Amazon has announced plans to launch its marketplace in South Africa in 2024 after delaying the launch until the end of the year.
Starting today, independent sellers in South Africa, including small and medium-sized enterprises, can register their companies on the Amazon seller portal.
These independent sellers account for over 60% of store sales, providing diverse products, competitive prices, and excellent customer convenience.
This move will allow South African businesses to reach customers across the country.
Besides, the retail company said local small businesses are already “looking forward” to an opportunity to grow their businesses in the Amazon store.
Remember, the company faced legal challenges while building the Amazon Development Centre (ADC), its Africa headquarters, in Cape Town's R4.6 billion River Club multi-purpose complex. Yet, it got the green light to construct its multibillion-rand facility. So, Amazon will call Cape Town's River Club Development home.
In June 2022, Amazon announced plans to expand into five African, European, and South American countries — Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Nigeria, and South Africa.
The eCommerce giant confirmed its African project, codenamed "Project Fela," two months later by registering the domains "Amazon.com.ng" and "Amazon.co.za".
It also planned to expand its "Fulfilment by Amazon" service to third-party sellers. The company was supposed to make its Prime membership programme available to South Africans shortly after its marketplace launch in February 2023.
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However, Amazon announced plans to lay off 18,000 employees in January 2023, delaying the launch due to the downturn in the tech industry.
