General News
AppsFlyer Gives Insight into Global E-Commerce Trends for 2023

By Sue Azari
It is no secret that over the past few years the e-commerce industry has been constantly and rapidly evolving, with COVID-19 playing a significant role.
Many retailers have experienced highs as a result of the pandemic, with consumers taking advantage of the convenience of shopping for pretty much anything right from the comfort of their living room; whilst others such as offline retailers suffered, due to their lack of a digital footprint when lockdown was introduced.
Judging by recent trends, global retail e-commerce sales will continue to soar in 2023, showcasing the adaptability of e-commerce, which has gone through tremendous change over the past 30 years.
As we look ahead to 2023, and the challenges e-commerce retailers have faced post pandemic – from economic uncertainty to supply chain issues – it’s not all doom and gloom, as with great challenges come great opportunities.
The future looks particularly bright for e-commerce retailers that are placing customers at the forefront and creating better customer experiences, as well as staying on top of ever evolving e-commerce trends.
Here are some of the most notable e-commerce trends to look out for in 2023:
- The rise and rise of Mobile Commerce
Mobile commerce has been on the rise within the e-commerce industry for some time now, thanks to the pandemic.
According to AppsFlyer benchmark data, total mobile app installs on the African continent grew by 17% in the first part of 2022 compared to early 2021. As consumers are increasingly shopping for and purchasing products using mobile devices like phones and tablets, mobile commerce sales are expected to rise significantly in 2023, and beyond.
It is rapidly becoming the preferred channel for shopping, and we’re now seeing more traditional retailers join in the trend, prioritising mobile as an alternative channel for delivering exceptional customer experiences, for both new and existing customers.
For the future, e-commerce retailers need to focus on mobile first solutions such as mobile payment options like Apple and Google pay.
- Omnichannel E-Commerce coming into play
After two years of predominantly online shopping, consumers are ready for in-store experiences again. Although mobile commerce is thriving more than ever, post pandemic has seen a slight shift in consumers reverting back to offline shopping, with retailers now expanding their number of stores, and pure online retailers opening up physical pop-stores.
Many consumers have missed being able to physically go into a store and select an item. To reinforce this, the role of the store has changed, with retailers opting for the more experiential and inspirational in-store experiences moving forward into the new year, Shoprite being a prime example of this, already implementing the use of AI in their South African stores, with the aim of enhancing the customer journey through the store.
A major challenge which arose with stores reopening post pandemic was the convergence of online and offline experiences. Having said this, some retailers are taking the necessary measures to bridge that gap, and are finding ways to incorporate online into the in-store experience.
As post pandemic in-store shopping continues to grow, many brands have turned to the use of apps to enhance in-store shopping experiences.
These apps are able to give in-store associates access to customer account details to provide better service, and ensure in-store inventory is reflected in real-time online, all in a bid to create a more natural shopping experience online for customers.
Brands are becoming increasingly reliant on more channels for customers to shop, and it is important they have good visibility across each channel.
- The impact of Social Commerce
The astronomical growth of social commerce will undoubtedly continue in 2023. The global social commerce market is set to reach a whopping $604.5 billion by 2027. With social media attracting high engagement levels from a wide audience who typically spend almost 2.5 hours on these platforms per day, it makes it much easier for e-commerce retailers to capture and build closer connections with customers amidst the economic downturn.
Another advantage of social commerce is that it offers a frictionless journey between inspiration and purchase. Until very recently, consumers would have to seek out their inspiration on social media, then head back to a website for purchase. Today, social media is now a one-stop shop, streamlining the experience and minimising the risk of drop offs.
- Re-commerce breaking through the clutter
Environmentally-friendly products can influence today’s consumer’s choices. As sustainability is increasingly becoming an essential factor in the consumer’s decision making process, re-commerce will play a much bigger role when it comes to 2023 e-commerce trends.
Consumers are now willing to spend more on sustainable products for health and fitness, and general environmental good, as taking care of the planet and environment is no longer just a marketing stunt or a nice-to-have.
It is paramount that e-commerce retailers take this into consideration in a way that will still be profitable to them. E-commerce retailers can gain a competitive edge in 2023 by choosing greener products and packaging, and adopting more and more environmentally sound practices.
- Personalisation key to brand loyalty
Today’s consumer demands a more personalised shopping experience from their favourite brands, therefore personalisation is expected to be a big trend in 2023. Most consumers crave a brand that knows them well enough to offer up personalised shopping experiences.
Personalisation works best when e-commerce retailers use the customer’s touch points and journey data to boost customer engagement and loyalty. This means engaging them on the channels they prefer, and supporting them throughout their entire customer journey with personalised offers.
The latest e-commerce trends are adopting new technologies and unprecedented business practices, which in turn show that customer experience is heading towards being an always-on 2023 e-commerce trend. E-commerce retailers should look to adopt some of these trends in order to stay ahead of the competition next year, and beyond.
Sue Azari is E-Commerce Lead at AppsFlyer
General News
NCAA Orders Airlines to Enforce $10,000 Currency Declaration Rule

