Latest news with #WorldWideWorx
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa businesses embrace GenAI – but strategy and skills lagging, finds 2025 Roadmap
South African enterprises are rapidly integrating generative AI (GenAI) into their operations, but most are doing so without formal strategies, dedicated leadership, or the infrastructure required to maximise value and minimise risk. This is the key finding of the newly released South African Generative AI Roadmap 2025, based on a study by World Wide Worx in collaboration with Dell Technologies and Intel. The report, which surveys over 100 mid-sized and large enterprises across industry sectors, shows that GenAI adoption has climbed from 45% of large enterprises in 2024 to 67% in 2025. This dramatic rise positions GenAI as the fastest-moving digital trend in the country. However, in a rush to adopt the fast-growing technology, there is a need for organisations to take the foundational steps of planning and governance. Doing so will more clearly connect AI to people and processes and help organisations reap genuine, sustaining ROI. 'Many organisations are simply unaware of the gaps they're leaving in their systems,' says Arthur Goldstuck, CEO of World Wide Worx and principal analyst of the study. 'The risk goes beyond the technical, and includes reputational, ethical, and operational vulnerability. While the first step of technology adoption is well underway, our survey demonstrates there is room for operational growth.' According to the report's findings, AI adoption has brought clear benefits to the organisations using it: - 86% of GenAI users cite increased competitiveness as a result of using AI tools. - 83% report improved productivity. - 66% see enhanced customer service. Yet, behind these numbers lies an operational gap: - Only 14% of organisations have a formal company-wide GenAI strategy. - Just 13% have implemented governance or ethical frameworks in the form of guardrails for safety, privacy and bias mitigation. - 39% cite high implementation cost as the primary barrier to GenAI adoption. AI maturity requires foundations 'The roadmap aims to help guide stakeholders to fully understand the scope of GenAI, and to build transparent strategies that deliver on its promise without placing enterprises at risk,' says Goldstuck. 'What's most startling is that many companies think using a GenAI tool is the same as having an AI strategy.' As companies race to embed GenAI tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT into business functions, most are overlooking deeper transformation through infrastructure, skills and internal capability. Holistic AI infrastructure, combined with people and processes, is critical to scaling AI deployments and clearly connecting them to tangible return on investment. Shadow AI The report raises the alarm about 'shadow AI' – the unsanctioned use of GenAI by employees without oversight. Currently: - 32% of businesses report informal or unregulated GenAI use. - A further 20% report a mix of official and unofficial GenAI use. - 84% say oversight is an important or very important success factor for GenAI deployment. Critical governance measures include clear principles for oversight, accountability, and responsible use. It enables organisations to build trust, reduce risk, and drive long-term value. 'The current use of GenAI is largely taking place in a regulatory and ethical vacuum,' Goldstuck warns. 'The longer this continues, the more harm can be caused, to both businesses and individuals, before these guardrails are in place. 'Without governance, organisations are walking blindfolded into a future shaped by AI. That might be exciting, but it is not sustainable.' The roadmap also identifies two areas of opportunity: - Business and Societal impact: Over 75% of respondents have no measures in place to monitor or reduce the energy use and footprint of GenAI. - Skills development: A massive 87% of businesses have committed to GenAI upskilling or training of employees. The report cautions that South Africa could find itself divided by the ability to use GenAI wisely and scale deployments as the technology matures. Goldstuck says: 'There's a real risk of a GenAI disconnect in South Africa between those who use GenAI deliberately, strategically and ethically, and those who use it blindly or not at all.' About World Wide Worx: World Wide Worx is South Africa's leading independent technology research organisation, focused on delivering evidence-based insights for digital transformation.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Businesses embrace GenAI in SA – but strategy, skills lagging
