Amazon.com Inc on Tuesday formally launched an online marketplace in South Africa next year, in a move that extends its reach into Africa for the first time since its inception 30 years ago.

First announced in October last year, Amazon.co.za provides South African-based sellers the ability to reach customers across the country, accessed through 3,000 pickup points.

Customers in South Africa can now shop from a wide variety of local and international brands, and enjoy same-day and next-day delivery.

For products fulfilled by Amazon, customers will enjoy free delivery on their first order, followed by free delivery for subsequent orders above R 500, or about $27, the Seattle-based online retailer said in a statement on Tuesday.

‘We are excited to launch Amazon.co.za, along with thousands of independent sellers in South Africa,’ said Robert Koen, managing director of Sub-Saharan Africa at Amazon.

Amazon, founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, has 21 marketplaces worldwide. The company offers over 350 million products. It initially sold books online when it started.

Amazon shares was 0.1% higher at $189.12 each on Tuesday on Nasdaq.

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