(Photo by Stanislav Kogiku/SOPA Images/LightRocket, Getty Images)
After years of anticipation, Amazon.co.za has officially launched.
The US-based e-commerce giant launched its South African online store overnight. You can now buy Amazon prices in Rand in our South African store. However, some products are “temporarily out of stock”.
Robert Cohen, Amazon's managing director for sub-Saharan Africa, said customers can expect fast and reliable delivery from Amazon.
“We are excited to launch Amazon.co.za together with thousands of South African independent sellers. inventory, and a convenient delivery experience,” Koen said on Amazon.Release statement.
Amazon made a mysterious announcement last October, vowing to launch Amazon.co.za sometime in 2024. Amazon was also cagey about the level of investment it is making in the country.
Read more | Amazon launches SA Marketplace in 2024, sellers can register today
Since then, third-party sellers have been able to register and start selling on the site.
Amazon Web Services has been operating in South Africa for many years, but on Tuesday the company officially launched its e-commerce operations.
South African Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams said South Africa welcomes companies that create opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
“We count on Amazon to provide such opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, and we look forward to working together to unlock these opportunities. This will create jobs and reduce poverty and underpricing. We will contribute to the government's goal of restoring the legacy of equality. This is the drumbeat we want to hear.'' she said in Amazon's announcement.
Amazon's extensive experience in e-commerce is expected to provide significant competition to local e-commerce operators such as Takealot.
Amazon will join fast-growing Chinese-owned Tem to launch an e-commerce operation in South Africa this year.