Naspers has released its results for the financial year ended 31 March 2025, revealing that the Takealot group’s revenue grew by over R2.5 billion to reach nearly R15 billion, representing a 15% increase in local currency terms.
The Takealot group comprises e-commerce companies Takealot.com and Mr D. It achieved significant growth in the second half of the year, driven by enhanced customer offerings and the TakealotMore subscription service.
Naspers reported that Takealot group’s gross merchandise value (GMV) increased by 13% year on year despite a slow start.
Gross profit margin improved by 1%, supported by strong performance from high-growth segments like Mr D Grocery.
However, its adjusted earnings before interest and taxation (aEBIT) declined to -R219.4 million due to increased marketing and infrastructure investments.
These investments were aimed at preparing for competitive pressures from new international entrants, Naspers said — code for the Amazon.co.za marketplace.
“The group remains on track to achieve profitability in FY26,” Naspers stated.
Last year, Takealot Group CEO Frederik Zietsman revealed that Takealot.com became profitable as of the 2024 financial year.
Strategic initiatives during the year included the sale of Superbalist.com and the acquisition of M24 Logistics, which Naspers said reinforced operational capabilities.
It reported that customer loyalty through TakealotMore continued to grow, driving increased shopping frequency and order growth.
Takealot.com posted 17% revenue growth to R12.9 billion, with GMV rising 13% and orders increasing by 15%, underpinned by expansion in emerging product categories.
Mr D achieved an 8% revenue increase to R2.1 billion, with a standout 81% GMV growth in groceries and improved aEBIT of R73.1 million, up from R54.8 milion in FY24.
“Both the Takealot.com and Mr D platforms continue to excel, cementing their leadership in South Africa’s ecommerce market through innovation and customer focus,” Naspers said.
In its annual report, Naspers noted that online penetration in South Africa was estimated at around 5% and expected to expand to 9% in its 2029 financial year, but was still below emerging markets in Latin America and Asia.
“Although its base of higher-income consumers is more financially resilient than the average consumer, competition for share of online wallet is intensifying as multiple companies enter the market,” said Naspers.
“Takealot will strengthen its market presence by enhancing the value proposition for its loyalty programme, TakealotMore, improving customer acquisition and retention.”
Takealot will also focus on growth through range extension and key categories while improving unit economics through cost optimisation, particularly delivery costs and stock efficiencies.
“Takealot is capitalising on its logistics capabilities by forming a new logistics business unit, Takealot Fulfilment Solutions, that leverages its existing assets and scale,” Naspers said.
“It acquired M24 Logistics, a warehouse and distribution business for third parties, from Media24 in September 2024 to complement the envisaged fulfilment solutions.”
By extending its logistics offerings, Naspers said Takealot will position itself as a leading full-service ecommerce ecosystem in South Africa.
It also said that artificial intelligence (AI) was central to Takealot’s sustainable growth, with AI transforming operations through intelligent stock positioning, advanced demand forecasting, fraud monitoring, and productivity tools.
“These implementations will enhance core infrastructure and create competitive advantages,” said Naspers. “Furthermore, we are empowering an AI-first workforce by using Toqan, leading GenAI tech.”