Amazon backs Saudi entrepreneurs to establish logistics startups

Amazon has announced the launch of the latest iteration of its global Delivery Service Partner programme.

The programme empowers local entrepreneurs to set up and manage their own logistics businesses delivering Amazon packages. Saudi Arabia is the first country in the region to host the programme, which will later be expanded to cover the MENA region.

Launched in collaboration with Monsha’at – the General Authority for SMEs, the programme aims to establish more than 30 new local startups and create hundreds of job opportunities within the local logistics sector during its first three years.

Saudi entrepreneurs who join the programme can avail of various benefits, including a specific delivery volume from Amazon, access to the company’s delivery technology, hands-on training, and discounts on a suite of assets and services such as Amazon-branded vehicles, branded uniforms, and comprehensive insurance. Last March, Amazon signed an MoU with Monsha’at to empower local seller SMEs.

Monsha’at governor Saleh Al-Rasheed, said, “Small and medium enterprises are a key contributor to the national economy, and we at Monsha’at are keen to support and enable this vital sector through several programmes, agreements and public-private sector partnerships.

“We look forward to this ambitious programme achieving its goal of supporting the entrepreneurial environment in the kingdom and emerging as a leading model for partnerships between the public and private sectors.”

Ronaldo Mouchawar, vice president of Amazon MENA, said, “At Amazon, we reiterate our commitment to championing SMEs across the region. With our new Delivery Service Partner programme, we provide the tools, technology, and know-how for any interested Saudi entrepreneur to set up and run their own logistics company. Through this initiative, we aim to empower enterprising innovators, enable startups and emerging brands across the kingdom to realise their full potential, and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s strong, fast-growing digital economy.”

Individuals with no prior background in delivery services can also aspire to join the programme. Meanwhile, Saudi nationals with 5-10 years of professional experience delivering results in operations roles such as managing events, operations, construction, and teams, as well as workers who are interested in starting their own delivery business in Saudi Arabia, may apply.

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