Walmart's Final Frontier

Many households in sub-Saharan Africa are especially vulnerable to shocks generated by rising costs of food and fuel. the reason for this is that in spite of the recent economic growth registered in many African countries, the majority of people still live on very low incomes. That the south African competition Commission and the Tribunal have allowed the formal entry of Walmart to take over a leading grocery chain in that country is both fascinating and portentous of good things to come. As argued here, South African unions may be concerned about the entry of Walmart into that country but its lower income people would benefit immensely from this.

The entry of Walmart in a continent that requires serious retail market development is understandably causing concern but increased competition in retail markets is a precondition for further growth. let African urban centers be the final frontier for Walmart. I hope to follow its progress in future blog posts.