edge of telecom-for-commerce. If executed well, it could accelerate the embedding of connectivity and network-services into digital-business workflows, enabling new services in finance, commerce, identity, IoT and mobility.

For Ooredoo, it opens a path to capture value beyond the subscriber connection moving into platform services and ecosystem revenues. For enterprises, it offers a streamlined route to deploy telecom-native capabilities across markets.

Conclusion

The agreement between Ooredoo Group and Aduna represents a strategic leap in network innovation. By making operator-native APIs accessible via a global aggregation platform, the collaboration unlocks possibilities for enterprise digital-services, cross-border commerce, embedded connectivity and fintech integration. As the telecom industry evolves into a services-and-platforms era, operators who enable developer ecosystems and partner with global aggregators may redefine their role and capture new sources of value.

Türkiye has introduced new restrictions on the import of certain “high-risk” products arriving through e-commerce channels such as postal shipments and express couriers. The Ministry of Trade announced that the measure aims to strengthen product-safety controls and align online imports with national consumer-protection and quality-assurance standards. The new regulation targets three key categories: footwear, toys, and leather accessories (saraciye).
(cnnturk.com)

According to the Ministry, these categories have shown repeated violations in safety labeling, certification, and quality compliance. The surge in low-cost, uncertified imports via e-commerce channels has prompted authorities to tighten inspections at the border, especially for parcels entering Türkiye under simplified customs procedures.

Why These Products Are Classified as High Risk

Footwear, toys, and leather goods were selected based on cumulative inspection data and risk assessments. Officials explained that these categories have demonstrated frequent non-compliance with Turkish standards, including missing CE markings, hazardous chemical content, and inadequate consumer labeling.

Many imported items, particularly those shipped directly to consumers via international online platforms, were found to lack documentation that certifies compliance with local health and safety requirements. In the case of toys, tests revealed potential chemical and mechanical hazards, while footwear often failed labeling and origin verification rules.

The Ministry stated that while e-commerce has accelerated cross-border trade, it has also increased the inflow of unverified products. The goal of the new measure is not to curb trade but to ensure consumer protection and a fair competitive environment for domestic manufacturers and authorized importers.

Details of the New Regulation

Under the new policy framework, express-courier and postal shipments of the three high-risk product categories will be subject to additional customs scrutiny and, in certain cases, outright import restrictions. Specific provisions include:

• Prohibiting the shipment of footwear, toys, and leather accessories through simplified customs or unregistered courier channels.

• Requiring verified importer identification and Turkish-language labeling for all consumer-facing goods entering the country.

• Enforcing conformity assessments for product-safety documentation before release from customs.

• Implementing the right to confiscate or destroy non-compliant items at the border.

Authorities also emphasized that even promotional or sample products sold to Turkish consumers online are legally considered retail imports and must comply with national labeling, pricing, and warranty regulations.

The Trade Ministry underlined that the new system will leverage existing risk-analysis algorithms to identify suspicious shipments, combining electronic data with manual inspection protocols.

Implications for the Market

The restrictions are expected to have several major impacts on the Turkish e-commerce ecosystem. For domestic producers and officially licensed importers, the move may level the playing field by reducing the influx of cheaper, uncertified foreign products. In turn, local manufacturers could gain market share and improved pricing power.

For e-commerce platforms and sellers, compliance obligations will increase. Online marketplaces will need to review their vendor-registration systems, enforce certification requirements, and ensure that products offered for Turkish consumers meet the applicable national standards.

Consumers may experience short-term effects such as reduced product variety or slight price increases, but authorities argue that these will be offset by higher product quality and safety over time.

The policy also strengthens traceability within the supply chain. Logistics firms and courier companies will be required to share shipment data with customs systems and to verify that imported parcels meet regulatory conditions before delivery.

Implementation Challenges

Experts caution that while the regulation addresses a real safety concern, its effectiveness will depend on implementation capacity. The growing volume of small parcels entering through express delivery and postal networks poses a significant operational challenge for customs authorities.

Enhancing inspection capability and deploying more sophisticated data-tracking systems will be essential to monitor compliance efficiently. Smaller logistics firms may also face difficulties adapting to the new reporting and verification requirements.

Another challenge lies in changing consumer habits. Many Turkish consumers have grown accustomed to purchasing low-cost imported goods from international e-commerce platforms. Authorities may need to communicate the rationale for the new policy clearly to prevent confusion or dissatisfaction.

In the long term, the policy may drive platforms to establish local warehouses and partnerships to ensure proper labeling and certification before products are sold to customers in Turkey.

Broader Policy Context

The restriction aligns with Turkey’s broader digital-commerce strategy, which seeks to balance rapid e-commerce growth with consumer-protection and product-safety priorities. In recent years, the government has strengthened oversight of online marketplaces, focusing on transparency, fair competition, and traceable supply chains.

The new measure also supports industrial policy objectives by reinforcing domestic production standards and reducing unfair competition from non-compliant imports. As Turkey deepens its trade relationships with the EU and other partners, aligning e-commerce practices with international safety and conformity frameworks is becoming increasingly important.

Analysts view the move as part of a global trend: governments worldwide are re-examining cross-border e-commerce rules to address safety, taxation, and consumer-protection challenges. The EU, for instance, has recently implemented similar measures for imported toys and electronics sold via online platforms.

