AI won’t replace market research. But it will expose weak strategy
Much of the broader conversation around AI in market research assumes conditions that do not consistently exist across many African markets, writes Soyinka Witness.
RETAIL
New Rhapta Promenade lifestyle mall opens its doors in Nairobi
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
Location in Westlands targets the city’s growing middle class who are seeking convenience and leisure in one location.
Nairobi has gained another upmarket shopping mall with the opening of the new Rhapta Promenade in the Westlands area of the city.
It offers a mix of retail, dining, entertainment and health services and, according to local media reports, has opened with an 85% occupancy rate. It will also be a centre for seasonal markets and community gatherings.
Photo: Rhapta Promenade
Anchor tenants include a Carrefour supermarket and the Aga Khan University Hospital. There is also a focus on Kenyan-based fashion, with The Star newspaper reporting that several Kenyan luxury fashion designers are setting up shop.
“Located along Rhapta Road, the mall targets Nairobi’s growing middle class seeking convenience and leisure in one location,” says radio station Capital FM. “It includes rooftop spaces, seasonal events, and design features such as open-air architecture, smart parking and sustainability-focused construction.”
Reflects the character of the surrounding neighbourhood
Imran Noorani, CEO of the Rhapta Promenade, notes that the location has been chosen to reflect the evolving character of the surrounding neighbourhood.
“We identified a growing, vibrant community, one with a distinct cultural identity and residents seeking elevated, convenient lifestyle experiences that lacked a dedicated hub,” Noorani says in an interview published by The Star.
The mall incorporates open-air walkways and green spaces in its design, along with features such as smart parking and cashier-less checkouts. Noorani also emphasised a sustainability angle.
“We prioritised the use of locally sourced materials and finishes that align with global green standards,” he told the newspaper.
AI search behaviour by SA consumers more than doubled in a year
Consumers are asking AI which retailer offers the best deal, comparing products or researching brands before visiting a website or store.
Port of Mombasa embraces integration and technology-driven solutions
Kenya Ports Authority is working to improve cargo flow and efficiency to support growing trade volumes at vital import-export gateway.
Brands must deliver sustainability through actions, not words
African consumers want ethical, responsible choices. Therefore, brand growth hinges on making sustainable choices affordable and relevant.
Africa’s next competitive advantage isn’t AI. It’s commercial capability
Examining the tech-hype trap and why human judgement, not technology, will pave the way to competitive advantage in Africa.
Former AGB Nielsen commercial lead Hopolang Mothibeli joins Ornico
Strategic senior appointment comes at a time when the local advertising-intelligence landscape is entering a period of significant change.
From inflation to consumption: West Africa’s FMCG turnaround
Ghana has shifted decisively into consumer-led recovery, with Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon following more gradually.
‘New direction’ for the integration of African marketing and business
AMC President discusses the upcoming conference’s ‘full circle’ and the gathering’s role in navigating marketing’s paradigm shift.
Retailers are re-engineering the checkout – and removing friction
Africa’s retail future may be led not by size, but by those who most effectively remove the friction between customer intent and transaction.
Netflix puts a live actor inside an LA billboard for three days
Out-of-home brand activation above Sunset Boulevard draws attention to a new science-fiction thriller film about a family stuck in a house.
Roxana Ravjee joins Havas as its new CEO for the Africa region
She comes to Havas as a business leader with more than 20 years of expertise across marketing, advertising, transformation and growth.