Connect with us

Technology

Africa & Middle East Social Commerce Market Intelligence Report 2024: Rising Usage of Social Media Platforms will Drive the Trend of Social Buying

Published

on

DUBLIN, Feb. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The “Africa & Middle East Social Commerce Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics Databook – 50+ KPIs on Social Commerce Trends by End-Use Sectors, Operational KPIs, Retail Product Dynamics, and Consumer Demographics – Q1 2024 Update” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.

Social commerce industry in Africa & Middle East is expected to grow by 34.0% on annual basis to reach US$12.58 billion in 2024.

The social commerce industry is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 27.6% during 2024-2029. The social commerce GMV in the region will increase from US$9.39 billion in 2023 to reach US$42.54 billion by 2029.

The social commerce market is poised to record strong growth in the Middle East and Africa markets over the medium term. This surge in online commerce, including social buying among young generation shoppers, will aid the industry growth across the region in 2024. In the Middle East, young generation shoppers are also making luxury purchases through social channels.

New players have entered the Middle East market in 2023 and the trend is projected to continue further in 2024. In the African region, too, the industry is experiencing a surge in the competitive landscape. Even B2B e-commerce firms are planning to enter the social commerce market to accelerate revenue growth. Overall, the publisher maintains a positive growth outlook for the industry over the next three to four years.

The rising usage of social media platforms will drive the trend of social buying in the Middle East in 2024

A significant population chunk in the Middle East is using social channels. According to the RetailX Middle East E-Commerce Region 2023 report, nearly 98% of the population uses at least one social media platform in Qatar. The adoption of TikTok, which is making significant strides in the regional market, has also grown substantially over the last 12 months. This is also translating into higher social commerce revenue for TikTok in the GCC region. According to TikTok, 41% of the users have made purchases through the platform in GCC.

According to RetailX, 79% of social media users are looking for brands or things to purchase in the UAE. Furthermore, 59% of the people have stated that they bought products on social channels over the last 12 months. In the Emirates, consumers are even making luxury purchases through social media channels. The publisher expects similar trends to emerge in other regional markets over the medium term. To tap into the growing sector, the publisher also expects social commerce firms to increase their investment in the market over the next three to four years.

B2B e-commerce firms are expanding their footprint in the fast-growing social commerce sector in Africa

An increasing number of small businesses are leveraging social commerce capabilities to drive their sales and revenue growth in Africa. The lack of capital and capacity to open stores and grow their businesses is driving the social commerce market in Africa. Amid the growing market size, even B2B e-commerce firms are expanding their footprint in the sector.

MarketForce, for instance, announced that the firm plans to launch the social commerce platform Chpter in Kenya. This platform will enable merchants to leverage social media conversations to drive sales and revenue growth. With the rising usage of social channels among consumers across age groups, MarketForce is seeking to boost its revenue growth through Chpter in the African market. The firm, notably, ceased B2B e-commerce operations in three of its five African markets. Exiting Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tanzania, the firm is only focusing on Kenya and Uganda.

With a lot of room for growth in the African social commerce market, Chpter can accelerate revenue growth for MarketForce over the medium term. The success in the sector might also lay the foundation for its B2B e-commerce expansion in other African markets over the next three to four years, which is currently facing funding hurdle.

Social commerce platforms have reported strong revenue growth in the United Arab Emirates

Amid the growing trend of social buying in the Emirates, platforms are enjoying a strong growth period in the country, registering significant revenue increases during the first six months of 2023.

SleekFlow, a leading software platform for social commerce in the Asia-Pacific region, reported an impressive fivefold increase in revenue in the UAE during the first half of 2023. Not only has the company done well in the Middle East, but it is projected that around 20% of the new revenue over the next two years will come from the UAE. The significant growth in the UAE is attributed to their strategic collaboration with L’Occitane ME’s Accelerator Program, which is powered by Chalhoub Group’s The Greenhouse. This partnership officially brought SleekFlow’s versatile social commerce platform to the UAE, making a significant impact on the retail scene in the region.

The growth achieved by SleekFlow in the United Arab Emirates market is a testament to the growing market. Going forward, the publisher expects more regional and global platforms to enter the market over the next three to four years.