This dramatic rise positions GenAI as the fastest-moving digital trend in the country. According to the findings, South African enterprises are rapidly integrating Generative AI (GenAI) into their operations. Picture: iStock A new report has revealed that the informal and unregulated usage of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) by businesses in South Africa poses a threat to both them and their employees. The report, produced by World Wide Worx and Dell Technologies, surveyed over 100 medium and large-sized enterprises nationwide. Gen AI According to the findings released on Thursday, South African enterprises are rapidly integrating Generative AI (GenAI) into their operations, but most are doing so without formal strategies, dedicated leadership, or the infrastructure required to maximise value and minimise risk. This dramatic rise positions GenAI as the fastest-moving digital trend in the country. World Wide Worx CEO and principal analyst of the study, Arthur Goldstuck, said that in a rush to adopt the fast-growing technology, there is a need for organisations to take the foundational steps of planning and governance. 'Many organisations are simply unaware of the gaps they're leaving in their systems, said Goldstuck. 'The risk goes beyond the technical, and includes reputational, ethical, and operational vulnerability. While the first step of technology adoption is well underway, our survey demonstrates there is room for operational growth.' ALSO READ: WATCH: 'Gen AI solves problems that were too expensive to solve' – Cyborg Anthropologist Findings According to the report's findings, AI adoption has brought clear benefits to the organisations using it, with 86% of GenAI users citing increased competitiveness as a result of using AI tools. The report also showed that 83% reported improved productivity, while 66% saw enhanced customer service. On the other hand, the report raised the alarm over 'shadow AI' – the unsanctioned use of GenAI by employees without oversight. It showed that 32% of businesses correctly report informal or unregulated GenAI use, while a further 20% report a mix of official and unofficial GenAI use. 84% say oversight is an important or very important factor in the success of GenAI deployment. Caution The report cautioned that South Africa could find itself divided by the ability to use GenAI wisely and scale deployments as the technology matures. 'There's a real risk of a GenAI disconnect in South Africa between those who use GenAI deliberately, strategically and ethically, and those who use it blindly or not at all,' Goldstuck said. Goldstuck said as companies race to embed GenAI tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT into business functions, most are overlooking deeper transformation through infrastructure, skills and internal capability. He said holistic AI infrastructure, combined with people and processes, is critical to scaling AI deployments and clearly connecting them to tangible return on investment. ALSO READ: Organisations encouraged to empower employees with AI fluency
IOL News
7 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
South African enterprises are rapidly adopting Generative AI but without formal strategies, study finds
IOL South African enterprises are rapidly integrating Generative AI (GenAI) into their operations. Image: Pexels South African enterprises are rapidly integrating Generative AI (GenAI) into their operations, but most are doing so without formal strategies, dedicated leadership, or the infrastructure required to maximise value and minimise risk. This is the key finding of the South African Generative AI Roadmap 2025, based on a study by World Wide Worx in collaboration with Dell Technologies and Intel. Arthur Goldstuck, the CEO of World Wide Worx and principal analyst of the study, released the report on Thursday. The report, which surveys over 100 mid-sized and large enterprises across industry sectors, shows that GenAI adoption has climbed from 45% of large enterprises in 2024 to 67% in 2025. This dramatic rise positions GenAI as the fastest-moving digital trend in the country. However, in a rush to adopt the fast-growing technology, there is a need for organisations to take the foundational steps of planning and governance. Doing so will more clearly connect AI to people and processes and help organisations reap genuine, sustaining return on investment. 'Many organisations are simply unaware of the gaps they're leaving in their systems,' said Goldstuck 'The risk goes beyond the technical, and includes reputational, ethical, and operational vulnerability. While the first step of technology adoption is well underway, our survey demonstrates there is room for operational growth.' According to the report's findings, AI adoption has brought clear benefits to the organisations using it: Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 86% of GenAI users cite increased competitiveness as a result of using AI tools. 83% report improved productivity. 66% see enhanced customer service. Yet, behind these numbers lies an operational gap: Only 14% of organisations have a formal company-wide GenAI strategy. Just 13% have implemented governance or ethical frameworks in the form of guardrails for safety, privacy and bias mitigation. 39% cite high implementation cost as the primary barrier to GenAI adoption. AI maturity requires foundations 'The roadmap aims to help guide stakeholders to fully understand the scope of GenAI, and to build transparent strategies that deliver on its promise without placing enterprises at risk,' says Goldstuck. 