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has ordered all international airlines flying into Nigeria to enforce the $10,000 currency declaration rule.
The authority said the rule is required for passengers to declare cash or negotiable instruments above the limit, as part of efforts to strengthen anti-money laundering compliance.
According to the NCAA, the directive, referenced as NCAA/CPD/ABV/298, dated 24 April 2025 seeks to address gaps in the enforcement of existing currency declaration obligations for inbound passengers.
This was announced in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, via his official X account on Tuesday.
“International carriers must take two key actions, which include “Make inflight or pre-landing announcements informing passengers of their legal obligation to declare any currency or Bearer Negotiable Instruments exceeding $10,000 USD or its equivalent upon arrival in Nigeria.
“Distribute currency declaration forms onboard for passengers to complete before landing. The NCAA has received reports indicating that some airlines are yet to comply with this directive”, the statement read.
The NCAA said these requirements are consistent with international best practices and are vital to preventing the illegal movement of large sums of money across borders.
The Authority warned that full cooperation from international airlines is essential, saying, “Please note that the cooperation of all international airlines operating in Nigeria is critical to supporting the country’s efforts to align with global financial standards.”
Accordingly, the authority emphasised that full implementation of this directive, particularly as it concerns inbound passenger declarations, is of utmost importance.
“Compliance will be closely monitored, and non-compliant airlines will face appropriate sanctions,” it added.
General News
Appeal Court Nullifies Registration of ‘KPMG Professional Services’

The court of appeal in Lagos has asked the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to revoke the certificate of registration of “KPMG Professional Services”.
In a unanimous decision delivered on Thursday, the appellant court granted the reliefs sought by KPMG Nigeria against CAC and KPMG Professional Services.
The judgment was read by Abdullahi Mahmud Bayero, the judge.
The two other judges are Abimbola Obaseki-Adejumo and A.M. Talba.
In 2002, KPMG Professional Services was registered as a company with CAC despite the existence of KPMG Nigeria, comprising its audit, tax, and consulting arms.
The KPMG Nigeria has long been registered in Nigeria before 2002.
KPMG Audit was registered in 1969, KPMG Tax Consultants in 1990, and KPMG Consulting in 1969.
Displeased with the registration of KPMG Professional Services, KPMG Nigeria approached the federal high court.
The consulting firm had argued that the name “KPMG Professional Services” was deceptively similar to its long-established identity.
In 2005, the lower court dismissed KPMG Nigeria’s case, citing an alleged merger between KPMG Nigeria and Akintola Williams Deloitte as reason the company could no longer assert rights to the name.
The lower upheld the second respondent’s (KPMG Professional Services) counterclaim and ordered that KPMG Nigeria’s name be struck off the CAC register.
The lower court had premised its decision on newspaper articles stating that KPMG Nigeria reportedly merged with Akintola Williams Deloitte.
Delivering the judgment, Bayero ruled that the lower court erred by relying on newspaper articles to ascertain that KPMG Nigeria allegedly merged with another company.
The judge said the documents showing the alleged merger were not presented before the lower court, and the form of the alleged merger could not have been known.
“In any event, the only branch of KPMG, if any, that entered into a merger with Akintola Williams as stated in the newspaper articles 18, is KPMG Audit,” the judge ruled.
“The other spheres were totally unaffected. It would therefore be wrong to state that the merger (which has not been shown to this Court) of KPMG Audit with Akintola Williams means all the other areas of business, including KPMG Consulting and KPMG Tax Consultants, also ceased to exist.
“Even if the Appellants (KPMG Nigeria) had ceased to do business as the Court seemed to have held, the 2nd Respondents (KPMG Professional Services) should not have been carrying on business until the Appellant’s certificate of registration is withdrawn or set aside.
“They cannot use the name until the Appellant’s certification of registration is withdrawn or set aside. They cannot use the name until the name is removed from the 1st Respondent’s (CAC) Register of Names.
“The 1st Respondents can only assign the name to the 2nd Respondents after first taking it away from the Appellants.”
The court ruled that CAC erred by registering KPMG Professional Services despite the existence of a business name, which is already registered.
The judge reversed the earlier ruling of the lower court and reaffirmed the primacy of statutory protection for existing business names under Nigerian corporate law.
General News
Air Peace Launches Abuja–London Heathrow, Gatwick flights October 26

Air Peace has announced the launch of direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow and Gatwick airports, with operations scheduled to begin on October 26, 2025.
The airline said in a statement on Sunday that round-trip fares for the Abuja–London service will start from N1m, making it the first Nigerian carrier to offer direct connections from the capital to both of London’s major international airports. This was contained in a press release issued on Sunday by the airline’s spokesperson, Efe Osifo-Whiskey.
“Direct international flight services from Abuja to both London Heathrow and London Gatwick Airports, effective October 26, 2025.
“Air Peace becomes the first Nigerian carrier to offer direct services from Abuja to both of London’s major international airports, further solidifying its role as a leader in regional and intercontinental aviation.
“Travellers originating from any of Air Peace’s domestic destinations across Nigeria can now book through fares via Abuja to either Heathrow or Gatwick using a single ticket, eliminating the need for multiple bookings or baggage re-checks,” the statement read.
Similarly, the new route opens convenient access for inbound passengers from the UK to cities across Nigeria.
“Travellers from London can access multiple destinations across Nigeria using a single Air Peace ticket through Abuja every morning. These destinations are Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Benin, Warri, Owerri, Kano, Yola, Gombe and Asaba, for now. Other destinations will be added later,” Osifo-Whiskey stated.
Air Peace is also offering what it describes as unprecedented value in pricing and service.
Osifo-Whiskey said, “It provides a distinct competitive advantage, enabling passengers to travel between Nigeria and the United Kingdom with greater ease, efficiency, and value, due to the possibility of choosing multiple cities entry and exit points.
“Has the cheapest fares ever, starting from only 1 Million Naira round trip. Huge baggage allowance.”
The Abuja–London launch comes months after the airline began Lagos–London Heathrow flights, which started earlier in 2024.
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