eCommerce courses to start and grow your online store in South Africa
Whether you're launching your first store or already selling online and ready to grow, get step-by-step training, a supportive community and tools built for South Africa.
4.9 from 600+ Google reviews100,000+ SA online sellers helped
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Trusted by South Africa's leading brands and institutions
South Africa's eCommerce academy, built by people who sell online
The word “Insaka” is an African word for an open-sided thatch in the centre of a village, where wise community leaders come together to discuss business.
The Insaka eCommerce Academy is that place for South African online sellers: a place to learn and a community where members help one another succeed online.
Hear Warrick Kernes tell the story behind Insaka
In 2016, founder Warrick Kernes had an online store running profitably with a great team behind it. That freedom let him and his wife cycle from Johannesburg to Kilimanjaro for charity, then summit Africa's highest mountain. Along the way, villagers welcomed them to camp under an insaka, an open-sided thatch at the heart of the village where the community comes together to help one another. That idea inspired Insaka: a place where South African online sellers learn and grow together.
What do you want to learn?
Pick your starting point. Every path is built for South African sellers.
eCommerce Next Level takes you from no experience to a sales-ready online store, click by click.
Insaka eCommerce Academy reviews
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Learn from one of South Africa's leading eCommerce experts
Warrick Kernes founded the Insaka eCommerce Academy in 2017 to help more South Africans win online, faster.
- Selling online since 2008, with over R130 million in personal online sales
- Founder of Action Gear, winner at the SA eCommerce Awards
- Shopify Top Education Partner (2021)
- Next Level: first program in Africa recognised and approved by Shopify
- MBA guest lecturer at WITS Business School
- Board member of the eCommerce Forum of Africa
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eCommerce in South Africa:
frequently asked questions
What is the Insaka eCommerce Academy?
Insaka eCommerce Academy is a South African online school that teaches people how to start, launch and grow an online store. Warrick Kernes founded it in 2017. It offers courses, live workshops, an annual eCommerce Summit and a community of South African online sellers.
Are there eCommerce courses in South Africa for complete beginners?
Yes. Insaka’s training starts with the basics: choosing products, setting up a store on Shopify or WordPress, adding payments and couriers and getting your first sales. Everything is explained for South African conditions.
Should I use Shopify or WordPress in South Africa?
Both work well. Shopify is quicker to set up and easier to maintain, so most beginners prefer it. WordPress with WooCommerce gives more control and lower monthly fees but needs more technical work. Insaka teaches both.
Can a small business sell on Takealot?
Yes. Takealot accepts small businesses as marketplace sellers through its Seller Portal. You list your products, send stock to Takealot’s warehouses and Takealot handles delivery.
Does dropshipping work in South Africa?
It can, but it works differently from overseas. Long international shipping times hurt customer experience, so local suppliers usually work better.
Do you offer free eCommerce training?
Yes. Join the free weekly newsletter, download free guides and eBooks, and join the 43,000+ member Facebook community.
Is Insaka eCommerce Academy legit?
Insaka has a 4.9-star rating from over 600 Google reviews. Its Next Level program was the first in Africa to be recognised and approved by Shopify.
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