Shoprite targets R900bn informal market

Shoprite targets R900bn informal market
Nokuthula Khanyile
Wed, 03/18/2026 - 11:00




























JOHANNESBURG - The country's largest retailer, Shoprite, is moving into the informal economy.
It's hoping to take advantage of a R90-billion market.
The group plans to acquire a majority stake in R&A Cellular, subject to regulatory approval.
Shoprite looks to expand digital and financial services through spaza shops and township retailers.
The move comes as competition heats up among major players to capture a bigger share of spending in townships and other under-served areas.

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Shoprite said the strategy is about meeting customers where they already live, shop and transact.
This will be done by expanding access to essential financial and digital services through trusted, community-based outlets and other informal merchants.
R&A Cellular operates a widely used point-of-sale platform that allows informal retailers to sell prepaid and entertainment products while also enabling card payments.