'What's most startling is that many companies think using a GenAI tool is the same as having an AI strategy.' As companies race to embed GenAI tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT into business functions, most are overlooking deeper transformation through infrastructure, skills and internal capability. Holistic AI infrastructure, combined with people and processes, is critical to scaling AI deployments and clearly connecting them to tangible return on investment. Shadow AI The report raises the alarm about 'shadow AI' – the unsanctioned use of GenAI by employees without oversight. Currently: 32% of businesses report informal or unregulated GenAI use. of businesses report informal or unregulated GenAI use. A further 20% report a mix of official and unofficial GenAI use. further report a mix 84% say oversight is an important or very important success factor for GenAI deployment. Critical governance measures include clear principles for oversight, accountability, and responsible use. It enables organisations to build trust, reduce risk, and drive long-term value. 'The current use of GenAI is largely taking place in a regulatory and ethical vacuum,' Goldstuck warns. 'The longer this continues, the more harm can be caused, to both businesses and individuals, before these guardrails are in place. 'Without governance, organisations are walking blindfolded into a future shaped by AI. That might be exciting, but it is not sustainable.' The roadmap also identifies two areas of opportunity: Business and Societal impact : Over 75% of respondents have no measures in place to monitor or reduce the energy use and footprint of GenAI. Skills development : A massive 87% of businesses have committed to GenAI upskilling or training of employees. The report cautions that South Africa could find itself divided by the ability to use GenAI wisely and scale deployments as the technology matures. Goldstuck said, 'There's a real risk of a GenAI disconnect in South Africa between those who use GenAI deliberately, strategically and ethically, and those who use it blindly or not at all.' BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
A new era for online shopping as Amazon expands product range in South Africa
Amazon has expanded its product offerings in South Africa, introducing groceries, pet food, and health supplements to compete with established retailers Image: File Just more than a year after landing on South African shores with a . domain, Amazon has expended its product range to take on entrenched retailers who have had a virtual presence since the COVID-19 lockdown spurred online and app-based shopping. started as a bookseller in 1995 out of founder Jeff Bezos's garage and, at launch last May, was set to compete with Takealot, and Makro. And now it's playing in the food and over-the-counter medicinal product space. In what the company said on Wednesday is a 'major milestone in Amazon's growth in South Africa,' it stated that it had added groceries, pet food, vitamins, and supplements to its offerings. Adding these categories, it said, 'brings thousands of new non-perishable food items, pet food products, and health supplements to customers across the country'. Amazon's new selection includes both international favourites like Nestle, Red Bull, and Starbucks, and beloved local brands like Beacon, Simba, and Koo, catering to the diverse needs of South African households. The e-tailer, which is globally the fourth most valuable company with a market capitalisation of $2.18 trillion, operates local websites in various countries, including Australia, Canada, India, and Mexico. The 2024 World Wide Worx report, sponsored by Peach Payments, Mastercard and AskAfrika, shows that South Africa's online retail surged to R71bn in 2023, with projections that it will surpass R100bn by 2026. Robert Koen, Amazon MD for sub-Saharan Africa, said, 'since our launch, we've been listening closely to customer feedback, and groceries, pet supplies, and health supplements have consistently been among their top requests'. Early data indicates strong customer interest across all three categories. In groceries, coffee, tea, cereals, pasta, cooking oils, and canned goods are emerging as top sellers. The pet food selection, which includes options for dogs, cats, birds, fish, and small animals, has seen particular demand for premium pet nutrition brands and specialty formulations, said Amazon. Amazon added that the vitamins and supplements category has attracted health-conscious consumers with its comprehensive range of multivitamins, minerals, sports nutrition, and specialty supplements. On launch, the e-tailer said it sought to support local independent companies and, to this end, hosted its inaugural Seller Summit, bringing together over 300 local entrepreneurs at its Cape Town headquarters last month. More than 60% of global Amazon sales stemming from independent sellers. This was preceded, last September, by 'Shop Mzansi', a curated storefront on showcasing unique local products that reflect South Africa's rich and diverse cultures. 'Shop Mzansi' features thousands of products across different categories – including toys, home and kitchen appliances, outdoor and braai, baby, luggage, and beauty. 'Shop Mzansi showcases more than 160 brands from new, emerging, and established South African businesses, each with their own unique story,' Keon said at the time. He added that it will continue adding to the Shop Mzansi selection as it onboard more sellers and helps them list their products. More than 60% of sales in Amazon's stores globally are from independent sellers – most of which are small- and medium-sized businesses. IOL
