Smollan, a global retail solutions provider, has acquired Yebo Fresh, a prominent e-commerce platform catering to township communities in South Africa. The move signals a strategic effort to transform the country’s general trade sector while driving growth in its informal township economies.
The collaboration between Smollan and Yebo Fresh combines 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 expected to address the needs of South Africa’s informal market, valued at over R184 billion annually, by improving efficiency, accessibility, and market insights.
“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.
One of the core strengths of this partnership lies in 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.
Using advanced Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and AI-driven analytics, the partnership converts raw sales data into business intelligence, enabling 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.
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 play a pivotal role in South Africa’s township economies. This acquisition is set to provide 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 partnership’s emphasis on capacity-building — including training in retail best practices — aims to strengthen the resilience of township businesses. This, in turn, creates a ripple effect of economic empowerment, benefiting the broader community. By improving access to essential goods, financial services, and technology, the initiative supports the sustainability of informal retail, which forms the backbone of township commerce.
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.
“This partnership reflects our mission to make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve,” Little added. “Together, we’re building a sustainable model that benefits businesses and consumers alike in underserved markets.”
Founded in 1931, Smollan is a global leader in retail solutions, offering services across five continents. With a workforce exceeding 80,000 in 65 countries, Smollan combines data, technology, and human expertise to drive growth for brands worldwide.
Established in 2019 by Jessica Boonstra and Stefan Allesch-Taylor, Yebo Fresh is an innovative e-commerce platform focused on delivering groceries and essential goods to South Africa’s township communities. Dedicated to social impact, the company provides solutions that empower local businesses and drive sustainable economic growth.