Expected Outcomes

If effectively implemented, the new regulation could enhance consumer confidence in products sold through e-commerce channels and strengthen domestic manufacturing resilience. Retail analysts predict that Turkish producers and distributors that already comply with safety standards will benefit most.

The policy is also expected to encourage global platforms like Amazon, AliExpress, and Temu to localize compliance processes for the Turkish market — for instance, by verifying sellers, requiring Turkish-language product information, and maintaining local return channels.

In addition, the Trade Ministry’s plan to expand the list of monitored categories may further institutionalize safety oversight in the digital-retail sector. Future extensions could include electronics, cosmetics, and small home appliances — all of which pose potential consumer risks if uncertified.

Conclusion

Türkiye’s decision to restrict high-risk product imports through e-commerce marks an important step toward ensuring product safety and fair market competition. While it may initially challenge global sellers and local logistics providers, the policy ultimately aims to protect consumers and promote quality assurance in the country’s rapidly expanding online-retail sector.

Its success will depend on the balance between enforcement and efficiency — ensuring that the flow of legitimate trade continues smoothly while unsafe or uncertified goods are effectively screened out. Over time, this measure could position Turkey as one of the region’s leaders in regulated, safe, and sustainable e-commerce.

Amazon has introduced an ultra-fast delivery service in the United Arab Emirates promising orders to arrive within 15 minutes, marking a major shift in the country’s e-commerce fulfilment landscape. According to multiple regional reports, the service kicks off in select Dubai neighbourhoods and is aimed at grocery and essential-goods shoppers.

At launch, the service branded “Amazon Now” is available in neighbourhoods including Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Marina, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Jumeirah Lakes Towers. It operates daily from 7 a.m. to midnight and is currently limited to Prime members. Orders over AED 25 qualify for free delivery. Entrepreneur+2Time Out Dubai+2

Strategic Motives and Market Implications

By rolling out a 15-minute delivery promise, Amazon is aggressively targeting convenience-driven consumers in the UAE’s urban centres. Analysts say this move is designed to raise the bar for last-mile fulfilment in a region where demand for instant gratification and mobile-first shopping continues to grow. Leveraging dark-store fulfilment nodes and optimised routing, Amazon aims to shrink delivery windows and boost order frequency.

Fast delivery also allows Amazon to compete more directly with regional rivals such as Noon, which has already deployed similar express-delivery services. As one Dubai resident on a public forum observed:

“The 15 mins delivery service has been rolled out; Amazon is setting up dark stores across Dubai just like Noon to cater the 15 mins market.” Reddit

Amazon’s investment in ultra-fast delivery could reshape consumer behaviour in the UAE, making impulse orders and immediate replenishment of items the new norm. The retailer stands to drive higher basket size and customer loyalty by reducing friction from choice to doorstep.

Operational Considerations

Implementing 15-minute delivery requires fulfilment infrastructure located close to dense residential clusters, rapid picking systems and robust delivery fleets. The neighbourhoods chosen reflect high-density, high-income zones suited to premium delivery service economics. The service’s success may hinge on maintaining delivery accuracy amid traffic, weather conditions and peak-demand surges.

Consumers must also meet membership criteria (Prime) and minimum order thresholds (AED 25) to access the service. As Amazon expands coverage, the company will need to build out dark-store networks, manage delivery-partner logistics and avoid delivery-cost blow-outs that could erode margins.

Challenges and Sustainability

Ultra-short delivery windows may raise concerns around operational sustainability and environmental impact. Delivery fleets making more frequent short-haul trips could increase traffic congestion and emissions unless offset by route optimisation or e-vehicles. For neighbourhoods outside initial pilot zones, reaching a 15-minute promise may be unviable without new micro-fulfilment centres or enhanced logistics partnerships.

Consumer expectations may also escalate; delays in promised time windows could harm brand reputation. Amazon will need to monitor service performance closely and scale thoughtfully before nationwide rollout.

Outlook

Looking ahead, the 15-minute delivery service in the UAE positions Amazon as a key innovator in Gulf-region e-commerce. Should the model prove successful, Amazon may extend the service to other emirates and product categories beyond essentials. For retail competitors and logistics firms, the initiative signals further acceleration of fulfilment expectations and may spur further investment in micro-fulfilment and rapid-delivery infrastructure.

Conclusion

Amazon’s introduction of a 15-minute delivery option in the UAE conveys its strategic commitment to speed, convenience and local responsiveness. As urban consumers increasingly demand instant access to goods, Amazon’s rapid-delivery service may redefine e-commerce norms in the Gulf region and force incumbents to raise their fulfilment game.

A new study released by TikTok reveals a paradigm shift in how consumers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) discover and purchase products. According to the findings, 77 percent of respondents reported discovering new products on TikTok, and 69 percent said they are more receptive to advertising on TikTok than on other platforms.

The research, published by Arab News, highlights that the upcoming fourth quarter traditionally a peak shopping season has transformed from short bursts of activity into sustained engagement. Data shows that 34 percent of purchases happen in October, 39 percent in November and 27 percent in December among surveyed users.

Discovery over Traditional Advertising

TikTok’s value in the region appears to lie less in its role as a direct marketplace and more in its ability to drive product discovery and influence. The platform’s short-form videos, creator-led content and algorithmic feed place new products in front of users during everyday scrolling turning discovery into a seamless part of the shopping journey.

