This partnership is projected to address the needs of South Africa’s informal market, valued at over R184 billion annually, by improving efficiency, accessibility, and market insights.
Yebo Fresh
Global retail solutions provider, Smollan, has acquired Yebo Fresh, a notable e-commerce platform that serves township communities in South Africa. This move sets the stage for a push to transform the nation’s general trade sector, at the same time driving growth in its township economies.
Founded in 1931, Smollan has grown into a global leader in retail solutions, as it offers services across five continents. It boasts of a workforce that exceeds 80,000 in 65 countries, a workforce that is one part of a combination of data, technology and human expertise.
On the other hand, Yebo Fresh came into being in 2019 as an innovative e-commerce platform focused on delivering groceries and essential goods to South Africa’s township communities. In its commitment to making social impact, Yebo Fresh comes up with solutions that empower local businesses.
The collaboration between Smollan and Yebo Fresh is a combination of digital innovation with on-the-ground operational excellence. Yebo Fresh’s advanced technology platform, coupled with Smollan’s extensive distribution network and retail expertise, creates a unique ecosystem for brands, spaza shops, and wholesalers. This partnership is projected to address the needs of South Africa’s informal market, valued at over R184 billion annually, by improving efficiency, accessibility, and market insights.
One of the major strengths of this partnership is its ability to leverage technology and data to provide actionable insights for brands. Smollan and Yebo Fresh’s combined resources enable brands to gain unprecedented visibility into the informal market through a network of over 200 tech-equipped agents. These agents, operating directly within township communities, gather real-time data on purchasing patterns, category trends, and market gaps.
The partnership will use advanced Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and AI-driven analytics to convert unprocessed sales data into business intelligence. This will enable brands to optimize product offerings, refine distribution strategies, and tailor pricing models to meet consumer demand. This data-driven approach offers a significant competitive advantage in a historically opaque segment of the market.
“We’re on a mission to make it easier for local retailers to stock up on what they need, grow their businesses, and uplift their communities. Partnering with Smollan accelerates our ability to bring value to township businesses, making a real impact on the ground,” said Jessica Boonstra, CEO and Founder of Yebo Fresh.
Dave Little, Client Executive at Smollan, emphasized the importance of this capability: “By leveraging Yebo Fresh’s digital innovations alongside our operational and commercial strength, we’re creating new pathways for growth in township economies while helping brands succeed in this critical market segment.”
Spaza shops and informal retailers hold an indispensable place in South Africa’s township economies. This acquisition is targeted at providing these retailers with tools and resources that streamline operations and foster growth. From real-time sales data to self-service ordering platforms, local traders will gain access to solutions that reduce costs and enhance decision-making capabilities.
The acquisition highlights Smollan and Yebo Fresh’s shared commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth. By reducing barriers to entry and enhancing operational efficiency, the partnership seeks to uplift small enterprises and contribute to the long-term development of township economies.
