South African Retail: Lessons from a Former Massmart Exec

Feb 12, 2025

Nazim Cassim is a retail veteran who served on the Massmart board during the Walmart acquisition. Today, he splits his time between South Africa and Dubai in his current role as CEO of QVWi Retail, MEA. Nazim is also a Founding Member of the Retail Institute of South Africa (RISA), whose mission is to empower the country’s retail workforce through professionalization and training.  

Nazim joins Natalie to discuss:

• The Walmart acquisition and why the retailer is doubling down on Africa.
• Why some businesses fail in South Africa.
• The broader state of South African retail and what last year’s Amazon launch means for the industry.
• Nazim’s views on retail transformation and the critical role of technology in shaping the future of retail.
• QVWi Retail and retailing in the Middle East.
• RISA’s mission, what led to its creation, and the importance of investing in skills development to attract the next generation of talent.

Bio:

Nazim Cassim is a highly respected figure in the retail industry with over 34 years of experience. As the Founding Member of the Retail Institute of South Africa (RISA), Nazim is at the forefront of professionalizing South Africa’s retail sector through competency-based training, micro-credentialing, and industry-recognized qualifications.
 
Nazim served on the Massmart board during the landmark Walmart acquisition in 2010, a defining moment in South African retail history. He played a pivotal role in the turnaround of Massmart’s ailing DIONWIRED business when he served as MD. Nazim previously served as VP for Gen Merch, Food and Liquor. Post his tenure at Massmart, he launched the global appliances brand BEKO brand in partnership with Arcelik Group in SA. 

Nazim is also an advisor on the University of Johannesburg’s Academic Board, contributing his expertise to the advancement of retail education. He serves on the executive Steerco of the Wholesale and Retail Sector for Education and Training (W&R SETA). He is currently the CEO of QVWi Retail MEA, A Skyworth Digital Company. A doctoral candidate, Nazim’s academic pursuits further underscore his commitment to the growth and evolution of the retail industry. 
 
As sought-after keynote speaker, Nazim is widely recognized for his thought leadership and his ability to inspire innovation in retail. His dedication to workforce development and strategic partnerships continues to shape the industry’s future. On the outside, he is an open water advanced scuba diver and loves exotic locations for an adventure dive, and an avid reader of Philosophy.

Connect with Nazim on LinkedIn.

Learn more about the Retail Institute of South Africa (RISA).