Zawya
13-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New index categorically shows Black Friday is the single-biggest retail bonanza of the holiday period
As the country waits with bated breath to see what the cabinet settles on for a national budget, which will have a big impact on the economic mood of the country, consumer confidence and investor sentiment, retailers are already planning for a bumper 2025 Black Friday and holiday season. Black Friday, by its very nature, generates hype in the media and among retailers. However, a new index proves it is not hollow hype. South Africa's first formal Black Friday Index reveals that Black Friday to Cyber Monday remains the most powerful retail window of the year, according to World Wide Worx and Ecentric Payment Systems. The index shows unequivocally that compared to the full holiday period from the beginning of November to Christmas Eve, Black Friday to Cyber Monday remains the clear peak shopping window, with significantly higher transaction and revenue growth than the rest of the season. The Ecentric 2024 Black Friday Index, which was conducted in a partnership between Ecentric Payment Solutions and World Wide Worx, is based on analysis of data from retail transactions flowing through the Ecentric payment gateway. Payment data analysed excludes that of the grocery sector. Ecentric processes 20% of South Africa's card transactions and serves as a trusted payments partner to 65% of JSE-listed retailers – serving their in-store, online, mobile and omnichannel payments requirements. The index was compiled by independent technology research house World Wide Worx. It measures transaction volume and value generated from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, as a proportion of total holiday retail. As a share of total holiday sales, online transactions for the Black Friday to Cyber Monday period, as a proportion of total transactions surged by 30.4%, rising from 7.9% to 10.3% of total holiday sales. Online revenue as a proportion climbed by 23.8%, increasing from 10.1% to 12.5% of total holiday revenue. In-store transactions as a proportion of total transactions grew by 15.4%, rising from 9.1% to 10.5% of holiday sales. In-store revenue as a proportion of total revenue saw a 109.4% surge, doubling from 5.3% to 11.1% of total holiday revenue. Rory Bosman, Ecentric's Chief Sales & Marketing Officer says the findings are good news for retailers as they provide telling insights that can prepare retailers to make the most of the critical retail period. 'The index makes it clear that the Black Friday weekend stands out from the full holiday shopping period, which runs from the beginning of November to Christmas Eve, in both sales volume and growth. The latest data confirms that retailers who capitalised on this peak moment saw the biggest gains, with online and in-store revenue outperforming the rest of the holiday season,' he says. Of particular interest, is how dramatically the holiday shopping period is shifting. While in 2023 the Black Friday to Cyber Monday period reflected a small upward bump in transaction volume, the biggest shopping days came a week later. 'This is different in 2024,' says Bosman. 'The Black Friday to Cyber Monday period saw a massive leap in transaction volume, compared to a slightly above-average level a week later.' Key insights to capitalise on Black Friday in 2025 and beyond Bosman says there are a number of important lessons for retailers. The first is that e-commerce is more important than ever. 'Retailers seeking to make the most of Black Friday need to prioritise seamless digital experiences and mobile optimisation and exclusive deals,' he says. Importantly, the 2024 Black Friday index proved that in-store retail is enjoying a strong revival. Bosman says that the retailers who benefit the most will be those that invest in immersive experiences such as interactive shopping, festive atmospheres and high-value promotions to attract shoppers. He says consumers demonstrated they respond well to positive in-store experiences. Technology such as augmented and virtual reality could play a pivotal role here. Omnichannel integration is non-negotiable, he says. 'The insights gained from the index tell us that online and in-store integration must be seamless, from inventory to promotions. The retailers that do the best are those that blend online and in-store efforts with consistent messaging, and, importantly, seamless experiences.' Bosman says that data-driven personalisation holds immense potential for retailers seeking to set themselves apart from their competition. 'AI-powered recommendations and targeted deals will set leaders apart. It is vital, in 2025 and beyond, that retailers use data for targeted promotions and flexible fulfillment options.' Get all the insights by downloading the full report from the Ecentric website.