According to Aref Yehia, head of business partnerships for retail and e-commerce at TikTok MENA, “TikTok drives impact at every stage of the shopping journey, starting with discovery and continuing through purchase and post-purchase advocacy.”

The Impact on Brands and Retailers

For brands operating in MENA, these findings suggest a fundamental recalibration of marketing strategy. Rather than relying solely on traditional display advertising or large-scale promotions during major sales events, brands need to think in terms of content creation, influencer partnerships and humanised messaging. TikTok’s advantage lies in its dynamic engagement model—users are open to seeing ads and reacting to them in-the-moment.

Brands will likely need to create campaigns optimised for discovery rather than conversion alone—short, visually compelling videos that prompt users to explore rather than click through. The regional data implies that campaigns with viral potential may outperform legacy methods of driving traffic.

Evolution of Shopping Behaviour in MENA

The MENA region’s online consumer behaviour appears to be shifting toward more fluid and continuous shopping patterns. While global trends often reflect sharp spikes during events like Singles’ Day or Black Friday, this study shows MENA consumers spreading their purchases across the quarter. Nearly two-thirds (66 percent) of respondents said they shop outside major retail-event windows. Arab News PK+1

This diffusion of purchasing behaviour presents both opportunity and challenge for retailers. On one hand, demand is less event-driven and more consistent; on the other hand, maintaining engagement and conversion becomes a matter of constant presence rather than episodic campaigns.

Emerging Opportunities for Platforms and Ecosystems

TikTok’s growing role in the shopping journey opens the door to several strategic opportunities:

• Creator-led commerce: Brands can partner with influencers to embed product experiences into the feed, enhancing authenticity and relevance.

• In-app shopping flows: With commerce features built into TikTok, brands may bypass traditional browsers and marketplaces altogether.

• Data-driven content strategy: Understanding what content drives discovery and recommendation can yield better-targeted campaigns and higher conversion rates over time.

In MENA, where mobile adoption and social engagement are high, TikTok’s model is particularly powerful, allowing brands to meet consumers where they spend time, rather than redirecting them to another channel.

Challenges and Strategic Considerations

While the emergence of TikTok as a discovery channel presents new possibilities, brands must still navigate traditional challenges. Product fulfilment, logistics, payment infrastructure and consumer trust remain central to converting discovery into purchase. A brand that goes viral but fails to deliver a quality experience risks reputational damage.

Moreover, content that converts in one market may not translate in another due to cultural nuances. Brands in MENA must account for language, local relevance and regional regulations when crafting TikTok campaigns. The study’s insights emphasise that openness to ads does not guarantee conversion unless the experience aligns with local expectations.

Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

As MENA’s digital commerce ecosystem evolves, discovery-led shopping is likely to become a dominant trend. Brands that build content-rich, mobile-first strategies and align their fulfilment infrastructure accordingly will gain advantage. The temporary spikes of event-based retail may give way to continuous engagement models underpinned by platforms like TikTok.

Retailers and marketplaces may need to adapt their value-proposition: presence on TikTok feeds might become as essential as presence in search engines. Meanwhile, logistics providers and payment platforms will need to keep pace with increased mobile-driven demand and shorter conversion cycles.

Conclusion

The Arab News-published study underscores a significant pivot in the MENA shopping journey: one where discovery, mobile engagement and creator-driven content lead consumer behaviour. TikTok is no longer just an entertainment platform—it is shaping how products are found, considered and purchased across the region. For brands and retailers operating in MENA, this shift demands rapid adaptation to a channel where attention is earned, not bought.

According to new data from YouGov, Thailand’s e-commerce landscape remains firmly dominated by Shopee and Lazada, as 66 % of Thai consumers say they would recommend Shopee to friends and family, followed by 52 % for Lazada. The findings suggest that, despite the arrival of new competitors like TikTok Shop, the two established‐platforms continue to hold strong consumer trust and advocacy in Southeast Asia’s digital economy.

The YouGov data draws from the BrandIndex and Profiles tools, which track consumer perceptions of brands through regular online survey responses in Thailand. For the period covering August 2024 to October 2025, the BrandIndex score for Shopee stood at 60 points up four points year-on-year while Lazada registered 45 points, showing a six-point decline in the same period. TikTok Shop entered the rankings for the first time with a score of 43. YouGov

Dominance of Localized Experience

The strong performance of Shopee and Lazada can be attributed to their deep localization strategies in Thailand. Shopee, owned by Singapore-based Sea Group, has emphasized mobile-first shopping, local language support, and community campaigns that resonate with Thai consumers. Lazada, backed by China’s Alibaba Group, leverages robust logistics and a broad brand portfolio tailored to the Thai market.

YouGov’s findings show that Thai consumers prioritise three key attributes when recommending an e-commerce platform: perceived value, service reliability and brand reputation. Shopee scored highest on value and recommendation, while Lazada maintained a slight edge in logistics performance and trust. The gap between first and second remains significant in a competitive market.

New Entrants Shake the Landscape

Although Shopee and Lazada remain at the top, the YouGov data also highlights the emergence of new players disrupting the Thai online market. TikTok Shop, having entered Thailand in 2022, now holds a 47 % recommendation rate, marking a notable rise for a newcomer.

