Amazon confirms 16,000 job cuts worldwide as part of a restructuring drive aimed at reducing bureaucracy and streamlining operations

Amazon has confirmed it will cut 16,000 jobs worldwide as part of a sweeping restructuring programme first announced in October, deepening a workforce reduction that will total about 30,000 positions.

Also read: Facebook to showcase creator tools at 2026 African Creators Summit

The e-commerce and technology giant said the latest round of layoffs forms part of an effort to streamline management structures and improve operational efficiency across the business.

Senior Vice President Beth Galetti said in a statement on Wednesday that the Amazon job cuts were aimed at “reducing layers, increasing ownership, and removing bureaucracy” as the company reshapes its corporate organisation.

Media reports in October indicated that the overall restructuring would affect nearly 10 per cent of Amazon’s estimated 350,000 corporate and office staff globally.

The reductions are not expected to impact the company’s vast distribution and warehouse workforce, which makes up the majority of its 1.5 million employees.

Amazon declined to provide a breakdown of which teams or regions would be affected in the latest cuts, noting only that individual units would continue to assess their capacity to innovate and deliver for customers.

“Every team will continue to evaluate ownership, speed, and capacity to invent for customers, and make adjustments as appropriate,” the company said.

The restructuring comes amid heightened investment in artificial intelligence and automation, as technology firms worldwide rebalance staffing priorities in response to shifting economic conditions and evolving business models.

Also read: Mutual Benefits Assurance marks 30 years, reinforces strong capital position

Amazon is scheduled to release its full-year 2025 financial results on February 6, when executives are expected to provide further insight into the company’s strategy during a live conference call.