WhatsApp is adding more AI features to its business suite. The company on Tuesday announced it’s introducing the ability for large businesses to reach customers through voice calls, which will allow the app to explore the use of AI-powered voice agents. The company is also looking into using AI to recommend products to users. WhatsApp Business, which has over 200 million monthly users, has been a notable revenue driver for Meta, as its executives noted in the last few quarterly earnings calls. The company ...

Market Overview - Africa's social commerce market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 26.7%, reaching USD 4.45 billion by 2025, following a robust CAGR of 38.4% from 2021 to 2024 [2][3] - The market is expected to expand from USD 3.51 billion in 2024 to approximately USD 9.43 billion by 2030, indicating sustained growth [2] Key Drivers - The rapid evolution of Africa's social commerce landscape is driven by mobile-first internet adoption, fintech integration, and the increasing role of social media platforms in online shopping [4] - A young, tech-savvy population and rising smartphone penetration create an ideal environment for businesses to engage with consumers through social channels [4] Platform Engagement - Platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Shopping, and WhatsApp Business are essential for SMEs to access the digital economy [5] - Over 40% of internet users in key African markets have made purchases via social commerce platforms, highlighting the growing engagement [9] Fintech Integration - Mobile money and fintech innovations are breaking down barriers to digital transactions, making social commerce more accessible [6] - The introduction of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions and digital wallets enhances consumer participation in e-commerce [6][10] Competitive Landscape - The social commerce sector is becoming increasingly competitive, with local and international players striving for market share [13] - Jumia's strategic exit from South Africa and Tunisia aims to focus on high-growth markets in West and East Africa [16] - Takealot is expanding into underserved markets by hiring personal shoppers to increase e-commerce penetration [16] Influencer Marketing - Influencer marketing, particularly through micro-influencers, is driving social commerce growth, with brands increasing spending on partnerships [12][16] - The rise of live shopping and short-form video content on platforms like TikTok is reshaping consumer interactions with brands [12][16] Regulatory Developments - South African authorities are exploring regulatory "sandboxes" to foster innovation in social commerce, particularly in digital lending and AI-driven customer support [16]

Core Insights - EngageLab participated in GITEX Asia 2025, showcasing its AI-powered omnichannel customer engagement solutions, emphasizing the importance of personalized experiences for global growth [1][8] - The event gathered over 700 global enterprises and startups, highlighting the significance of addressing challenges in customer communication and operational efficiency [2] EngageLab's Distinctive Edge - EngageLab's strengths in global messaging infrastructure and local support were highlighted during discussions with a leading Indian application development company, showcasing its superior deliverability and multi-channel reliability [3][4] - The strategic alignment with the Indian company indicates potential for impactful collaboration in enhancing client communication strategies [5] Competitive Advantages - EngageLab's global infrastructure includes strategically distributed data nodes, ensuring high delivery rates (40% higher for push notifications and 99.97% for emails) and compliance with regulations like GDPR [6] - The company offers superior message deliverability and dedicated technical support compared to competitors [7] Future of Customer Engagement - The future of customer engagement is focused on personalization, automation, and seamless omnichannel communication, with EngageLab leading this transformation [8] Company Overview - EngageLab is a leading provider of AI-powered omnichannel customer engagement solutions, focusing on optimizing communication and enhancing engagement efficiency for businesses worldwide [9]