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Amazon Leo to Launch Satellite Internet Service in South Africa in 2027

Amazon Leo, Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite internet network, has signed an agreement with Herotel to connect households and small businesses in rural areas of South Africa to the internet. The service, which will be offered under the name “evry,” is planned to become commercially available in 2027. The agreement marks Amazon Leo’s first partnership of this scope in Africa.

Amazon Leo to Focus on Areas Beyond the Reach of Fiber

Herotel, South Africa’s largest fixed internet service provider, will use Amazon Leo technology to provide connectivity in areas where fiber and fixed wireless networks cannot reach for economic or technical reasons.

Millions of people living on farms, in small towns, and in rural communities across the country are unable to access reliable internet services due to long distances, difficult terrain, and low population density. The new system is intended to support not only households but also small businesses in accessing online sales, digital payments, cloud services, and artificial intelligence-based applications.

Herotel to Handle Installation and Customer Services

Herotel serves more than 350,000 active customers across over 550 towns throughout South Africa. The company’s 120 offices nationwide will be used for the installation of the evry service, customer support, and field operations. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

David Zapolsky, Amazon’s Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, said the partnership aims to remove barriers faced by millions of people who cannot access reliable internet and to create new opportunities for access to work, education, and essential services.

Herotel CEO Van Zyl Botha stated that South Africans living outside major cities should also have access to reliable and affordable internet, adding that evry will enable the company to reach customers beyond the coverage of fiber and fixed wireless networks.

Satellite Count Reaches 396

Previously known as “Project Kuiper,” Amazon Leo plans to provide low-latency internet through a satellite network operating approximately 590 to 630 kilometers above Earth. Amazon has placed a total of 396 satellites into orbit following 14 missions. The network is expected to support services such as video calls, remote working, online education, and high-definition streaming.

Amazon Is Acquiring Globalstar for $11.6 Billion

Babylonstoren Brings a New Luxury E-Commerce Model to South Africa in 2026

South Africa’s e-commerce landscape is evolving with the expansion of Babylonstoren into the digital retail space, introducing a curated marketplace model focused on premium products and brand-driven experiences.

Rather than following the traditional mass-market marketplace approach, Babylonstoren is building a platform centered on quality, exclusivity, and storytelling. The marketplace brings together carefully selected products across categories such as food, homeware, and lifestyle—creating a refined online shopping environment that reflects the brand’s premium positioning.

Moving Beyond Traditional Marketplaces

Most e-commerce platforms in South Africa compete on scale, pricing, and product variety. Babylonstoren, however, takes a different route by focusing on a curated commerce model, where product selection is limited and intentional.

This approach aligns with a broader global shift in e-commerce, where consumers are increasingly drawn to platforms that offer clarity, trust, and premium experiences rather than overwhelming choice.

A Marketplace Built on Brand Experience

One of the key innovations behind Babylonstoren’s marketplace is its emphasis on experience over transaction. The platform is designed not just to sell products, but to create a cohesive brand environment where presentation, content, and storytelling play a central role.

Instead of standard product listings, the marketplace highlights:

Carefully curated collections
Strong visual identity
Integrated brand storytelling
A seamless and premium user journey

This model mirrors the experience of high-end physical retail, translated into a digital format.

Controlled Ecosystem for Premium Brands

Unlike traditional marketplaces that standardize seller presence, Babylonstoren offers a more controlled ecosystem where products align with a consistent brand vision.

This creates a “closed marketplace” environment, ensuring that every product fits within the platform’s premium positioning. As a result, the marketplace avoids the fragmentation often seen in larger, open platforms.

Differentiation in a Competitive Market

South Africa’s e-commerce sector is becoming increasingly competitive, with major players focusing on scale and fast delivery. Babylonstoren differentiates itself by targeting a niche segment of consumers who value quality, authenticity, and curated experiences.

This strategy allows the platform to stand out without directly competing on price-focusing instead on brand value and customer experience.

A New Direction for E-Commerce in Africa

Babylonstoren’s move into e-commerce reflects a broader transformation in how digital retail is evolving across Africa. As consumer expectations grow, there is increasing demand for platforms that combine commerce, content, and brand identity.

By introducing a curated luxury marketplace model, Babylonstoren signals a shift toward more specialized and experience-driven e-commerce platforms in the region.

Source: MyBroadband

E-Commerce in South Africa Surges: 5 Powerful Forces Transforming Retail, Media and ICT

5 Ways E-Commerce Is Transforming Retail, Media and ICT in South Africa

E-commerce is rapidly reshaping South Africa’s digital economy, influencing not only retail but also media and ICT sectors. As online shopping continues to grow, it is driving structural changes in how businesses operate, communicate, and deliver value to consumers.

The Shift from Traditional Retail to Digital-First Models

Retail in South Africa is no longer limited to physical stores. E-commerce has introduced a more customer-centric model, where convenience, accessibility, and speed define purchasing behavior. Consumers now expect seamless online experiences, flexible payment options, and fast delivery services.

This shift is pushing retailers to adopt omnichannel strategies, blending physical and digital experiences. Businesses that fail to adapt risk losing relevance in an increasingly competitive environment.

Retail Media Is Becoming a Key Growth Driver

One of the most notable transformations is the rise of retail media. As consumers spend more time online, brands are reallocating budgets from traditional advertising to digital platforms. Retailers themselves are becoming media owners, using their platforms and customer data to deliver targeted advertising.

This evolution is driven by strong digital adoption and high internet penetration, which enable brands to reach audiences more efficiently and measure campaign performance in real time.

At the same time, consumers are no longer passive. They actively engage with brands, expecting authenticity and culturally relevant messaging rather than generic campaigns.

ICT Infrastructure as the Backbone of Growth

The growth of e-commerce would not be possible without advancements in ICT. Improved broadband access, mobile connectivity, and secure digital payment systems are enabling smoother online transactions and expanding market reach.

Fintech innovations such as mobile wallets, instant payments, and buy-now-pay-later solutions are lowering barriers to entry for consumers and businesses alike.

This strong ICT foundation is essential, as it supports everything from logistics and payment processing to customer experience and data analytics.

Changing Consumer Behavior and Expectations

E-commerce is fundamentally changing how consumers interact with brands. Shoppers now demand personalized experiences, transparency, and fast service. Social media plays a major role in influencing purchasing decisions, turning platforms into key sales channels.

This behavioral shift forces companies to rethink their strategies – focusing more on data-driven marketing, personalization, and real-time engagement.

Challenges Slowing Full Potential

Despite strong growth, several challenges remain. High data costs, cybersecurity risks, and logistics inefficiencies continue to limit the full scalability of e-commerce.

Additionally, rural connectivity gaps and lack of digital skills among small businesses create barriers to inclusive growth. Addressing these issues requires collaboration between governments, private sector players, and technology providers.

The Bigger Picture

E-commerce in South Africa is not just a retail trend – it is a catalyst for broader economic transformation. It is redefining media strategies, accelerating ICT development, and reshaping consumer expectations.

As the ecosystem evolves, businesses that invest in digital infrastructure, data capabilities, and customer experience will be best positioned to lead the next phase of growth.

Source: ZAWYA