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Amazon opens a Seller Success Centre to boost SA small businesses

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Cape Town-based centre recognises that many local businesses face significant challenges in digital adoption.

Online retail giant Amazon, which launched its South African e-commerce platform in May 2024, has opened a walk-in centre at its Cape Town head office which aims to help local small businesses reach more customers.

Photo: Amazon

The Seller Success Centre provides sellers with a range of services. These include training, on-the-spot registration for businesses wanting to sell on amazon.co.za, help with product imaging and cataloguing, shipping and logistics support, and event facilities for networking purposes. 

 

Robert Koen, Amazon’s Managing Director for sub-Saharan Africa, says in a LinkedIn post that small businesses are the backbone of South Africa’s economy. 

 

“Yet, many of these businesses face significant challenges in digital adoption. Access to technology, acquiring digital skills, and navigating the complex world of e-commerce can be daunting,” Koen writes. 

 

“That’s where our Seller Success Centre comes in. We’ve designed this space with the South African entrepreneur in mind. Walk-in support, on-the-spot registration, interactive educational screens, in-person webinars, product imaging assistance – all these services are tailored to meet the unique needs of our local business community.” 

 

Competing with Naspers-owned Takealot 

 

A report by Reuters news agency says the initiative can increase amazon.co.za’s product range at a time when it is competing with Takealot, the well-established local e-commerce market leader owned by the Naspers group. 

 

“More than 60% of sales in Amazon’s stores globally are from independent sellers – most of which are small- and medium-sized businesses,” Reuters states. 

 

Amazon South Africa has also announced that it is hosting a Seller Summit in the first half of 2025. 

 

The summit will provide Amazon’s existing and potential selling partners with exclusive content, spotlight the latest tools and innovations, provide opportunities to make connections with selling partners, and host interactive training sessions. 

 

“The Amazon Seller Success Centre is a launchpad for local businesses aiming to thrive in the digital marketplace,” says Suzelle Abe, Head of Amazon Marketplace for SSA.

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.