Takealot has a Temu problem. Anyone who’s browsed both sites will know what we’re talking about. In a bid to drive “inclusive economic growth”, Takealot has partnered with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) to launch the 2026 Takealot TIA Local Innovation Challenge — AKA ‘Made Local‘.
“South Africa has a wealth of innovative, locally manufactured products, with many entrepreneurs already building businesses and selling to consumers online. However, for local manufacturers, turning an established product into a sustainable, scalable business can present a different set of challenges,” Takealot said.
Local is lekker, that’s the whole point
The idea is to give existing Takealot sellers — the ones who manufacture their products locally — the opportunity to reach new heights through “specialised e-commerce training, mentoring and practical experience.” Made Local will pit twenty shortlisted sellers against one another in sales and ratings, with a prize waiting for the winner(s).
“The initiative offers a 10-week hybrid accelerator programme that connects 20 shortlisted entrepreneurs with expert-led training, high-level mentorship, and an opportunity to grow their businesses, increase their sales and reach millions of shoppers across South Africa through the Takealot Marketplace,” the company continued.
Now show me the money
The prize pool of R1.7 million will be split amongst the top three performers. R1 million goes to the outright winner, while second place adds a sizeable R500,000 to their wallets. Third place will walk away with the remaining R200,000. The rest of the participants… will gain some valuable life experience and training.
Before entrants can take home all that cake, they’ll need to prove their mettle. Or rather, their business’s mettle. Throughout the challenge, success will be measured by the number of sales the company generates during the live sales phase, customer ratings of the products, and their participation throughout the accelerator programme.
Only sellers who have operated for more than a year on Takealot and produce locally manufactured products will be considered for the challenge. It’s unclear when the ‘sales phase’ portion will go into operation, though we assume it won’t be long after the 10-week hybrid accelerator programme wraps up.
The ‘Made Local’ challenge is officially calling keen sellers, with its doors opening on 9 September. You’ll want to get that application in before 20 September. If you’re interested (and eligible), you can apply here.
