Amazon Opens Online Shopping for South African Customers

Amazon has finally arrived in South Africa. With its launch in the region, Jeff Bezos' e-commerce platform is expected to compete with the leading local online shopping player, Takealot.com.

The American e-commerce giant announced the launch of its online shopping service in South Africa on Tuesday, May 7. As per Reuters, Amazon's rollout of the service comes at a time when the country has experienced an abrupt increase in online shopping after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Localized Amazon for South African Shoppers

Amazon's main online shopping site is accessible in South Africa, so local shoppers can buy products on the platform and have them delivered via overseas shipping. But now that Amazon.co.za is already available, buying will be much easier for customers in the country, and shipments will be faster and cheaper as well.

Amazon said its South African online store will offer same-day and next-day delivery services. Customers can enjoy free delivery on their first orders, and in the next transactions, they can still avail themselves of free service if they buy more than 500 rand or $27.07 worth of goods. South Africa's Business Live mentioned the Amazon SA shopping app is now ready for download on both desktop and mobile devices.

Amazon's Online Shopping Offers New Opportunities for Local Sellers

Over 60% of the merchandise sold at Amazon's online stores is from independent businesses, most of which are small and medium-sized companies. These businesses provide an extensive array of products at competitive prices, which is a big part of Amazon's success.

Now, as part of the company's commitment to linking customers with businesses throughout South Africa, the new Amazon.co.za will offer new opportunities for local independent sellers. Through the site's innovative capabilities and advanced tools, they can launch, sell, and grow their companies.

South Africa's Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, said, "The heartbeat of our small business enterprises measures the health of our country's economy. If they are pumping, the nation is growing."

She added, "We are counting on Amazon to provide such opportunities to our small enterprises and look forward to working together to unlock these opportunities. This will create jobs and contribute to the government's objective of repairing the legacy of poverty and inequality."

Photo by: Amazon South Africa Newsroom