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Reports say Amazon is delaying its African marketplace launches

By our News Team | 2023

Global e-commerce giant is said to have postponed SA launch to late 2023 and paused Nigerian market entry until further notice.

Global e-commerce giant Amazon has apparently delayed its South African marketplace launch until late 2023 and also put its Nigerian market entry on hold until further notice.

Various media outlets have quoted a report from the Daily Investor website, which says it has information from “a well-placed source”. Amazon has neither confirmed nor denied the media reports.

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Image by Preis_King from Pixabay

Amazon’s entry is long-awaited by consumers and marketers in these two key African markets, although there has also been concern at the potential impact this may have on homegrown e-commerce players such as Takealot and Jumia.

Originally, Amazon was apparently planning to begin operating in South Africa this month (February 2023) and has already recruited staff and secured warehouse space. The Amazon.co.za domain has also previously appeared in the country drop-down list on the Amazon.com website.

The Nigerian launch was said to be earmarked for late 2023, but is now on pause for the foreseeable future.

Multiple Amazon offerings were planned

The Daily Investor says the e-commerce giant’s Africa plans also included the launch of its ‘Fulfillment by Amazon’ service for third-party sellers, as well as the Amazon Prime membership programme.

Market speculation is that the African decisions have been caused by an increasingly tough operating environment for e-commerce and technology companies worldwide. Amazon, for example, is laying off around 18,000 workers in a process that started late last year.

Amazon CEO, Andy Jassy, is on record as saying that the company is focused on saving costs at the moment.

“Amazon has weathered uncertain and difficult economies in the past, and we will continue to do so,” Jassy said. “These changes will help us pursue our long-term opportunities with a stronger cost structure.”

Comments the retail industry website, Shop SA: “Retailers … would be advised to position themselves very strongly in the marketplace over the next two or three quarters, depending on when Amazon eventually launches. Improving the offering to customers and improving the customer experience whilst playing the patriotic card, may be enough to convince consumers to remain loyal when the giant comes to town.”

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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.