South Africa is set to revolutionise its local trade by launching two new eCommerce platforms on July 1, 2025.
In partnership with Proudly South African, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) will introduce Shop Proudly SA and the Market Access Platform (MAP).
These platforms aim to increase access to locally made products and support small businesses, creating jobs and strengthening the economy.
Shop proudly SA: Connecting consumers to local products
Shop Proudly SA is a business-to-consumer platform that is already live and ready for shoppers. It features over 1,700 locally made products from various sectors, making it easier for consumers to find and buy South African goods.
Minister Parks Tau explained, “These platforms are meant to provide a seamless and centralised portal that will make it easier for consumers and procurement officers to source locally manufactured products and services and to meet their localisation targets”.
Market access platform (MAP): Bridging businesses and corporates
The Market Access Platform (MAP) is a business-to-business portal designed to connect local suppliers with corporate buyers.
Proudly South African CEO Eustace Mashimbye highlighted that MAP addresses the challenge many large corporates face in sourcing local products. “Corporate procurement officials using MAP will be able to list their tender opportunities so they can be matched with local suppliers on the platform that meet their procurement aims,” he said.
Empowering small businesses and job creation
These platforms are expected to boost Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) by giving them greater visibility and market access.
This initiative comes as an effort to reclaim market share lost to cheaper imports and to stimulate job creation in South Africa. “We believe that e-commerce has immense potential to overcome traditional barriers to trade and create new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike,” Mashimbye added.
The government’s move arrives amid growing competition from global eCommerce giants like Amazon, which plans to launch its South African portal in 2024.
However, the focus on local products and businesses could resonate strongly with consumers who prefer homegrown brands, with 74 per cent reportedly favouring local clothing.
With South Africa’s online market valued at $35 billion in 2024 and expected to double by 2033, these platforms could play a key role in shaping the country’s digital commerce landscape while supporting local economic growth.