Proudly South African launches Market Access Platform to boost local suppliers, warns of job losses from Shein and Temu

Proudly South African unveiled the Market Access Platform (MAP) at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, partnering with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. MAP provides procurement professionals a single entry point to locate vetted South African suppliers, aiming to level the playing field and support the scaling of small and medium‑sized enterprises into larger conglomerates.

A study commissioned by Proudly South African found that offshore e‑commerce retailers such as Shein and Temu have cost the nation roughly R960 million in lost local manufacturing sales and have eliminated thousands of jobs—2,818 manufacturing and 5,282 retail positions between 2020 and 2024. At current growth rates, the report warns that these platforms could ultimately cost South Africa over 34,000 jobs and R6.2 billion in manufacturing value.

The initiative is presented as a response to these challenges, leveraging technology to improve market access for local businesses and reduce dependence on foreign online retailers.