The increase of TikTok Shop signals the growing influence of social-commerce experiences combining short-video content, influencer marketing and in-app purchasing. While TikTok Shop’s brand health score still trails the market leaders, its rapid entry into consumer consciousness poses a longer-term challenge to established platforms.

Market Growth and Consumer Behaviour

YouGov’s report coincides with broader market trends: Thailand’s e-commerce sector grew by approximately 14 % in 2024, reaching 1.1 trillion baht, up from 980 billion baht in 2023. Projections suggest the market could grow further to 1.6 trillion baht by 2027.

Mobile shopping remains central to this growth. With smartphone penetration already high in Thailand and digital payments becoming more accessible, e-commerce platforms are adapting with mobile-optimized apps, live-streaming integrations and localized fulfilment networks. Shopee and Lazada have both invested heavily in user-experience improvements, flash-sale events and seller-training programmes.

Implications for Brands and Retailers

For global and regional brands, the YouGov findings reinforce the importance of platform selection and consumer perception in Thailand. With 66 % of consumers willing to recommend Shopee, brand exposure and user-experience become critical differentiators. Similarly, Lazada’s strong logistics reputation continues to appeal to consumers seeking reliability.

New entrants such as TikTok Shop must build not only reach but also brand advocacy to compete over the longer term. According to YouGov’s methodology, recommendation metrics correlate with repeat purchases and long-term loyalty. A high “recommend” score therefore signals not only current preference, but future retention potential.

Challenges Ahead

Despite strong rankings, Shopee and Lazada face challenges. Lazada’s six-point drop in BrandIndex indicates pressure from newer rivals and possibly shifting consumer expectations. Shopee must guard against over-reliance on discounts and flash-sales, which may erode margins and long-term customer loyalty.

Emerging platforms must navigate fulfillment inefficiencies, customer-service gaps and local regulatory environments. TikTok Shop, for example, may struggle to match the logistical infrastructure of the incumbents, yet its strength lies in immersive content and social engagement. For all platforms, the ability to integrate multi-channel shopping experiences and handle returns, payments and fulfillment in the Thai context will remain a key battleground.

The Road Ahead

Thailand’s e-commerce market is poised for further evolution. As consumer behaviour shifts toward mobile, social and content-driven commerce, platforms that invest in experience, trust and speed will maintain their advantage. Shopee and Lazada appear well-positioned for now, but the growing importance of influencer-led commerce and live-shopping events means that the competitive landscape could change significantly over the next 12 to 24 months.

For retailers and brands operating in or entering the Thai market, aligning with the right platform increasingly means aligning with local consumer sentiment, logistical reliability and mobile-first design. The YouGov data shows that brand perception in the platform category remains a key differentiator.

Conclusion

The YouGov ranking confirms that Shopee and Lazada continue to lead Thailand’s e-commerce sector in terms of consumer recommendation and brand advocacy. Their strong performance underscores the value of localized strategies, reliable service and consumer trust in a fast-growing digital market. At the same time, the emergence of TikTok Shop and other newer platforms signals that the next wave of competition will be defined not just by price and logistics, but by mobile-first engagement, content-driven shopping and ecosystem innovation.

Global retail giant Walmart is set to enter South Africa’s e-commerce market at scale, with plans to launch a dedicated mobile shopping app in partnership with its local subsidiary Massmart. The forthcoming service will allow South African consumers to shop online for groceries, liquor, and a curated selection of general merchandise, marking Walmart’s most significant digital initiative in the country to date. The South African+1

Massmart confirmed that the Walmart-branded app will deliver an omnichannel experience, enabling customers to browse, purchase and receive orders from Walmart’s first branded stores in South Africa. Integration of Walmart’s global technological capabilities with Massmart’s locally developed pick, pack and delivery systems is central to the strategy.

Strategic Shift for Walmart in South Africa

The launch of the e-shopping app comes as Walmart moves beyond its traditional role in South Africa through Massmart’s established brands such as Makro, Game and Builders Warehouse. While Massmart has operated under Walmart’s majority ownership since 2011, this initiative represents Walmart’s direct digital retail offering in the market.

According to MyBroadband, the new Walmart app is being positioned not merely as a rebranding of existing operations but as a distinct digital platform intended to replicate the advanced tech-driven experience found in Walmart’s home market. Features such as an uncluttered interface, integrated global logistics frameworks and high-speed fulfilment are slated to underpin the service.

What Consumers Can Expect

The app’s functionality will include access to groceries, liquor and general merchandise via a streamlined mobile interface. While exact delivery times and pricing models have yet to be finalised, Massmart has indicated a mix of delivery vehicles including motorcycles and larger vans will be used to optimise urban fulfilment. In the United States, Walmart’s “Express” service has enabled deliveries in as little as five minutes post-payment; the South African app will adapt those capabilities to local conditions.

One notable feature is the inclusion of driver-friendly amenities such as rest areas where delivery riders can recharge phones and take breaks to support the logistics workforce and ensure reliable service. This attention to operational detail reflects the application of global models to local infrastructure. MyBroadband

Market Context and Competitive Landscape

South Africa’s online retail sector is growing rapidly, backed by increasing internet penetration, mobile adoption and consumer preference for convenience. With incumbent platforms such as Takealot, as well as the recent launch of Amazon in the market, competition is intensifying. Analysts view Walmart’s move via its app as a major challenge to existing players and possibly a disruptor in pricing, fulfillment speed and omnichannel reach. Reuters

Walmart’s “Every Day Low Prices” (EDLP) strategy is expected to underpin the app’s value proposition in South Africa. Massmart indicated that this pricing model will be central to its offering, aiming to deliver consistent affordability to cost-conscious shoppers.

