Affiliate marketing is one of the most powerful ways to earn money online in South Africa. With the rise of e-commerce, digital products and service-based platforms, more South Africans are turning to affiliate programs to build passive income streams.
The good news? You don’t need to create your own products. Instead, you promote other companies’ products and earn a commission when someone buys through your referral link.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best affiliate programs in South Africa—their commission rates, payout structures and who they are best suited for.
Why Choose Affiliate Marketing in South Africa?
- Low startup cost – No need for inventory or warehouses.
- Work from anywhere – All you need is internet access.
- Passive income potential – Once set up, your blog, social media, or YouTube videos can keep generating commissions.
- Growing e-commerce market – More South Africans are shopping online than ever before.
The Best Affiliate Programs in South Africa
1. Takealot Affiliate Program
- Commission: ±2% – 6% depending on product category
- Products: Electronics, fashion, homeware, groceries and more
- Payout: Direct local bank transfer (ZAR)
- Why it’s great: Takealot is South Africa’s largest online retailer. Almost everyone shops there, making it easier to promote products people already trust.
2. Loot.co.za Affiliate Program
- Commission: ±2% – 5%
- Products: Books, electronics, office supplies, lifestyle products
- Payout: Bank transfer in South Africa
- Why it’s great: Loot is especially strong in books and office categories, making it perfect for education bloggers or content creators targeting professionals.
3. Travelstart Affiliate Program
- Commission: Up to R150 per flight booking (CPA model)
- Products: Flights, hotels, car rentals, holiday packages
- Payout: Bank transfer (ZAR)
- Why it’s great: Travel is one of the most profitable niches. If you have a travel blog, Instagram page, or YouTube channel, this is a perfect match.
4. Faithful-to-Nature Affiliate Program
- Commission: ±5% – 8%
- Products: Organic food, natural skincare, eco-friendly products
- Payout: Bank transfer (ZAR)
- Why it’s great: With South Africans becoming more eco-conscious, this program works well for influencers in health, fitness and wellness.
5. Bidorbuy Affiliate Program
- Commission: ±3% – 7% depending on product type
- Products: Wide range (new and used goods, auctions, niche products)
- Payout: Bank transfer (ZAR)
- Why it’s great: One of SA’s biggest online marketplaces, great for bloggers focused on e-commerce, bargain hunting, or collectibles.
6. Amazon Associates (Global)
- Commission: 3% – 10% (varies by product category)
- Products: Millions of items worldwide (books, tech, fashion, etc.)
- Payout: Payoneer, direct deposit (USD), or Amazon gift cards
- Why it’s great: Although not South African, Amazon is the world’s largest affiliate program. Perfect if you have an audience in the US, UK, or global traffic.
7. Bluehost Affiliate Program (Hosting & Online Services)
- Commission: ±$65 – $120 per sale (once-off)
- Products: Website hosting, domains, online tools
- Payout: PayPal/Bank transfer (USD)
- Why it’s great: A fantastic program if your audience wants to start a blog or online business. Hosting affiliate programs tend to pay high commissions.
8. Luno Affiliate Program (Crypto Exchange)
- Commission: R25 – R200 per referral (depending on promotion)
- Products: Cryptocurrency trading (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
- Payout: Direct to your Luno account or bank account
- Why it’s great: Crypto is a growing market in South Africa. If you run a finance or investing blog, this is a strong option.
9. 1Life Insurance Affiliate Program
- Commission: Varies (CPA-based, depends on product and referral)
- Products: Life insurance, financial services
- Payout: Local bank transfer
- Why it’s great: High-value financial products often pay better commissions. Ideal if you’re in the finance, career, or personal development niche.
10. Private Affiliate Deals
Some South African companies run direct affiliate programs (outside of platforms). Examples include online course creators, e-commerce stores and digital services. It’s worth reaching out directly to businesses in your niche.
Key Tips to Succeed in Affiliate Marketing in South Africa
- Pick the right niche – Choose a topic you enjoy (fitness, travel, tech, fashion, finance).
- Choose trusted programs – Promote companies with a good reputation.
- Use multiple traffic sources – Blogs, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and email marketing.
- Be consistent – Affiliate marketing takes time, but once your content ranks or grows, the income becomes passive.
- Track your results – Use tools like Google Analytics and affiliate dashboards to see what works.
Final Thoughts
Affiliate marketing is one of the most accessible ways to make money online in South Africa. With programs like Takealot, Loot and Travelstart available locally and global options like Amazon and Bluehost, there’s no shortage of opportunities.
The key is to pick a niche, stay consistent and promote products your audience actually needs. Over time, you can build a steady stream of passive income from affiliate marketing.
Best Affiliate Programs in South Africa | Quick Comparison
| Program | Commission | Payout Method | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
|  Takealot | 2% – 6% | Bank Transfer (ZAR) | Easy |
|  Amazon Associates | 3% – 10% | Payoneer / USD Bank Transfer | Moderate |
|  Travelstart | Up to R150 per booking | Bank Transfer (ZAR) | Medium |
More Details ⬇
- Takealot Affiliate Program — Appeals to creators focused on a local audience, offering a trusted brand and easy payouts via local banking.
- Amazon Associates (Global) — Ideal for those with international traffic, especially lucrative when earning in USD. Requires Payoneer or a US account for payments.
- Travelstart Affiliate Program — Great for travel bloggers, offering per-booking commissions and backed by a widely recognised online travel brand in Africa.
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