SECTOR EXPERTISE Consumer Sector Absa | Corporate and Investment Banking > Sector Expertise > Consumer Sector Align with a strategic partner to navigate disruption and unlock value We combine bespoke solutions with advisory services to help you adapt to evolving trends and solve regional challenges in this vibrant sector. TOTAL DEAL VALUE R11.7 bn DEALS DONE 22 TOTAL CLIENTS 180 THOUGHTS FROM OUR LEADERS Align with a strategic partner to navigate disruption and unlock value The consumer landscape is undergoing a powerful transformation. Rising household incomes, urbanisation, digital connectivity, growing demand for quality healthcare, and a growing youthful population are reshaping consumption patterns across the continent. The African consumer is discerning, brand-aware, and increasingly value-driven, with preferences shifting towards convenience, digital engagement, quality healthcare, and enhanced service experiences. At Absa, we view the African consumer not just as an opportunity but as the next economic frontier. Our Consumer Sector division is designed to help corporates capitalise on this momentum. With deep insights, market intelligence, and specialised financial expertise, we enable our clients to thrive in this complex and dynamic environment. Expertise That Moves You Forward At Absa CIB, we recognise that our role is far greater than simply tailoring solutions to the needs of our individual customers. We see ourselves as a strategic partner with a long-term commitment to our clients. In leveraging data-driven insights on consumer behaviours, along with our deep knowledge and on-the-ground presence in African markets and our long-standing sector networks and relationships, we’re able to advise and support our clients to meet their operational requirements and growth ambitions. In a world filled with uncertainty, we remain committed to extending our balance sheet, demonstrating our dedication to both the industry and our clients. We have adopted a long-term view in our relationships as we navigate the ever-evolving consumer landscape together. Our Sector Coverage Includes: Retail Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Healthcare Hospitality Professional Services Private Education Isana Cordier Managing Executive: Consumer Goods and Services https://cib.absa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/file_example_MP3_700KB.mp3 Latest insights Data-driven insights on the trends impacting this evolving sector. CONSUMER INSIGHTS Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report: August 2025 Card spending fluctuates amid retailer campaigns and consumer caution. Card spending remained volatile, with August recording a 4.2% decline following a strong rebound in July. This fluctuation is largely driven by seasonal sales and targeted retailer campaigns. Read more Podcasts Africa Trade: Balancing Gains and Pains, Practical Realities and Support Balancing gains and pains: the on-the-ground realities and practical support. How do African businesses turn a trade vision into a profitable reality? This final, action-oriented episode focuses on the on-the-ground realities of AfCFTA implementation, addressing critical challenges and detailing the practical support available to businesses, particularly SMMEs. Podcasts Africa Trade: More Than Just Tariffs, Unlocking Opportunities More than just tariffs: unlocking opportunities in services and investment. Ready to move beyond borders? This episode dives deep into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), exploring the immense opportunities in services and investment that extend far beyond simple import tariff reductions over the next decade. Podcasts Navigating the New Africa Trade Deal Navigating the new trade deal. Ready to unlock a market of 1.3 billion people? This foundational episode of "Africa Trade Unlocked" is your essential guide to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), often hailed as the world's largest free trade area since the World Trade Organisation (WTO). CONSUMER INSIGHTS Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report: H1 2025 Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report: June 2025- Consumer card spending remained volatile in June 2025, with most categories experiencing significant declines. Following a minor recovery in May, both card spending and transaction volumes decreased once more. Historically, June typically marks a downturn before a July rebound. Read more CONSUMER INSIGHTS Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report: May 2025 Johannesburg, 29 July 2025 – The Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report for May 2025 indicates a slight uptick in card activity, following April’s sharp decline. According to Absa’s internal data, card spending increased by 2% month-on-month (MTM), while transaction volumes climbed by 4%. Despite the 2% growth in card spending and 4% increase in transaction volumes, this growth remains below the prevailing inflation rate of 2.8%. Read more Subscribe to newsletter Please enter your contact information to receive news and updates. Full Name Company email address I would like to receive marketing communications from Absa CIB Subscribe By clicking Subscribe, I confirm that I have read and accepted the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement. OUR TRACK RECORD Feedback from our clients “Absa provided us with advice on matters related to project finance and maximising interest income on excess cash. The service received has been outstanding and we have had better-than forecasted interest earnings as a result of the guidance and restructuring provided by Absa CIB. We have also received substantial support for decision making purposes when it comes to financial instruments held with Absa.” Dorper Wind Farm – South Africa President, Trade Association - Africa "Absa has been a partner bank to ACWA Power since our first successful project bid, providing the group with project financing, working capital as well as mandated as the account bank for the project. Absa has provided great value through its service, tailored solutions, valuable insights and advisory to the group." ACWA Power – UAE and Africa President, Trade Association - Africa "As a partner bank to Marubeni for over 6 years, the Absa team has provided awesome service in assisting us to establish our South Africa office. Their always-available attitude has supported us to facilitate our entry into both the South African and African Market." Marubeni Middle-East & Africa Power Limited – Japan President, Trade Association - Africa "Having a Pan-African banking partner is very important to the group as it gives us a competitive advantage in the market. We are now able to go for the projects we want because we have a partner bank that understands our business and is ready to help us materialise our growth ambitions in the continent." Gransolar Group – Spain President, Trade Association - Africa Contact us 0860 500 703 +27 (0) 10 211 3117 rsc.corpprc@absa.co.za Subscribe for quarterly updates Analysis and data-driven insights for a changing world – delivered directly to your inbox. Subscribe now Rate our website How would you rate your overall satisfaction with this website? 1 2 3 4 5 Great! Please tell us more What did you like most about the website? Insights offered Look and feel Variety of content Next Please tell us more Which of the following could be better? 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