American e-commerce giant, Amazon, will in 2023, begin operations in Nigeria, as it sets to expand its operations to five more countries across Africa, South America and Europe.

Business Insider reported that the U.S. e-commerce company would establish a market place in two African countries.

Already operating in 20 countries, the development will see the e-commerce giant kick start operations in Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Nigeria, and South Africa in April 2023.

The e-commerce company will create a marketplace in all five countries, with access to Amazon’s fulfillment service called Fulfillment by Amazon.

The report also revealed that Amazon was working to scale up its U.S.-based outlet.

While Amazon’s prime membership programme will be made available at launch in Belgium, other countries will not get it until shortly after activities commence.

The entry of Amazon into Nigeria’s e-commerce space will further intensify competition in the sector dominated by Jumia, Konga, and Jiji, among others.

Despite being present in 20 countries with robust economies, Amazon’s presence in developing markets like South America and Africa has been relatively poor.