Amazon has announced rescheduling date of their launch of South African marketplace. The opening of the marketplace that was slated for February 2023
Amazon has announced rescheduling date of their launch of South African marketplace. The opening of the marketplace that was slated for February 2023 has pushed to the end of the year.
The company was to launch a marketplace, as well as Amazon Prime services in South Africa, under the codename “Project Fela. They have also secured warehouse space in South Africa and is working with local courier companies and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) retailers. Parts of the launch ceremony included launch of a “Fulfilment by Amazon” service for third-party sellers.
Economic climate
The Amazon.co.za domain has also previously appeared in the country drop-down list on the Amazon.com website. The firm also started hiring people to launch its marketplace in the country. Last year it advertised numerous positions, including managerial positions relating to its “ZA marketplace.”
Amazon’s Prime membership programme was set to become available to South Africans shortly after its marketplace launch. However, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s reported that they are focusing on costs, including laying off more than 18,000 employees, put these plans in question. The firm has also halted its plans for a Nigerian launch. The deteriorating economic climate has led to a number of global companies having to trim expenses and apply cost-cutting measures.
“Amazon has weathered uncertain and difficult economies in the past, and we will continue to do so. These changes will help us pursue our long-term opportunities with a stronger cost structure,” Jassy said.