South Africa’s online retailer, Takealot, is expanding its business beyond e-commerce retail. With the launch of Takealot Fulfilment Services (TFS), the company is turning its internal logistics network into a new standalone business, offering third-party delivery, warehousing, and freight services to businesses across South Africa.
This strategic move builds on Takealot’s logistics infrastructure, developed over years of handling high-volume e-commerce deliveries. TFS is designed to serve businesses that need affordable and reliable logistics, especially those previously underserved by traditional courier services.
According to Takealot, TFS leverages the same systems that power its food delivery arm, Mr D, enabling it to provide consistent service across major South African cities and towns.
Although pricing details have not been disclosed, the offering includes warehousing, freight, last-mile delivery, and order fulfilment. It positions Takealot to compete not just as an online retailer but as a logistics partner for companies in sectors like retail, consumer goods, and even pharmaceuticals.
The launch of TFS reflects a broader strategy shift. As global giants like Amazon eye South Africa’s e-commerce space, Takealot is extending its business model to deepen its market hold. Logistics as a service creates a new revenue stream while allowing the company to scale operations without relying solely on product sales.
Takealot already handles over one million deliveries each month and works with more than 4,500 contracted drivers. Its fulfilment network spans warehouses in Gauteng and the Western Cape, supported by a growing number of pickup points. These assets now form the backbone of TFS.
This is not the company’s first experiment with logistics diversification. In 2020, it piloted TakealotNOW, a one-hour delivery service in Cape Town, showcasing its intent to go beyond traditional shipping timelines.
The company also plans to expand its driver franchise model, opening doors for more entrepreneurs to join its network. It’s a move that could support youth employment and small business participation in South Africa’s delivery economy.
With TFS, Takealot joins a growing number of tech-enabled platforms transforming into logistics providers — following a model seen globally with companies like Amazon, Shopify, and Jumia.
By evolving from an online marketplace into a full-stack logistics platform, Takealot is positioning itself as the infrastructure backbone for South Africa’s digital commerce future.