Implementation and Roll-Out Plans

The first Walmart-branded store in South Africa is expected to open at Fourways Mall later this year, with the mobile app launch closely aligned with the physical store roll-out. Massmart has described this as part of the same experience online ordering, delivery, and ultimately in-store pickup or fulfilment services.

While exact launch dates and delivery coverage areas remain unconfirmed, industry watchers regard South Africa as a key growth target for Walmart’s international digital ambitions. The company’s careful integration of global and local systems aims to position it for long-term market penetration rather than a short-term entry.

Operational Challenges and Considerations

Despite the promising outlook, successfully executing a full-scale mobile‐first retail platform in South Africa faces challenges. Logistics infrastructure must support urban and township delivery, consumer trust must be built for a new brand offering, and pricing expectations must balance affordability and profitability. As one local forum user noted:

“If the online experience is anything like Makro’s, we’ll see where the challenge lies.”

Moreover, the decision to integrate motorcycles alongside vans for fulfilment suggests that urban delivery congestion and infrastructure are key considerations. Building driver rest-zones and ensuring efficient routing are part of Walmart’s localisation strategy.

Impact on South African Retail Ecosystem

For South African consumers, the arrival of Walmart’s app signals a potential shift in pricing and delivery dynamics. Established retailers may face increased pressure to improve their digital offerings, showrooms and last-mile operations. For local suppliers, the app and related store network may open new channels, particularly if Walmart follows through on its commitment to partner with South African entrepreneurs and source locally.

The move also reflects broader global retail trends where e-commerce and omnichannel platforms are increasingly merging physical presence with digital infrastructure. Walmart’s technology-enabled approach in South Africa could serve as a model for other markets in Africa, where the integration of mobile apps, logistics networks and retail real estate is still developing.

Looking Ahead

In the medium term, success will depend on Walmart’s ability to deliver a competitive digital shopping experience that resonates with South African consumers. Key metrics will include app adoption, delivery performance, pricing perception, and the ability to scale genre-specific product assortments (groceries, liquor, general merchandise).

If Walmart can replicate its U.S. e-commerce model in South Africa, the implications are significant: faster deliveries, heavier reliance on mobile-first shopping, and intensified competition on value. The timing and speed of rollout will be critical as rival platforms continue to evolve their own offerings.

Conclusion

Walmart’s push into South Africa through its mobile app and branded stores signals a bold commitment to digital retail in an increasingly competitive market. By blending global technology with local fulfilment strategies, the company aims to redefine how South Africans shop online  and how quickly they receive goods.

With affordability, convenience and local partner integration at its core, the upcoming launch could transform the country’s online retail landscape. For consumers, suppliers and competitors alike, the countdown to Walmart’s app release marks a key moment in South Africa’s e-commerce evolution.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its 2025 growth forecast for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAP) region, projecting moderate but uneven economic expansion across member countries. The new figures highlight diverging trends among oil exporters, reform-oriented economies, and conflict-affected states, reflecting a complex landscape shaped by fluctuating energy prices, geopolitical tensions, and domestic reform agendas.

According to the IMF, the overall regional outlook shows cautious optimism, with several economies expected to rebound from subdued growth in 2024. The United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia are among the top performers, while nations such as Yemen and Iraq face continued structural and political headwinds that constrain output.

(IMF.org)

Mixed Performance Across MENAP Economies

The IMF’s updated World Economic Outlook projects growth rates for 2025 as follows:

• Algeria: 3.4%

• Egypt: 4.3%

• Iran: 0.6%

• Iraq: 0.5%

• Jordan: 2.7%

• Kuwait: 2.6%

• Morocco: 4.4%

• Pakistan: 2.7%

• Qatar: 2.9%

• Saudi Arabia: 4.0%

• Somalia: 3.0%

• Sudan: 3.2%

• United Arab Emirates: 4.8%

• Yemen: -1.5%

The figures indicate that while the region’s average growth remains positive, the disparity between energy-rich economies and those grappling with inflation or political instability continues to widen.

Gulf Economies Lead Regional Recovery

The IMF report underscores that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies will remain the primary growth engines of MENAP in 2025. The United Arab Emirates, projected to grow by 4.8%, is expected to lead the region thanks to ongoing diversification initiatives, robust non-oil activity, and strong tourism and real estate performance.

Saudi Arabia follows closely with an estimated 4.0% expansion, reflecting a gradual recovery in oil production and sustained non-oil growth under Vision 2030 reforms. The IMF notes that Riyadh’s continued investment in infrastructure, digital transformation, and logistics hubs is underpinning a more balanced economic structure.

Qatar, with a 2.9% forecast, is also set to maintain steady growth supported by the expansion of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector and strong fiscal buffers. Kuwait (2.6%) and Oman (not listed in this dataset but expected around the same range) are likewise benefiting from fiscal prudence and moderate oil prices that remain above pre-pandemic averages.

