Building a Future-Proof E-Commerce Business: Akinon’s Johannesburg Roundtable Discussion

Johannesburg, South Africa – 31.08.2023 | Akinon

In the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa, industry leaders, e-commerce experts and C-level executives at prominent companies from different sectors gathered for an insightful roundtable event hosted by Akinon and Techcentral and organized by Publishared. This exclusive event brought together a group of thought leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of e-commerce.

Unveiling the E-commerce Discussion

The roundtable commenced with a series of thought-provoking questions, each aimed at uncovering the challenges and opportunities facing today’s e-commerce world. These inquiries served as the discussion’s focal areas, encouraging participants to examine important topics including marketplaces, composability, and omnichannel experiences.

Agenda and Key Discussion Points

The roundtable kicked off by addressing the impact of the past year, marked by the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants examined how e-commerce has transformed in response to the changing world, delving into topics like artificial intelligence, metaverse, loyalty programs, and emerging payment options.

The roundtable event followed a well-structured schedule that encouraged engaging discussions. Here’s a breakdown of the key timings:

• 08:00 – 08:30: Upon arrival, attendees completed their registration and networked while enjoying tea and coffee.
• 08:30 – 10:30: Roundtable discussions, where participants delved into critical e-commerce topics. Light breakfast snacks were provided to keep the discussions energized and productive.
• 10:30 – 11:00: Following the discussions, participants had the chance for final networking before concluding the event.

Market Challenges and the South African Consumer Landscape

One central theme that emerged was the idea of a “composable vision” in e-commerce. Experts shared their experiences and challenges in understanding and implementing this vision effectively.

Marketplaces, another focal point, were discussed in-depth. Participants explored the challenges of managing marketplaces and the risk of losing customers to third-party platforms. 

The roundtable also delved into the evolving South African consumer landscape. Attendees pondered the shifting tastes, preferences, and behaviors of consumers, which have been accelerated by the pandemic and economic changes.

The accelerated digitization of retail was another key topic. Attendees examined how this digital shift has transformed the operations of their organizations and allowed them to better serve their customers.

A Path forward

The Johannesburg roundtable event hosted by Akinon served as a crucial forum for industry leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and chart a course for the future of e-commerce in South Africa.

As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, events like these play a crucial role in shaping the strategies and innovations that will drive the industry forward.

Stay tuned for future events and updates as Akinon remains at the forefront of shaping the future of e-commerce.

For further insights and inquiries, please contact: Çiğdem Bağbakan

To know more about omnichannel or composability visit our resource center.

Read Akinon’s featured article on Techcentral: E-commerce businesses need a future-proofed platform