South African entrepreneurs have a new opportunity to grow their businesses and reach wider markets. The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC), in partnership with Proudly South African, has officially launched two e-commerce platforms, Shop Proudly SA and Market Access Platforms (MAP). These platforms are designed to boost support for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and locally manufactured goods and services.
While both online stores launch this week (1 July 2025), the Proudly SA Shop was already open to entrepreneurs before the launch. The launch of these platforms also aims to stimulate job creation by increasing demand for local products and services, which in turn supports South Africa’s broader economic growth.
What These Platforms Are and Who They Serve
Shop Proudly SA is an online shopper-centric retailer that enables consumers to explore and purchase an extensive variety of local products, such as food, clothing, beauty products, and homeware. MAP, however, is a business-to-business portal that links corporations and procurement officers with verified and trusted South African suppliers. Both platforms were created with a clear purpose: to promote localisation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs), and help grow the local economy.
The platforms will feature over 1 700 locally made products spanning diverse sectors, offering a wide range of choices to consumers and businesses alike.
According to Proudly SA CEO, Eustace Mashimbye, the two platforms were developed in response to long-standing challenges faced by local entrepreneurs, such as access to markets and exposure to large buyers. He says that the platforms aim to “address the high failure rates of small businesses in South Africa by offering them a national platform, increasing visibility and trust, and simplifying procurement processes”.
DTIC Minister Parks Tau echoed this, adding that “the platform will also help businesses meet localisation targets and create much-needed employment”.
The timing of the launch couldn’t be better. South Africa’s e-commerce sector has experienced steady growth, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, which boosted the online shopping trend. Platforms such as Shop Proudly SA and MAP align with this digital trend and offer practical solutions for entrepreneurs, helping them overcome the most common obstacles, such as high marketing costs, limited reach, and the capital required to establish a physical store.
New Opportunities for Local Businesses
Being part of Shop Proudly SA and MAP offers entrepreneurs significant benefits, including increased market visibility, access to new sales channels, and opportunities for business growth and development.
Entrepreneurs can gain access to a platform that promotes locally made goods and services, connecting them with potential consumer buyers while providing support and resources to expand their businesses.
How to Become a Vendor
To sell your products or services on Shop Proudly SA or to be listed as a supplier on MAP, you have to be a member of Proudly South African first. This ensures that all vendors meet specific criteria, including local content, quality standards, ethical labour practices, and environmental responsibility. Only members are the people who can become vendors on either of the platforms.
1. Compliance Criteria
Your business should manufacture locally, with at least 50% of the final cost of production incurred in South Africa. If raw materials are imported, substantial transformation must take place locally.
For service-based businesses, your procurement practices will be reviewed to ensure that you support local suppliers. Proof of quality is also required, usually through ISO certification or membership in a recognised industry association. Your company must comply with South African labour laws and demonstrate efforts to reduce environmental impact.
2. Getting Your Documentation Ready
Prepare the following documents: company profile, CIPC registration documents, BEE certificate, tax clearance and a list of locally manufactured products, audited financial statements, a procurement policy, and your HR and environmental policies. These documents assist Proudly South African in confirming that your business meets the required standards.
3. Apply for Membership and Register as a Vendor
Submit your application and supporting documents via the Proudly South African site. After being approved, you can register as a vendor on Shop Proudly SA to sell to consumers or on MAP to supply corporate and government buyers. You will need to copy and paste your shop URL. If you are not registered as a member of Proudly SA, your application to become a vendor will be declined.
Existing members can go straight to registering as a vendor.
