Business

Takealot Goes Global with New Fulfilment Solutions Service

Published

2 months ago

July 30, 2025

Chiraag

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SA’s ecommerce giant isn’t just delivering products anymore; it’s delivering the future of logistics

South Africa’s biggest online retailer is thinking bigger in 2025. Takealot has officially launched Takealot Fulfilment Solutions (TFS), a standalone logistics business designed to move much more than parcels. From global freight forwarding to last-mile delivery, TFS is now open for business and aims to power South African companies into the international market.

“TFS is built to simplify importing and exporting,” said Takealot CEO Frederik Zietsman. “It’s a transformative service to help businesses grow and communities connect.”

What is Takealot Fulfilment Solutions?

TFS brings together all of Takealot’s behind-the-scenes logistics, courier services, supply chain, warehousing, on-demand delivery, and cross-border trade into one accessible platform.

It’s not just for Takealot sellers. TFS is now open to retailers, SMEs, startups, and individuals looking for affordable, reliable logistics, both locally and internationally.

CEO of TFS, Francois Retief, said the goal is to help businesses scale faster with dependable infrastructure.

“We want to give businesses of any size the tools to expand,” Retief said. “From global freight to same-day delivery, we’re covering it all.”

Why it matters in 2025

This launch couldn’t come at a better time. While Takealot’s 2025 revenue jumped 20% to $823 million (about R14 billion) and GMV rose 13%, the group still recorded a $12 million operating loss, mostly due to infrastructure expansion and marketing costs.

However, that’s an improvement from last year’s $14 million loss. Naspers, Takealot’s parent company, says they’re on track to break even by 2026, and TFS could be the key to getting there.

It also offers a major opportunity for local sellers who’ve struggled with high shipping costs, customs issues, or unreliable courier services. TFS could be the logistics solution South African entrepreneurs have been waiting for.

Public reaction: hopeful and watching closely

Early feedback on business forums and social media has been optimistic. Many in the SME space have welcomed the move, calling it a “game-changer for exports” and a possible disruptor in SA’s outdated courier sector.

“If TFS is as reliable as Takealot’s delivery service, this could change the game for small businesses,” said one Joburg-based online store owner on LinkedIn.

With a logistics network already tested under the pressures of South Africa’s e-commerce surge, Takealot is betting that its expertise in fast, dependable delivery can now become a commercial service that drives profit and purpose.

The bigger picture

This move marks Takealot’s shift from being just a retailer to becoming a tech-driven logistics provider. It’s a strategic pivot that reflects the changing face of e-commerce, where logistics is no longer a backend function; it’s the business.

TFS isn’t just about moving boxes. It’s about moving the country forward, giving more South African businesses access to global markets, and cutting out the barriers that have held many back.

If Takealot can execute this at scale, it won’t just be a win for them. It could be a win for South Africa’s growing digital economy.