North African Outlook: Morocco and Egypt Shine

In North Africa, Morocco and Egypt are projected to outperform their regional peers. Morocco’s economy is expected to grow by 4.4% in 2025, driven by a strong agricultural season, recovering exports, and increased foreign investment in renewable energy and automotive manufacturing. The IMF credits Rabat’s structural reforms and diversified economy as key factors contributing to its resilience.

Egypt’s growth projection of 4.3% reflects gradual stabilization following a challenging year marked by currency depreciation and inflationary pressure. The IMF anticipates that reforms in fiscal policy, improved foreign exchange flexibility, and support from international partners will restore confidence in Egypt’s economy.

Algeria, another major North African economy, is forecast to grow by 3.4% slightly below Morocco but still robust. The expansion is supported by hydrocarbon exports and state-led infrastructure investments. However, the IMF warns that overreliance on energy revenues and limited private sector diversification could pose medium-term risks.

South and East of the Region: Uneven Recovery

Pakistan is expected to post modest growth of 2.7% in 2025, as macroeconomic stabilization measures begin to take effect following years of fiscal imbalances and currency pressures. The IMF emphasizes the importance of structural reforms and energy sector modernization to sustain growth momentum.

Jordan, with a forecast of 2.7%, remains on a steady but fragile recovery path. The IMF report points to continued dependence on remittances and external aid, while also highlighting improvements in tourism and foreign investment.

Sudan and Somalia, both facing internal instability, are expected to register growth rates of 3.2% and 3.0% respectively. These figures reflect limited recovery from conflict and drought conditions but remain below the regional average.

Yemen, however, remains the region’s weakest performer with a projected contraction of 1.5%, largely due to protracted conflict and a collapsing infrastructure base that continues to constrain economic activity.

Iran and Iraq Struggle Amid External Pressures

Iran’s growth forecast of just 0.6% reflects persistent sanctions, low investment inflows, and weak consumer confidence. The IMF also notes that inflationary pressures and currency depreciation are undermining household purchasing power. Without significant reforms or easing of external constraints, Tehran’s growth potential will likely remain limited.

Iraq, projected at 0.5%, continues to face difficulties balancing its oil-dependent economy with ongoing political uncertainty and public sector challenges. Oil output constraints, coupled with limited private sector diversification, are expected to cap economic gains in the short term.

Structural and Policy Factors

Across the MENAP region, the IMF underscores the importance of economic diversification and fiscal sustainability. Oil-exporting countries are being urged to channel energy revenues into productive investments such as technology, manufacturing, and green energy to mitigate the long-term risks of fluctuating oil prices.

Meanwhile, non-oil economies like Egypt, Jordan, and Pakistan are advised to focus on fiscal consolidation, monetary stability, and private-sector development to build resilience against external shocks. The report also highlights that inflation remains a concern in several countries, particularly those dependent on food and fuel imports.

Global Context

The IMF’s projections are released at a time of global economic uncertainty marked by slower trade, tightening financial conditions, and geopolitical volatility. For MENAP countries, these headwinds are compounded by regional challenges such as water scarcity, youth unemployment, and uneven access to capital.

Nonetheless, the IMF remains cautiously optimistic that structural reform momentum in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Morocco will sustain medium-term growth. Continued foreign investment, especially in renewable energy and digital transformation, is seen as key to regional stability.

Conclusion

The 2025 IMF forecast for the MENAP region paints a picture of cautious recovery one marked by stark differences between countries moving toward modernization and those still grappling with instability. While the Gulf states continue to lead with strong fiscal buffers and reform-driven growth, nations such as Yemen, Iraq, and Iran face significant economic headwinds.

Ultimately, the IMF emphasizes that sustained growth in MENAP will depend on three factors: political stability, economic diversification, and effective policy execution. As the global economy adapts to post-pandemic realities and energy transitions, the region’s ability to innovate and integrate will determine its long-term trajectory.

Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai’s ruling family, has established Inma Emirates Holdings — a new private investment and development company designed to expand his portfolio of impact-driven and sustainable projects across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. The new entity will focus on long-term value creation through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and real estate.
(zawya.com)

According to the announcement, the name Inma derives from the Arabic root “N-M-A,” meaning “growth” — a reflection of the company’s philosophy of sustainable progress and positive social impact. Inma Emirates Holdings will serve as a consolidation platform for Sheikh Ahmed’s diverse portfolio of ventures and investments, transforming previously independent initiatives into an integrated, institutional structure that aligns business objectives with national development goals.

Vision for Sustainable Investment

The creation of Inma Emirates Holdings represents Sheikh Ahmed’s broader vision of bridging private enterprise with government-aligned development agendas. The company’s mission is to identify and deliver projects that combine commercial returns with measurable social and environmental outcomes.

The holding’s operations will focus on three pillars — infrastructure, technology, and real estate — sectors that the leadership sees as essential to achieving sustainable growth. Under this strategy, Inma Emirates Holdings will pursue public-private partnerships, long-term concessions, and equity participation models that balance profitability with purpose.

In a statement, Sheikh Ahmed highlighted that the company was established to institutionalize family-office investments and scale them through international partnerships. “Our objective is to catalyze progress through innovation, collaboration, and impact,” he said. “Inma Emirates Holdings embodies Dubai’s spirit of ambition and its commitment to building a sustainable future that benefits communities globally.”

