KEY POINTS
- Amazon opens a walk-in center to support independent sellers in Cape Town.
- The center offers registration, training, and logistics services for local businesses.
- Amazon aims to compete with Takealot by increasing product diversity.
Amazon.com has opened a walk-in center in Cape Town to boost support for its independent sellers and enhance its presence in the competitive South African e-commerce market.
Officially launched on January 16, 2025, the center is located at Amazon’s head office and aims to help sellers attract more customers, expand their businesses, and improve product diversity.
This strategic move positions Amazon to compete directly with market leader Takealot, owned by Naspers.
According to Robert Koen, Managing Director of Amazon Sub-Saharan Africa, the focus is on increasing product options for customers. “We just want to have loads of products that people can buy,” Koen said at the launch event.
Local sellers gain tools and resources
The new center provides local sellers with essential services like on-the-spot registration, product imaging, cataloging, training, and logistics support.
These resources are designed to simplify the process of selling on Amazon.co.za and ensure a smoother experience for both new and returning sellers.
More than 60 percent of sales on Amazon’s global platforms come from independent sellers, with many being small and medium-sized businesses.
According to Reuters, Koen noted that the walk-in center would play a vital role in strengthening the ecosystem of local sellers and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Encouraging holiday season performance
Speaking about the results of Amazon in the 2024 holiday period, Koen shared his positive impression.
“We exceeded all the goals that we set for ourselves,” he said, adding that first-time shoppers showed high satisfaction with delivery speed and service quality.
Amazon’s entry into the Sub Saharan African market began in the e-commerce region when it opened its doors to business in South Africa in May of 2024.
This walk-in center is a real step forward in the company’s strategy to strengthen its position in the region and challenge the incumbents.
