SECTOR EXPERTISE Consumer Goods and Services Absa | Corporate and Investment Banking > Sector Expertise > Consumer Goods and Services Align with a strategic partner to navigate disruption and unlock value We combine bespoke solutions with advisory services to help you adapt to evolving trends and solve regional challenges in this vibrant sector. TOTAL DEAL VALUE R11.7 bn DEALS DONE 22 TOTAL CLIENTS 180 THOUGHTS FROM OUR LEADERS Massive disruptions offer unprecedented opportunities – if you know where to look for them The African Consumer Goods and Services sector is at a critical tipping point. It is facing unprecedented disruptions, but also significant growth opportunities – and the global pandemic has only amplified the challenges already confronting it. Choice, speed, convenience, health, environmental impact, individualism and personalisation are all rapidly evolving factors, shaking up traditional stalwarts and making them vulnerable to digital incumbents unhindered by legacy infrastructure and its associated costs. The opportunity in this new consumer-led world lies in how quickly corporates can adapt – requiring a reinvention of the sector as a whole to shape a ‘new normal’ that caters to all socio-economic groups. At Absa CIB, we recognise that our role is far greater than simply tailoring solutions to the needs of our individual customers. We see ourselves as a strategic partner with a long-term commitment to our clients. In leveraging data-driven insights on consumer behaviour, along with our deep knowledge and on-the-ground presence in African markets and our long-standing sector networks and relationships, we’re able to advise and support our clients to meet their operational requirements and growth ambitions. And in the midst of the uncertainty of the global pandemic, we have further extended balance sheets, demonstrating our commitment to both the industry and our clients, as well as the long-term view we adopt in our relationships as we journey a brave new world together. Isana Cordier Managing Executive: Consumer Goods and Services https://www.cib.absa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/file_example_MP3_700KB.mp3 Latest insights Data-driven insights on the trends impacting this evolving sector. Podcasts Africa Trade: Balancing Gains and Pains, Practical Realities and Support Balancing gains and pains: the on-the-ground realities and practical support. How do African businesses turn a trade vision into a profitable reality? This final, action-oriented episode focuses on the on-the-ground realities of AfCFTA implementation, addressing critical challenges and detailing the practical support available to businesses, particularly SMMEs. Podcasts Africa Trade: More Than Just Tariffs, Unlocking Opportunities More than just tariffs: unlocking opportunities in services and investment. Ready to move beyond borders? This episode dives deep into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), exploring the immense opportunities in services and investment that extend far beyond simple import tariff reductions over the next decade. Podcasts Navigating the New Africa Trade Deal Navigating the new trade deal. Ready to unlock a market of 1.3 billion people? This foundational episode of "Africa Trade Unlocked" is your essential guide to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), often hailed as the world's largest free trade area since the World Trade Organisation (WTO). CONSUMER INSIGHTS Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report: H1 2025 Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report: June 2025- Consumer card spending remained volatile in June 2025, with most categories experiencing significant declines. Following a minor recovery in May, both card spending and transaction volumes decreased once more. Historically, June typically marks a downturn before a July rebound. Read more CONSUMER INSIGHTS Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report: May 2025 Johannesburg, 29 July 2025 – The Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report for May 2025 indicates a slight uptick in card activity, following April’s sharp decline. According to Absa’s internal data, card spending increased by 2% month-on-month (MTM), while transaction volumes climbed by 4%. Despite the 2% growth in card spending and 4% increase in transaction volumes, this growth remains below the prevailing inflation rate of 2.8%. Read more CONSUMER INSIGHTS Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report: April 2025 The Merchant Spend Analytics Report for April 2025 noted a surprising decline in card transaction data for the month. In the wake of a robust performance in March, the month-to-month figures showed a 5% decline in card spending and a 7% decrease in transaction volume. Read more Subscribe to newsletter Please enter your contact information to receive news and updates. Full Name Company email address I would like to receive marketing communications from Absa CIB Subscribe By clicking Subscribe, I confirm that I have read and accepted the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement. OUR TRACK RECORD Feedback from our clients “Absa provided us with advice on matters related to project finance and maximising interest income on excess cash. The service received has been outstanding and we have had better-than forecasted interest earnings as a result of the guidance and restructuring provided by Absa CIB. We have also received substantial support for decision making purposes when it comes to financial instruments held with Absa.” Dorper Wind Farm – South Africa President, Trade Association - Africa "Absa has been a partner bank to ACWA Power since our first successful project bid, providing the group with project financing, working capital as well as mandated as the account bank for the project. Absa has provided great value through its service, tailored solutions, valuable insights and advisory to the group." ACWA Power – UAE and Africa President, Trade Association - Africa "As a partner bank to Marubeni for over 6 years, the Absa team has provided awesome service in assisting us to establish our South Africa office. Their always-available attitude has supported us to facilitate our entry into both the South African and African Market." Marubeni Middle-East & Africa Power Limited – Japan President, Trade Association - Africa "Having a Pan-African banking partner is very important to the group as it gives us a competitive advantage in the market. We are now able to go for the projects we want because we have a partner bank that understands our business and is ready to help us materialise our growth ambitions in the continent." Gransolar Group – Spain President, Trade Association - Africa Contact us 0860 500 703 +27 (0) 10 211 3117 rsc.corpprc@absa.co.za Subscribe for quarterly updates Analysis and data-driven insights for a changing world – delivered directly to your inbox. Subscribe now Rate our website How would you rate your overall satisfaction with this website? 1 2 3 4 5 Great! Please tell us more What did you like most about the website? Insights offered Look and feel Variety of content Next Please tell us more Which of the following could be better? 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