Television deals, ratings generate record-setting NFL revenueAwareness still at disadvantage in decades-long battle for tennis pay equityThe US tech giant invited potential sellers in South Africa to register their businesses on the website, starting Tuesday, the company said in a statement. Amazon’s entry was delayed over issues including a dispute with local groups over land for its Cape Town offices.
South Africa has a growing middle class, nearly three quarters of the country has Internet access and more people live in urban areas than in most other nations in the region. E-commerce makes up about 4% of retail in the country, meaning there are potential riches to be won. Online retail sales in Africa’s most developed economy increased 30% to $2.9 billion last year, according to a study by World Wide Worx market researcher.
“We look forward to launching Amazon.co.za in South Africa,” Robert Koen, general manager for the company’s sub-Saharan Africa business said in the statement. Naspers Ltd.’s Takealot, the nation’s top online retailer, has been strengthening its portfolio in anticipation of Amazon’s entry, including introducing delivery within an hour for items ranging from phone chargers to toys.
Although Amazon has provided web services in the country since 2004, it has held off on launching its e-commerce business in a country that is struggling with power cuts and poor connectivity in some places.