This report provides a detailed data centric analysis of social commerce industry, covering market opportunities and risks. With over 50+ KPIs at country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of social commerce market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics.

Scope

Country reports in this bundled offering provide in-depth analysis of Social Commerce industry. Below is a summary of key market segments offered at country level:

Ecommerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2020-2029

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2020-2029

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Retail Product Categories, 2020-2029

Clothing & FootwearBeauty and Personal CareFood & GroceryAppliances and ElectronicsHome ImprovementTravelHospitality

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Consumer Segment, 2020-2029

B2BB2CC2C

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Device, 2020-2029

MobileDesktop

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2020-2029

DomesticCross Border

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2020-2029

Tier-1 CitiesTier-2 CitiesTier-3 Cities

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Payment Method, 2020-2029

Credit CardDebit CardBank TransferPrepaid CardDigital & Mobile WalletOther Digital PaymentCash

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Platforms

Video CommerceSocial Network-Led CommerceSocial ResellingGroup BuyingProduct Review Platforms

 Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Consumer Demographics & Behaviour,2023

By AgeBy Income LevelBy Gender

Companies Mentioned

FacebookYouTubeInstagramBrimoreTaager ShoppingDivar ShoppingTrumpetDigikalaBoardsEasy Social ShopGROOKiliShopCopiaJiji NigeriaSendboxreselr.comTajerFordealatonzoBabyGroup.co.zaTrendyolTurkSeyThe Luxury ClosetZbooniSellAnyCar.comFloranow

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/l3yig5

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world’s leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com 

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470
For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630
For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/africa–middle-east-social-commerce-market-intelligence-report-2024-rising-usage-of-social-media-platforms-will-drive-the-trend-of-social-buying-302064226.html

SOURCE Research and Markets

Continue Reading

Technology

Best AI Tools for Marketing Content (2026): CapCut Recognized for Faster AI-Powered Video and Image Creation by Better Business Advice

Published

on

By

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Better Business Advice has recognized CapCut in its 2026 coverage of the best AI tools for marketing content, highlighting its collection of AI-powered features for creating and editing videos, images, audio, and other campaign assets. The recognition reflects growing interest in tools that help transform creative concepts into usable marketing materials while reducing the manual work involved in production.

Best AI Marketing Tools

Seedance 2.0 – an AI video generation model that creates videos from text prompts or imagesSeedream – an AI image generation model that creates high-quality visuals from text prompts

AI-powered content creation is changing how businesses develop digital marketing campaigns. From promotional videos and product imagery to social media graphics and branded audio, organizations face growing demand for creative assets across multiple digital channels. Tools that simplify production and support faster experimentation are becoming an increasingly important part of modern marketing workflows.

CapCut offers a range of AI-assisted capabilities covering several stages of content creation. These include text-based video generation, AI image generation, background removal, image expansion, music generation, and photo animation. Together, the tools provide options for producing marketing assets for social media, digital advertising, product promotions, and other online campaigns.

AI Video Generation Supports Promotional Campaigns

Video is an important format for communicating product information, presenting services, and building audience engagement. However, producing video content regularly can require significant planning, editing, and creative resources.

CapCut’s Seedance 2.0 AI video generator supports prompt-based video creation. Users can describe a creative concept and generate video content that serves as a starting point for further development.

The capability can support promotional videos, product showcases, educational content, and social media campaigns. It also gives creators a way to explore different visual approaches during the planning stage before refining the selected direction.

For businesses producing content across multiple channels, AI-assisted video generation can help reduce the effort required to develop initial concepts. Generated material can then be reviewed and edited to align with campaign objectives, brand guidelines, and platform requirements.

Image Generation Helps Develop Marketing Concepts

Visual assets influence how products, services, and campaigns are presented to audiences. Developing suitable imagery often involves several rounds of brainstorming and creative testing before a final direction is selected.

CapCut’s Seedream AI image generator enables users to create images from text prompts. The tool can support concept drafts, campaign planning, and experimentation with different visual styles.

For example, a seasonal marketing campaign may require several approaches to backgrounds, compositions, and visual themes. AI-generated drafts can help illustrate those options before resources are committed to final production.

