Quick Commerce, also known as Q-commerce, is a rapidly growing sector in the Southern African region. With the rise of e-commerce and the increasing demand for convenience, Q-commerce has emerged as a popular option for consumers who want fast and efficient delivery of goods.
Customer preferences: Southern African consumers are increasingly turning to Q-commerce for their daily needs. The convenience of having goods delivered to their doorstep within hours of placing an order is a major factor driving this trend. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of Q-commerce as consumers seek contactless delivery options.
Trends in the market: South Africa, the largest economy in the region, has seen a significant increase in the number of Q-commerce players in recent years. The market is dominated by local players who have adapted to the unique challenges of the region, such as poor infrastructure and high crime rates. These players have focused on building a strong last-mile delivery network and leveraging technology to streamline operations. In Zimbabwe, the Q-commerce market is still in its early stages but has significant potential for growth. The country has a large informal sector, and Q-commerce could provide a platform for these businesses to reach a wider customer base. Additionally, the high mobile penetration rate in Zimbabwe presents an opportunity for Q-commerce players to leverage mobile technology for payments and order placement.
Local special circumstances: The Southern African region has unique challenges that Q-commerce players must navigate. Poor infrastructure, including inadequate road networks and limited access to electricity, can make it difficult to deliver goods in a timely and cost-effective manner. Additionally, high crime rates in some areas can pose a risk to delivery personnel and goods in transit.
Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Southern African region has a diverse mix of economies, with some countries experiencing significant growth while others face economic challenges. South Africa, the largest economy in the region, has seen sluggish growth in recent years, which has led to high unemployment rates and low consumer confidence. However, the country's large and growing middle class presents an opportunity for Q-commerce players to tap into a growing consumer base. In Zimbabwe, the economy has faced significant challenges in recent years, including hyperinflation and currency instability. However, the government's efforts to stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment could create a more favorable environment for Q-commerce players in the future.
Data coverage:
The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and represent what consumers pay for these products and services. The user metrics show the number of customers who have made at least one online purchase within the past 12 months.Modeling approach / Market size:
Market sizes are determined through a bottom-up approach, building on predefined factors for each market. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies, third-party studies and reports, as well as survey results from our primary research (e.g., the Statista Global Consumer Survey). In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, GDP per capita, and internet connection speed. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.Forecasts:
In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing. The main drivers are internet users, urban population, usage of key players, and attitudes toward online services.Additional notes:
The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. GCS data is reweighted for representativeness.
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