Focus Areas and Current Portfolio

Inma’s investment strategy will initially target projects with tangible long-term impact, particularly those aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Early examples of Sheikh Ahmed’s current portfolio include a 50-year concession agreement for operations at Karachi Port Trust in Pakistan, developed in partnership with Abu Dhabi Ports; a 36.6 MW power project in Equatorial Guinea; and investment in Talent Plus, a UAE-based digital economy enterprise supporting regional innovation.

These initiatives exemplify Inma Emirates Holdings’ approach: investing in ventures that generate economic returns while delivering real developmental benefits such as employment creation, infrastructure resilience, and digital inclusion.

The company also plans to explore clean-energy projects, smart-city initiatives, and digital infrastructure developments across Africa and South Asia, positioning itself as a cross-regional catalyst for sustainable economic transformation.

Institutional Framework and Governance

Inma Emirates Holdings is structured with a clear governance model emphasizing accountability, transparency, and long-term strategic alignment. Investment committees will oversee project evaluation based on predefined performance indicators such as operational efficiency, social value creation, and environmental impact.

Each project will be assessed not only for financial viability but also for its contribution to broader societal goals — including education, sustainability, and community development. The holding intends to measure results through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as job creation, income generation, emissions reduction, and quality-of-life improvements.

By combining disciplined financial management with purpose-driven investment criteria, Inma Emirates Holdings seeks to redefine what responsible capital can achieve in emerging and frontier markets.

Strategic Role in Dubai’s Development Vision

The establishment of Inma Emirates Holdings reflects Dubai’s commitment to supporting enterprises that align private wealth with public progress. As Sheikh Ahmed’s flagship investment platform, Inma complements the UAE’s broader economic diversification efforts under Vision 2031 — the national agenda aimed at fostering sustainability, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Industry observers note that the timing of Inma’s launch coincides with an increasing regional focus on impact investment and ESG-aligned capital deployment. Gulf investors are channeling greater resources into sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology ecosystems that enhance long-term resilience and attract international collaboration.

By combining business and government cooperation within a unified structure, Inma Emirates Holdings positions itself as both a regional and international player in the expanding field of sustainable finance.

Core Values and Philosophy

Inma Emirates Holdings is built on four guiding principles: foresight, collaboration, responsibility, and adaptability. These values will shape the company’s investment selection process and operational culture, ensuring that growth is balanced with ethical stewardship.

The holding emphasizes inclusivity, aiming to empower local communities wherever it operates. Sheikh Ahmed’s statement stressed that “sustainability must not only be an economic objective but a social duty.” The company’s governance framework ensures that environmental and community considerations are embedded in every investment decision.

Regional and Global Partnerships

Inma Emirates Holdings intends to build strategic alliances with international investors, financial institutions, and development organizations. Through partnerships with global entities, the company aims to mobilize capital for projects that deliver shared value — enhancing infrastructure resilience, enabling digital transformation, and fostering knowledge transfer.

The company’s geographic focus extends from the Gulf region to emerging markets in Africa and South Asia, where infrastructure gaps and technology adoption challenges present high-impact opportunities. These partnerships are expected to play a crucial role in delivering scalable solutions to critical issues like energy access, logistics efficiency, and urban development.

A Model for Impact Capital

By launching Inma Emirates Holdings, Sheikh Ahmed joins a growing cohort of Gulf business leaders who are institutionalizing their investment portfolios around the principles of sustainability and measurable impact. The holding’s hybrid model — combining public-sector collaboration with private agility — could serve as a regional benchmark for “impact capitalism,” where financial success and societal progress reinforce each other.

Analysts suggest that this new structure will not only enhance operational efficiency but also attract institutional investors seeking stable, ESG-compliant projects in emerging markets.

Future Outlook

Inma Emirates Holdings plans to announce a series of new projects in 2026, with a focus on renewable energy, logistics, digital identity infrastructure, and education-technology platforms. As the company scales its operations, it is expected to leverage Dubai’s strategic position as a global hub for finance, trade, and innovation.

Experts believe that Inma’s establishment will further strengthen Dubai’s influence in the global impact investment ecosystem. The emirate’s policy environment, combined with Sheikh Ahmed’s experience in cross-border projects, provides a strong foundation for long-term expansion.

Conclusion

The creation of Inma Emirates Holdings marks a major step in aligning Dubai’s private investment initiatives with its national sustainability vision. Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum’s decision to consolidate his portfolio under this new entity reflects both strategic foresight and a commitment to purposeful capital deployment.

As impact investment continues to reshape global finance, Inma Emirates Holdings stands out as a symbol of the UAE’s ambition to lead the next era of responsible growth — combining profitability with progress and innovation with integrity.

Moonshot AI, a US-based startup focused on automating e-commerce website optimization, has raised $10 million in a seed funding round led by Mighty Capital, with participation from Oceans Ventures and Uncorrelated Ventures. The funding will help the company expand its AI-powered automation platform designed to make online stores “self-optimizing” through continuous learning and autonomous updates.
(techinasia.com)

The company’s vision is to replace traditional, human-driven website management with an AI system that can automatically adapt design, content, and checkout processes based on real-time consumer behavior. Moonshot AI describes its technology as a way to create “living websites” that constantly evolve to deliver better performance, higher conversions, and improved customer experiences.

