The development of information and communication technologies fueled the growth of ecommerce across Africa, encouraging the multiplication of startups in the sector. In that context, to unlock the full potential of this economic engine, creating a robust legal framework becomes a critical and urgent need, ensuring both consumer protection and investor confidence.

On Wednesday, November 13, in Nairobi, Kenyan authorities, in collaboration with the German Agency for International Development Cooperation (GIZ) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), unveiled the country’s national e-commerce strategy. The primary goal is to enhance both domestic and cross-border trade, enabling local producers to respond to the international market.

"In the contemporary digital landscape, digital trade emerges as a gateway to commerce with a significantly low entry barrier. Notably, Kenya takes the lead among African nations, with its digital economy contributing a substantial 7.7% to the GDP. The newly launched Kenya National E-commerce Strategy aligns with our commitment to empowering local businesses and fostering economic growth from the ground up," explained Rebecca Miano, Kenya's Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.

The launch is part of the government's strategy to make the country a leading technology hub on the continent and in the East African sub-region in particular. Startups operating in the e-commerce sector, such as Wasoko and Copia Global, have been able to emerge in the Kenyan ecosystem and will be able to continue their growth with the safeguards put in place by the public authorities to stimulate the sector's development.

Developing e-commerce-specific financing products; raising awareness of the need for documentation and collateral for financing; improving links between companies and financial institutions; and developing investment incentives are some of the objectives set by the country's authorities when rolling out the strategy.

Adoni Conrad Quenum