Competition Intensifies in South Africa's Logistics Sector with Takealot's Launch of Its Fulfilment Services Division
In a strategic move to diversify its business and strengthen its market presence, Takealot, South Africa's leading online retailer, has launched Takealot Fulfilment Services (TFS). This new standalone business unit, unveiled in mid-2025, transforms Takealot's extensive in-house logistics network into a full-fledged logistics and fulfilment provider for third-party clients across South Africa [1][2][3].
TFS offers an integrated suite of services, including warehousing, freight forwarding, last-mile delivery, and comprehensive order fulfilment. These services are designed to cater to a wide range of customers, from established retailers and startups to individuals, particularly focusing on those underserved by traditional courier providers [2].
The new service leverages the same systems behind Takealot's food delivery platform, Mr D, ensuring consistent, tech-driven service across major cities and towns in South Africa. TFS is built on Takealot's proven e-commerce logistics infrastructure, optimized for high-volume and reliable delivery [1][3].
Compared to traditional courier providers in South Africa, TFS differentiates itself by offering an integrated suite of logistics services beyond just parcel delivery, such as warehousing and freight, all under one brand. It also supports sectors including retail, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals with tailored solutions [2].
TFS aims to provide more affordable and reliable services, especially to clients previously underserved by legacy couriers. While exact pricing details of TFS services have not been disclosed, the service launch represents a strategic shift by Takealot to diversify revenue streams and compete more broadly in the logistics market, especially as international competitors like Amazon enter South Africa’s e-commerce space [1][3].
This expansion supports youth employment and small business growth within South Africa's delivery economy. Companies such as Amazon, Shopify, and Jumia have already followed this path, demonstrating the growing trend of tech-driven platforms evolving into logistics providers [1].
With TFS, Takealot positions itself as a full-scale logistics partner for businesses, joining this global trend. By offering logistics as a service, Takealot aims to enhance scalability beyond direct product sales [3]. The launch of TFS is part of a broader strategic pivot by Takealot to reinforce its market presence amidst competition from global e-commerce players like Amazon [2].
Services offered through TFS include warehousing, freight transport, last-mile delivery, and comprehensive order fulfilment. These logistics assets now form the operational foundation for TFS [3]. Takealot currently manages over one million deliveries each month, and with the launch of TFS, this number is expected to grow significantly [2].
In 2020, Takealot launched TakealotNOW, a one-hour delivery pilot in Cape Town, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation and customer convenience [1]. With TFS, Takealot continues to push the boundaries of e-commerce logistics in South Africa.
[1] BusinessTech. (2025). Takealot launches Takealot Fulfilment Services (TFS) to offer delivery, warehousing, and freight services to third-party clients. Retrieved from https://businesstech.co.za/news/technology/674377/takealot-launches-takealot-fulfilment-services-tfs-to-offer-delivery-warehousing-and-freight-services-to-third-party-clients/
[2] TechCentral. (2025). Takealot launches TFS to take on logistics market, compete with Amazon. Retrieved from https://www.techcentral.co.za/takealot-launches-tfs-to-take-on-logistics-market-compete-with-amazon/
[3] ITWeb. (2025). Takealot launches Takealot Fulfilment Services (TFS) to offer delivery, warehousing, and freight services to third-party clients. Retrieved from https://www.itweb.co.za/content/W09L3H3tG9N9Xu8l
- Takealot Fulfillment Services (TFS), South Africa's new logistics and fulfilment provider, aims to cater to various industries such as retail, consumer goods, and technology, delivering an array of services including warehousing, freight forwarding, and last-mile delivery, with a focus on affordable and reliable services for clients often underserved by traditional courier providers.
- In an effort to diversify its business and strengthen its market presence, Takealot has leveraged its technology-driven background and extensive logistics network to establish TFS, a standalone business unit offering services like warehousing and freight beyond just parcel delivery, targeting sectors that also include finance and pharmaceuticals, aiming to become a full-scale logistics partner for various businesses and niche markets.
