More than 60% of global marketers optimistic about business in 2024
While marketers in many countries are worried about a recession, there is also optimism regarding the business climate and marketing budgets.
AFRICAN MARKETING NEWS
Insights and in-depth knowledge for African marketing professionals
By our News Team | 2023
Issue 1 2023 of Strategic Marketing for Africa, the magazine for deep-thinking industry professionals, provides in-depth insights.
The latest issue of Strategic Marketing for Africa, the quarterly magazine of the African Marketing Confederation (AMC), is available online via the AMC website and remains current until end June 2023.
Issue 1 2023 (and the 7th magazine since the revival of the AMC as the pan-African marketing body) is packed with marketing-related news and in-depth features from across Africa and around the world.
Issue 1 2023 of Strategic Marketing for Africa remains current until end June 2023. Illustration: African Marketing Confederation
Our Cover Story in this issue examines how chat commerce, also sometimes known as conversational commerce, is finding fertile ground across Africa among marketers and customer service professionals.
Messaging apps, chatbots, voice assistants and chat apps are being used by large and small companies alike to streamline and support the customer experience.
On a demographically young continent like Africa – where mobile penetration is growing rapidly in key markets such as Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Kenya and Ethiopia – the potential for chat commerce’s mobile customer engagement solutions is particularly exciting.
North African consumer trends unpacked
Also under the spotlight in this issue are the consumer trends that are reshaping the dynamic North African market.
Research undertaken in 2022 highlighted how consumers in the region are expected to increase their spending by 40% over the coming year or two, making it crucial that marketers targeting this audience be sensitive to North Africans’ needs and wants, so as to to place their brands top of mind with this market.
What influences young people in Africa?
How are Africa’s young people – that huge consumer audience aged between 18 and 35 – being influenced? This is what a recent study set out to determine through a survey of 4,500 people in nine countries on the continent.
It found that religion, pop culture and community culture are the biggest influences. Family and friends, as well as social media, are also influential.
Where is the intra-Africa trade rush?
A year on, in which some commentators lament that not much seems to have been achieved by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we explore progress made to date and what marketers can do to help fulfil the promise of unrestricted trade and a new era of economic prosperity on the continent.
You will find these stories, and much more, in the latest Strategic Marketing for Africa – the voice of African marketing and the official publication of the African Marketing Confederation (AMC). Read it online here. A print edition of the magazine is also available.
Recommendations to help media buyers optimise programmatic investments
US industry body warns marketers to be vigilant as programmatic media is ‘complex’ and ‘can be non-transparent’.
Real global advertising spend will likely only rise by 2.5% next year
Dentsu says big events like the Euro 2024 soccer finals and US presidential election will help to push up spending.
How to choose an SEO agency that will deliver the right results
Look for transparency, check results of previous projects, and request an air-tight scope of partnership, advises industry expert.
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SA consumers shopped around more and spent less on Black Friday
More people also took advantage of deals to buy everyday items, rather than spending on big-ticket luxury goods.
Giant scented candle helps stressed holiday shoppers to unwind
Bath and body well-being brand creates a 3m-high candle and lights it in a busy Christmas shopping precinct to encourage people to ‘reset’.
Corporate social responsibility credentials could help maintain sales
Data from 2008 recession indicates that, in another recession, the amount spent on higher-priced Fair Trade goods may actually increase.
‘Best Global Brands Report 2023’ finds that brand growth is slowing
Interbrand study says lack of growth mindset, weaker brand leadership and poor forecasting are among the key reasons.
Grey announces appointment of new President of its South African operation
Tlali Taoana has experience in strategy, marketing and executive roles, and will expand the capabilities of the business.
African Marketing Confederation struts its stuff on the global stage
AMC President flies the flag at the World Marketing Forum in Thailand, then welcomes Tunisia as the confederation’s 11th member.