Business a.m.

Global retail giant Amazon has expanded its footprint into Nigeria with the launch of Amazon Bazaar, a new low-cost shopping app aimed at capturing the country’s fast-growing, price-conscious consumer base.

The rollout marks the company’s most significant push yet into sub-Saharan Africa’s online retail space, where local players such as Jumia, Konga, and Temu have long competed for dominance in a market defined by affordability and trust challenges.

The new Amazon Bazaar app, now available on iOS and Android, offers hundreds of thousands of products across fashion, home, and lifestyle categories, most priced under N15,000. Some items start as low as N3,000, a pricing strategy analysts say is designed to appeal to Nigeria’s cost-sensitive shoppers amid high inflation and currency pressures.

New users are being lured with a 50 per cent discount on their first order, while purchases above N30,000 qualify for free delivery. Smaller orders attract a standard fee, with deliveries expected within two weeks.

The move follows Amazon’s introduction of Bazaar and Haul in markets such as Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. By extending the model to 15 new countries, including Nigeria, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Kuwait, the company is signalling a global shift toward value-based retail that prioritises affordability, convenience, and scale.

Customers can pay in naira and use familiar cards such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, while leveraging existing Amazon accounts for login and purchase protection. The platform also features the company’s signature review and rating system, reinforcing its reputation for reliability in online commerce.