Amazon Increases Presence in South Africa's Grocery and Pet Food Sectors
Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, has recently expanded its product range in South Africa, aiming to become a one-stop shop in the country's growing e-commerce market. According to Robert Koen, Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Amazon, groceries, pet supplies, and health supplements have been among the top requests from Amazon customers.
This move comes as a strategic effort to increase Amazon's market share, but as of 2025, Takealot.com, owned by tech giant Naspers, remains the dominant South African e-commerce platform in terms of market position and user traffic.
Amazon's South African online store now offers a variety of products, including global brands like Nestlé, Red Bull, and Starbucks, as well as local staples such as Beacon, Simba, and Koo. Top-selling product categories include fashion, electronics, home & kitchen, and beauty, with growing interest in packaged foods and health-related products, aligning with its new grocery and pet food offerings.
Despite Amazon's expansion, Takealot.com continues to lead the market. The digital-savvy middle class in South Africa and the country's strong logistics infrastructure make it an attractive market for global e-commerce players, but the success of Amazon's expansion will depend on its ability to compete with Takealot and other local players.
Amazon launched in South Africa in 2024, and its entry marks a significant milestone in the country's e-commerce landscape. The overall African e-commerce market is growing rapidly, with key categories like food, beauty, and fashion driving online sales. As Amazon continues to grow and adapt to the South African market, it will be interesting to see how the competition unfolds in the coming years.
Technology plays a crucial role in Amazon's expansion strategy, enabling seamless online shopping and delivery experiences for customers. Despite the entry of Amazon, Takealot.com, a tech-driven e-commerce platform, maintains its market leadership in South Africa.