Automating the E-commerce Experience

Moonshot AI’s product focuses on solving a long-standing problem in e-commerce: the slow and expensive process of website optimization. Most online stores rely on manual A/B testing and periodic updates by developers or marketing teams. This results in limited testing cycles and often delays data-driven improvements.

The startup’s platform uses machine learning algorithms that continuously analyze user journeys, click data, and purchase trends. It then autonomously adjusts page layouts, image placements, and content variations — effectively redesigning the website in real time to boost engagement and sales.

According to the company, merchants using Moonshot AI can see conversion rates increase by 15–25 percent and average order values rise by up to 10 percent. The system’s biggest advantage, however, lies in speed. What once took weeks of human testing can now be accomplished in a matter of hours through autonomous iteration.

A Market Ripe for Automation

E-commerce platforms are under growing pressure to deliver personalized experiences at scale while maintaining profitability. Rising customer acquisition costs, competition, and marketing saturation have made optimization a critical area of investment.

Moonshot AI enters a market already crowded with analytics tools and personalization engines, but its full automation model sets it apart. Instead of providing insights or dashboards, the system takes action itself continuously running micro-experiments and applying successful results instantly.

This “hands-off optimization” approach aligns with a broader industry trend toward autonomous commerce, where artificial intelligence handles everything from pricing and inventory to digital merchandising.

Investors say Moonshot AI’s focus on this niche gives it a strong first-mover advantage. Mighty Capital, which led the funding round, called the company “a defining force in the next generation of e-commerce automation.”

Scaling Up and Going Global

With its new $10 million funding, Moonshot AI plans to expand its engineering and research teams, strengthen its AI infrastructure, and build deeper integrations with major e-commerce platforms. The company is developing plug-ins for Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce to allow seamless adoption by retailers of all sizes.

CEO and co-founder Alex Winters said the funding will also be used to establish an enterprise sales team and expand internationally. “We want to bring autonomous optimization to every online merchant,” he said. “Our goal is to make AI not just a feature but the foundation of digital commerce.”

The company plans to begin its global expansion in 2026, focusing on Europe and Southeast Asia. These markets, Winters explained, offer strong e-commerce growth combined with a shortage of affordable optimization tools, making them ideal for adoption.

How the Technology Works

At its core, Moonshot AI’s technology combines deep reinforcement learning and real-time behavioral analytics. It uses anonymized user data to predict which page designs, product arrangements, and call-to-action formats are most likely to convert specific audiences.

Each website powered by Moonshot AI operates as a unique “ecosystem” that learns from its visitors. The platform continuously runs thousands of micro-tests simultaneously, evaluating every visual and structural change through live data. The best-performing variants are retained automatically, while weaker ones are discarded.

This means that every store using Moonshot AI becomes a self-learning digital environment evolving with customer trends, seasonal changes, and regional preferences.

The Broader Context of AI in Retail

The rise of automation in e-commerce reflects a larger technological transformation sweeping across the retail industry. From inventory prediction to chatbot-based customer support, AI tools are rapidly becoming standard in digital operations.

Moonshot AI’s approach pushes this further by integrating AI directly into the visual and interactive layer of commerce the website itself. This allows companies to operate more efficiently, reducing reliance on developers, designers, and marketing analysts.

However, industry analysts warn that such systems must balance automation with brand identity. If websites evolve purely based on algorithmic efficiency, design diversity and creativity could diminish.

Addressing Challenges and Risks

Like all AI-driven technologies, Moonshot AI faces challenges related to transparency, data privacy, and model control. Retailers are often cautious about giving algorithms the power to alter live customer experiences.

The company says it has built strong safeguards into its platform, allowing clients to set creative boundaries and brand guidelines. These act as constraints, ensuring that automated changes remain aligned with each retailer’s visual language.

In terms of privacy, Moonshot AI stresses that it complies with GDPR and CCPA standards. All user data used for optimization is anonymized and aggregated, preventing the system from storing personally identifiable information.

Growing Demand from Online Retailers

As more retailers adopt digital-first strategies, the demand for efficiency tools has surged. Manual optimization processes can no longer keep up with the pace of online shopping behavior, which shifts daily across devices, demographics, and geographies.

Moonshot AI’s early customer base includes a mix of fashion, electronics, and lifestyle brands that operate mid-sized online stores with at least 100,000 monthly visitors. The company’s initial results reportedly show consistent performance improvements, though full-scale case studies are still underway.

Industry observers believe the startup’s success could pave the way for a new category of “autonomous marketing infrastructure,” blending data science and creative optimization into a single automated process.

The Future of “Self-Running” Websites

Moonshot AI’s long-term vision is to create a future where websites run themselves adapting, testing, and improving without constant human oversight. The founders compare it to the shift from manual driving to autonomous vehicles: humans still define the goals, but AI handles the mechanics.

If the technology scales successfully, it could transform not only e-commerce but also other sectors like media, hospitality, and travel, where user experience directly affects conversion.

Conclusion

Moonshot AI’s $10 million seed funding signals a growing investor belief that the future of e-commerce will be autonomous, data-driven, and adaptive. By focusing on website automation rather than just analytics, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of a major shift in how online stores operate.

The challenge now lies in proving that machines can truly master the art of digital retail balancing speed and intelligence with brand identity and customer trust.