Amazon announces 2024 launch in South Africa

Amazon has announced that it will launch Amazon.co.za in 2024, and SA-based sellers can register right now, ahead of next year’s launch.

The news means sellers in South Africa will be able to reach customers across the country from 2024.

Amazon said in a statement that more than 60% of sales in Amazon’s store are from independent sellers – most of which are small and medium-sized businesses – providing a vast selection of products, at competitive prices, with great convenience for consumers. The launch is expected to give these businesses the opportunity to grow.

Robert Koen, general manager of the Sub-Saharan Africa region for Amazon, says:

“We look forward to launching Amazon.co.za in South Africa, providing local sellers, brand owners, and entrepreneurs—small and large—the opportunity to grow their business with Amazon, and delivering great value and a convenient shopping experience for customers across South Africa.”

Nomaswazi Tinus, founder and director of African Mamas Crafts said they’re very excited at the “prospect of working with Amazon locally to leverage their tools and expertise to grow our ecommerce business.” Johannesburg-based African Mamas Crafts employs home-based crafters in rural areas. Tinus said: “We cannot wait to embark on this journey of growth.”

Another business looking forward to the launch is Reader’s Warehouse, created by two brothers who grew up with a passion for books and reading. Sean Bulpin, director at Reader’s Warehouse, says: “This presents an incredible chance to expand our ecommerce business and tap into a broader customer base in South Africa.”

You can find out more at Amazon’s new South Africa sellers site here.