Amazon South Africa Finally Goes Live

Global giant retailer Amazon has dipped its massive toe into the African market by launching in South Africa. Their debut has been highly anticipated since an October 2023 promise.

Providing customers in South Africa with a new online shopping experience, customers can either download the Amazon shopping app or visit www.amazon.co.za on desktop or mobile browsers. Customers can now discover and shop from a selection of local and international brands across 20 different product categories, take advantage of great prices, and enjoy same-day and next-day delivery.

With an offer to enjoy free delivery on their first order and free delivery for subsequent orders above $27, customers will also receive status updates via WhatsApp where they can track their order every step of the way. To boost this, they will offer hassle-free returns within 30 days via home pickup and self-drop alongside support via phone, email, and live chat.

“We are excited to launch Amazon.co.za along with thousands of independent sellers in South Africa. We provide customers with great value, broad selection—including international and local products—and a convenient delivery experience,” said Robert Koen, Managing Director of Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon, all from 3,000 pick-up points.

Featuring a wide range of products across categories such as consumer electronics, sporting equipment, toys, home, and small kitchen appliances, it includes international brands such as Apple, Sony, HP, LEGO, Chicco, Maybelline, Pampers, Neutrogena, and Johnson’s. The store will also include popular local brands from independent South African sellers, including Amanda-Jayne, King Kong Leather, Masodi, and Tiger Lily.

Amazon has also partnered with goGOGOgo, a South African non-profit organisation, offering customers the opportunity to package eligible products in handmade gift bags. “We are grateful for this wonderful opportunity to partner with Amazon to expand our reach and make a meaningful impact in promoting positive life opportunities and health outcomes for GOGOs and the children they are raising, often in difficult conditions,” said Founder of goGOGOgo, Jane Simmonds. “Through this partnership, Amazon recognizes the importance of our cause to support these extraordinary women in the vital role they play within their families and their communities around South Africa.”

New Opportunities For Local Businesses

More than 60 per cent of the items sold in Amazon’s stores globally are from independent sellers—most of which are small- and medium-sized businesses – offering them an opportunity to rapidly launch, grow, and scale, while leveraging the innovative capabilities, valuable tools, and educational content provided by Amazon.

“The heartbeat of our small business enterprises measures the health of our country’s economy. If they are pumping, the nation is growing. We welcome companies that provide opportunities for local sellers and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses,” said Minister of Small Business Development of South Africa, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams. “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 government’s objective of repairing the legacy of poverty and inequality. This is the heartbeat we want to hear.”

Businesses of all sizes are set to sell their goods through the marketplace. One which will provide them with easy-to-use onboarding tools, payment processing facilities, reporting, and analytics to boost sales.