The Inclusion of African Women and Ecommerce (Ecommerce Forum Africa)

Arguments

Accessibility of financial services is a significant barrier for women

Supporting facts:

• Mobile penetration is high across Africa, but banking is less prevalent.

• Women are less banked than men.

Topics: Digitalization, Mobile penetration, Banking, Unbanked population

Private companies, with government cooperation, can facilitate digitalization and increase accessibility.

Supporting facts:

• Organizations such as RAINN partner with the government to increase digitalization.

• Google made a 1 billion dollar pledge for digitalization in Africa.

• Microsoft opened a tech hub in Kenya and Nigeria.

Topics: Digitalization, Partnerships, Government policies, Tech companies

Flexible payment solutions and financial products should be designed and offered to cater diverse needs of women.

Supporting facts:

• PayU offers diverse payment options, including cash and ‘pay later’ solutions.

• The uptake of flexible payment services is more prevalent among women.

Topics: Payment options, Financial accessibility, Inclusivity

Inclusive hiring practices should be implemented within all private companies.

Topics: Employment, Gender equality, Inclusivity

Karen’s company PayU is working towards financial inclusion and digitilization for women

Supporting facts:

• PayU tailors its hiring policies to attract more women.

• PayU has mentorship and monitoring programs to retain and grow women in their company.

• PayU has learnership programs for women.

Topics: Digital Inclusion, e-commerce, Financial Inclusion, Gender Equality

PayU sponsors learnership programs that train women in digital skills and prepare them for positions in tech companies

Supporting facts:

• PayU partners with women-led organizations who conduct these trainings

• Some of the trainees are hired by PayU or are ready for similar roles in the market

Topics: Women empowerment, Digital skills, Learnership programs, Tech companies

PayU, partners with Grinstone and NASPAs, sponsors 100 female-led businesses and provides a skills development workshop

Supporting facts:

• Employees get involved in the workshops

• Training is provided on e-commerce, payments and other required skills

Topics: Women entrepreneurship, Skills development, Sponsorship

The process of selling online can be overwhelming for women-led businesses

Supporting facts:

• Activities like setting up a website, marketing, contacting delivery companies are involved in online selling

• These activities require significant investment which can be a hurdle

Topics: Women entrepreneurship, Online business, E-commerce

Workshops for women should be need-specific and targeted

Supporting facts:

• Worked with groups of women for different needs

• Runs a large program with Grindstone and Nespers that supports 100 entrepreneurs

• Provides information on varying aspects like e-commerce, payments, financial planning.

Topics: Women Empowerment, Technology Education, E-commerce, Network Building

Access to technology is critical but people might not know where to go

Supporting facts:

• While many initiatives exist, there lacks centralized information about access to technology

Topics: Access to Technology, Information Dissemination

No one should be left behind, public and private organizations should be representative of the demographic

Supporting facts:

• Karin Nadasen comes from South Africa, a country with a history of inequalities

Topics: Inclusivity, Diversity

Report

The analysis explores the barriers and solutions surrounding gender equality and financial inclusion in Africa. One significant barrier highlighted is the lower prevalence of banking among women compared to men. This disparity in banking access creates a significant obstacle for women in accessing financial services and limits their economic empowerment.

The analysis also emphasises the importance of private companies in facilitating digitisation and increasing accessibility to financial services. Organisations like RAINN partner with the government to promote digitisation, while Google and Microsoft have made substantial investments in technology infrastructure in Africa.

These collaborations between private companies and governments demonstrate how public-private partnerships can contribute to bridging the digital divide and improving financial inclusion. Flexible payment solutions are another key aspect discussed in the analysis. PayU offers diverse payment options, including cash and ‘pay later’ solutions, catering to the diverse needs of women.

The uptake of flexible payment services is shown to be more prevalent among women, which further underlines the importance of designing and offering financial products that cater to their needs. Inclusive hiring practices are also highlighted as crucial for facilitating gender equality and financial inclusion.

