JOHANNESBURG, May 7 (Reuters) - Amazon ( AMZN ) launched

its online shopping service in South Africa on Tuesday,

challenging a number of online retailers dominated by Naspers'

Takealot.com.

Africa's most advanced economy is usually seen as a good

entry point for companies to expand into the continent and

Amazon ( AMZN ) could be doing the same, analysts have said in the past.

The launch of its service comes at a time when South Africa

has seen a sharp rise in online shopping after the pandemic

created an opportunity for e-commerce to finally take hold, with

retailers doubling down on investments in response.

Amazon.co.za will offer same-day delivery and next-day

delivery with more than 3,000 pickup points. Shoppers will get

free delivery on first orders, followed by free delivery for

subsequent orders above 500 rand ($27.07), it said in a

statement.

($1 = 18.4720 rand)