CapCut’s GPT Image 2 provides another option for generating images from natural language instructions. The feature can support the development of promotional graphics, campaign imagery, and other visual assets.

These tools help shorten the early stages of creative development by making it easier to turn written ideas into visual references. Human review remains important to ensure the resulting assets accurately represent the product and meet the campaign’s requirements.

Image Editing Simplifies Asset Preparation

AI image generation is only one part of preparing content for publication. Existing photographs and graphics often need adjustments before they can be used across marketing channels.

CapCut’s AI background removal tool helps separate subjects from their original backgrounds. This can be useful when preparing product images, promotional graphics, and other assets that require a different visual setting.

The AI Image Extender addresses the challenge of adapting images to different layouts. By generating content beyond an image’s original boundaries, the tool can help users adjust compositions for different formats without relying entirely on cropping or stretching.

These capabilities can support the preparation of visuals for social media posts, website banners, digital advertisements, and product promotions. They also provide options for repurposing existing creative assets instead of producing entirely new images for every placement.

AI Audio and Photo Animation Expand Creative Options

Marketing content often combines visuals, movement, and sound to communicate a message. Producing these elements separately can add complexity to the creative process.

CapCut’s SeedMusic AI audio generator supports AI-assisted music creation based on creative prompts. Generated music can be used as a starting point for videos, promotional campaigns, and other multimedia projects, subject to appropriate review and usage requirements.

The platform’s Photo-to-3D tool offers another way to adapt still images into more dynamic visual content. This capability can help transform existing photography into animated presentations for product showcases, social media, and digital promotions.

By supporting audio creation and image animation alongside video and image tools, CapCut provides additional options for developing varied marketing materials.

A Connected Workflow for Marketing Content

CapCut’s collection of AI-powered features supports several stages of campaign production within one creative environment. A project could begin with concept images generated through Seedream, followed by visual development with GPT Image 2. Background removal and image expansion can then help prepare assets for different placements.

Selected visuals can be incorporated into video projects using Seedance 2.0, while SeedMusic offers an option for developing accompanying audio. Photo-to-3D can provide another format for repurposing existing images.

Not every campaign requires all these capabilities. Their practical value depends on the content format, production requirements, and intended audience. Reviewing generated assets for accuracy, visual consistency, and suitability remains essential before publication.

Better Business Advice’s recognition of CapCut reflects the growing role of AI-assisted production in digital marketing. As businesses continue to develop content for multiple channels, tools that support video creation, image generation, editing, and multimedia production can help simplify creative workflows while leaving room for human direction and quality control.

The full article can be read at the Better Business Advice website.

About CapCut

CapCut is an AI-powered photo and video editing platform designed to make high-quality video creation accessible across devices. The platform supports creators, businesses, and everyday users with tools for video editing, AI video generation, captions, templates, audio, and visual editing. CapCut is available across mobile, web, desktop, and iPad experiences, helping users create, edit, and prepare video content for social media, marketing, education, and personal projects.

About Better Business Advice: Better Business Advice covers the news and strategies driving modern business success. The information provided by Better Business Advice does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only. As an affiliate, Better Business Advice may earn commissions from services mentioned in the links provided.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/best-ai-tools-for-marketing-content-2026-capcut-recognized-for-faster-ai-powered-video-and-image-creation-by-better-business-advice-302918030.html

SOURCE BetterBusinessAdvice.com

Continue Reading

Technology

Bio-Thera Announces Promising Clinical Data for BAT8008 in Combination with BAT1308 in First-Line Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer at ESMO 2026

Published

on

By

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd. (688177.SH), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies and biosimilars, today announced the presentation of clinical data for BAT8008, a TROP2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in combination with BAT1308, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, at the 2026 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress. Professor Shaodong Hong of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center delivered a rapid oral presentation highlighting results from the combination regimen in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Further details are available on Bio-Thera’s official website.

In the first-line, mutation-negative NSCLC population (N=104), treatment with BAT8008 in combination with BAT1308 achieved an objective response rate (ORR) of 61.2% and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 12.42 months. In the non-squamous NSCLC subgroup, the ORR was 65.2%, while median PFS had not yet been reached at the time of analysis. The combination demonstrated a manageable safety profile consistent with the known safety characteristics of the individual agents, with no new safety signals identified.

