South African bank Absa has launched ShopRed, a digital commerce platform designed to help entrepreneurs manage their businesses through a single, streamlined system. Developed in partnership with fintech startup Littlefish and digital payments company Visa, the app aims to simplify e-commerce operations—particularly for small businesses with limited technical resources.
ShopRed consolidates key business functions—such as website creation, inventory tracking, and payment processing—into one interface. Unlike traditional e-commerce models that rely on multiple service providers and integrations, this platform offers a unified dashboard available online and on Android devices. Entrepreneurs can set up and run hybrid (online and offline) storefronts without navigating complex tools or systems.
Bridging the gap for small businesses
For many small and medium-sized enterprises, digital adoption has been hindered by cost and complexity. According to Littlefish CEO Brandon Roberts, the goal is to lower those barriers: “We’re putting technology directly into the hands of business owners—helping them streamline operations and unlock new opportunities.”
Visa’s involvement reflects its broader push for financial inclusion. “Digital payment acceptance can increase small business revenue by up to 24%,” says Lineshree Moodley, country head of Visa SA. The company helped facilitate the partnership between Absa and Littlefish as part of its support for fintech innovation in emerging markets.
Riding the e-commerce wave
Absa’s move comes as digital retail continues to grow in South Africa. The bank reports a 25% spike in e-commerce turnover in early 2024, with steady growth through the end of the year. As more entrepreneurs seek digital solutions to reach wider markets, ShopRed represents a timely intervention—offering simplified access to the tools needed to compete in an evolving retail landscape.