It’s been 18 months since Amazon launched in South Africa, going head-to-head with homegrown e-commerce giant Takealot.
As such, there were expectations that the American online retail platform would outperform and outclass its South African counterpart.
In reality, Takealot has held its own against Amazon, so much so that it still remains a favourite among local consumers, as illustrated by its recent performance.
TAKEALOT TAKES STRIDES TOWARDS ‘FULL PROFITABILITY’
According to their parent company Naspers, which recently released its financial performance for the six months ending on 30 September 2025, the Takealot Group has achieved significant growth.
Per MyBroadband, Naspers said:
The Takealot Group delivered a strong performance for the first half of FY26, achieving substantial growth and a marked improvement in its path to profitability.
Takealot maintained its important presence in South African e-commerce, outperforming international competitors while advancing towards full profitability.
WHAT THE NUMBERS SAY
The e-commerce company’s revenue increased by 23% in rand terms, excluding mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, gross merchandise value (GMV) grew by 16% year-on-year to $877 million (R15.2 billion).
Per Naspers’ report, adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (aEBITDA) jumped 87% (56%) to $28 million (R486 million) in rand terms.
The revenue for Takealot.com, including the Takealot Fulfilment Services business, increased by 32% to $385 million (R6.7 billion), with GMV increasing by 17%.
Regarding TakealotMORE, the company’s subscription programme, it “continued to strengthen customer loyalty and cross-sell opportunities, with subscribers now driving 21% of group GMV.”
Mr D, of which Takealot owns a controlling stake, saw its revenue rising by 12% to $65 million (R1.1 billion), while reporting a GMV growth of 14%. The aEBITDA that the food delivery service brought amounted to $3 million (R52 million).
TAKEALOT CONTINUES TO DOMINATE THE LOCAL E-COMMERCE SECTOR
As you can see, Takealot remains a strong force in South Africa’s e-commerce sector. Its surge in growth allows it to remain unflappable against the likes of Amazon.
Yet as we know, the online retail landscape forever waxes and wanes, for better or worse. To continue thriving and maintain its status as a favourite among consumers, Takealot will need to consistently keep adapting and innovating.