“We are very encouraged by these Phase 2 results evaluating BAT8008 in combination with BAT1308 as a first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer”, said Shengfeng Li, CEO of Bio-Thera Solutions.  “The findings support the potential of this combination approach in First Line NSCLC and reinforce our commitment to advancing innovative oncology therapies for patients with significant unmet medical needs.”

Lung cancer remains a major global health challenge, and NSCLC accounts for the majority of lung cancer cases. Patients with advanced NSCLC who lack actionable genomic alterations continue to face significant treatment challenges, despite advances in immunotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy. New treatment strategies that can improve clinical outcomes while maintaining a manageable safety profile remain an important area of oncology research.

TROP2-targeted ADCs combine tumor-directed delivery of cytotoxic payloads with the potential to modulate the tumor microenvironment. When combined with PD-1 blockade, this approach may offer complementary mechanisms of action, providing a rationale for clinical investigation in NSCLC. The clinical findings presented at ESMO 2026 support further evaluation of BAT8008 in combination with BAT1308 as a potential treatment option for patients with NSCLC.

About Bio-Thera Solutions:

Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd., a leading innovative, global biopharmaceutical company in Guangzhou, China, is dedicated to researching and developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune, cardiovascular, eye diseases, and other severe unmet medical needs, as well as biosimilars for existing, branded biologics to treat a range of cancer and autoimmune diseases. As a leader in next generation antibody discovery and engineering, the company has advanced multiple candidates into late-stage development, including six approved products: QLETLI® (adalimumab) and BETAGRIN® (bevifibatide citrate) Injection in China, STARJEMZA® (ustekinumab) in the US and USYMRO® (ustekinumab) in the EU, TOFIDENCE®/BAT1806 (tocilizumab) and AVZIVI® (bevacizumab-tnjn) in the US and in the EU, a/k/a POBEVCY® in China, and GOTENFIA® (golimumab) in the EU and IMMGOLIS™ (golimumab-sldi) in the US. In addition, the company has more than 20 promising candidates in clinical trials, focusing on immuno-oncology in the post-PD-1 era and targeted therapies such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). For more information, please visit www.bio-thera.com/en/ or follow us on X (@bio_thera_sol) and WeChat (Bio-Thera).

Bio-Thera Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to BAT8008, BAT1308 or the product pipelines in general of Bio-Thera Solutions. Readers are strongly cautioned that reliance on any forward-looking statements involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements include, among others, those containing “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “promising,” “potentially,” or similar expressions. They reflect the company’s current views with respect to future events that are based on what the company believes are reasonable assumptions in view of information currently available to Bio-Thera Solutions, and are not a guarantee of future performance or developments. Actual results and events may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties inherent in pharmaceutical research and development, such as the uncertainties of pre-clinical and clinical studies. Other risks and uncertainties include challenges in obtaining regulatory approvals, manufacturing, marketing, competition, intellectual property, product efficacy or safety, changes in global healthcare situation, changes in the company’s financial conditions, and changes to applicable laws and regulations, etc. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date of their initial publication. Unless required by laws or regulations, Bio-Thera Solutions undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in the company’s views or otherwise.

Bio-Thera Contact:
Bert E. Thomas IV
Phone: +1.410.627.1734
Email: bethomas@bio-thera.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bio-thera-announces-promising-clinical-data-for-bat8008-in-combination-with-bat1308-in-first-line-non-small-cell-lung-cancer-at-esmo-2026-302918492.html

SOURCE Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd

Continue Reading

Technology

ASTRI Showcases Pioneering Technologies at InnoCarnival 2026

Published

on

By

Driving Technology Adoption, Shaping a Vision for the Future

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is proud to present a range of cutting-edge technologies and practical solutions at this year’s InnoCarnival, spanning communications technology, smart cities, IoT sensing, and renewable energy and energy storage. ASTRI’s innovations address urban development needs and everyday applications, driving diversity in the innovation and technology (I&T) sector.

Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the InnoCarnival 2026 runs from today through 1 November at Hong Kong Science Park (HKSP) with the theme of “Lead with I&T, Dream to Fly High “, offering the public an opportunity to experience the transformative power and I&T vibrancy.

Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, stated: “Innovation is not just about breakthroughs in the lab – it’s about putting technology into practice, empowering industries, and benefiting society as a whole. At ASTRI, we align closely with the government’s priorities in advancing AI development and accelerating new industrialisation. Through our participation in the InnoCarnival, we showcase various state-of-the-art technologies, some of which have been co-developed with industry partners and are already in commercial rollout. These innovations demonstrate the tangible benefits of technology in daily life and inspire the public to explore their curiosity about science and innovation.”

He highlighted the InnoCarnival as a key platform to bridge the I&T community with the public. “This annual landmark event motivates young people to explore their potential and encourages them to pursue careers in Hong Kong’s growing I&T sector,” he added.

ASTRI’s booth (A08), located at the HKSP’s Atrium Link, features interactive games powered by its groundbreaking technologies “5G-SAT Link” and “Omniguard-All-Weather Multispectral Surveillance System” technologies. Visitors can also explore other advanced solutions on display, including the dual-purpose “SafeStop Dual-purpose Impact Dissipation Bollard”, the “Hybrid-Powered Asset Tracker”, and the award-winning “NIR Secure Anti-Counterfeit Solutions”, which received gold award at the prestigious Edison Awards.

1. 5G-SAT Link
ASTRI’s “5G-SAT Link” technology delivers seamless, comprehensive communications coverage—even in remote areas, emergency scenarios where infrastructure is compromised, or at sea and in the air.

2. Omniguard: All-Weather Multispectral Surveillance System
The “Omniguard” is equipped with exceptional fog penetration capabilities, superior contrast, and crystal-clear signal quality. Leveraging its advanced shortwave and longwave infrared sensors, the system can even detect non-metallic vessels that are difficult for radar systems to identify in harsh coastal environments.

3. SafeStop Dual-purpose Impact Dissipation Bollard
Developed by ASTRI, the “SafeStop Bollard” features a unique material design inspired by the retractable claw structure of cats. Its 3D tension-expansion composition allows it to effectively dissipate kinetic energy from moving vehicles, providing dual protection by blocking vehicles while minimising potential harm to occupants. Certified to meet international crash-test standards, the bollard’s shallow foundation design makes it ideal for fast and efficient installation in high-traffic urban locations.

4. Hybrid-Powered Asset Tracker
The “Hybrid-Powered Asset Tracker” enables efficient, real-time management of airport equipment such as baggage carts over extended periods. Supported by the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the tracker is compatible with airport wireless networks and utilises automatic Bluetooth-GPS switching for seamless indoor and outdoor location updates. With a long-lasting battery combined with an efficient, low-light solar panel, the tracker extends its lifespan from under two years to five years.

5. NIR Secure Anti-Counterfeit Solutions
The “NIR Secure Anti-Counterfeit Solutions” offer an innovative authentication system by embedding covert near-infrared (NIR) absorbing materials into product packaging. Users can verify product authenticity instantly using a smartphone, paired with an NIR reader and mobile app. Highly scalable and robust, this solution combats counterfeit goods while preserving the original product design and production workflow. Co-developed with Zhuhai Print-Rite New Materials Corporation Ltd., this technology sets a new benchmark in secure authentication.

Photos Download: https://bit.ly/4iguifh

About ASTRI

Founded in 2000 by the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is the city’s largest government-funded R&D centre. Committed to transforming high-impact research into practical innovations, ASTRI drives market-driven, interdisciplinary advancements across sectors, including Smart City, FinTech, Digital Health and Life Sciences, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Advanced Electronics, New Energy and Energy Storage, and Green and ESG Technologies. Following its merger with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, ASTRI has further strengthened its capabilities, with over 1,500 patents and 2,200 successful cases of technology transfer. Recognised with numerous international awards, ASTRI continues to nurture top I&T talent and foster collaborations among the I&T ecosystem, contributing to Hong Kong’s high-value economic development. For more information, please visit: https://www.astri.org 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/astri-showcases-pioneering-technologies-at-innocarnival-2026-302918617.html

SOURCE Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI)

Continue Reading

Trending