Virtual summit offers keys to online success

THE 2022 PayFest eCommerce Virtual Summit intends to provide more than 30 local entrepreneurs the tools and skills necessary to achieve great success in the online retail business in South Africa.

The summit, sponsored by Insaka eCommerce Academy, will bring together representatives from more than 30 of the world’s industry leaders including Meta (previously Facebook), Google, Takealot and Shopify, to discuss, engage and share strategies, insights and expertise on how to best maximise performance and output in the industry.

The exponential growth of online shopping means the current number of online sites sits roughly between 12 and 24 million e-commerce sites across the globe, according to Shopify’s 2022 Future of Commerce Trend Report.

“E-commerce presents an opportunity for businesses of all sizes to expand their client base beyond their immediate physical presence,” said David Kusel of PayFast.

The summit focuses on how local entrepreneurs can grow and scale their own e-commerce businesses amid increasing competition. Topics will include overcoming first-year hurdles, growing sales in underserved communities, mastering deliveries for online orders and addressing the importance of reviews to drive sales.

“Our goal is to encourage anyone who has considered starting an online store to take the leap and get started,” said Warrick Kernes, founder of the Insaka eCommerce Academy.

The virtual summit is free and takes place from May 26-29. To register, visit www.insaka.co.za/summit