The analysis underscores the need for implementing such practices within all private companies. PayU, for instance, tailors its hiring policies to attract more women and has mentorship and monitoring programmes in place to retain and promote women within the company.

Additionally, PayU sponsors learnership programmes that train women in digital skills and prepare them for positions in tech companies, contributing to their economic empowerment. The analysis also sheds light on the challenges faced by women-led businesses in the online selling sphere.

Activities such as setting up a website, marketing, and contacting delivery companies require significant investment, which can be a hurdle for women entrepreneurs. To address this, the analysis emphasises the necessity of educating women and providing them with more opportunities to sell online.

Various options for selling online, such as using e-commerce platforms or selling through social media, are available, and it is important to provide information about these options to women, enabling them to make informed decisions. Access to technology and network building are identified as critical factors in promoting gender equality.

While many initiatives exist to increase access to technology, there remains a lack of centralised information on where to access such technology. The analysis suggests that public and private organisations should be representative of the demographic, supporting the notion that no one should be left behind.

The analysis concludes by emphasising the importance of representation and inclusivity in organisations. By being representative and inclusive, public and private organisations can contribute to breaking down gender barriers and promoting the inclusion of women. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of gender equality (SDG 5) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).

Overall, the analysis provides valuable insights into the barriers and solutions related to gender equality and financial inclusion in Africa. It highlights the crucial role of private companies in driving digitisation and increasing accessibility to financial services. Additionally, it emphasises the need for flexible payment solutions, inclusive hiring practices, educational opportunities, access to technology, and network building to achieve gender equality and financial inclusion.

Arguments

African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) protocol on digital trade is instrumental in promoting women’s participation in digital trade or e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• Negotiations on the AFCFTA protocol on digital trade are currently ongoing

• Most SMEs in Africa are run by women

• Articles promoting cross-border data transfers and digital payments can benefit women traders

Topics: AFCFTA, digital trade, e-commerce, women empowerment

There is a digital divide in Africa with women lagging behind in internet access

Supporting facts:

• The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) data for 2022 shows that 46% of men had access to the internet compared to just 34% of women

Topics: digital divide, internet access, gender gap

Importance of implementation of the AFCFTA

Supporting facts:

• When talking about implementation, it relates to domesticating the articles from the various protocols, to ensure that our countries are translated to the relevant rules and legislations that will be important in supporting digital trade.

Topics: AFCFTA, Digital Trade, Legislation, Domestication, Protocol, Policy makers

Report

The AFCFTA protocol on digital trade is seen as instrumental in promoting women’s participation in e-commerce. It is argued that including provisions for digital infrastructure, cross-border data transfers, and digital payments can benefit women-led SMEs. Negotiations are ongoing to develop this protocol, focusing on articles promoting cross-border data transfers and digital payments.

Supporting facts include ongoing negotiations for the AFCFTA protocol on digital trade. Additionally, it is stated that most SMEs in Africa are run by women, and providing favorable conditions for digital trade would benefit women entrepreneurs. The ability to transfer data and facilitate digital payments can be advantageous for women traders.

However, there is a digital divide in Africa, particularly concerning internet access. Data from the ITU shows that men have higher internet access compared to women, indicating a gap that limits women’s participation in digital trade. To address specific barriers, negotiations are underway for a protocol for women and youth in trade.

This protocol aims to tackle issues like access to finance and cultural barriers. Implementing the AFCFTA is crucial for harnessing its benefits. Domesticating the articles from various protocols is important to ensure the support needed for digital trade. Advocacy efforts for the AFCFTA are necessary as many people are unaware of its advantages.

Increased awareness and understanding are needed to encourage support for the AFCFTA. In conclusion, the AFCFTA protocol on digital trade promotes women’s participation in e-commerce. Provisions for digital infrastructure, cross-border data transfers, and digital payments can benefit women-led SMEs. However, the digital divide and specific barriers hinder women’s participation.

Implementing the AFCFTA and increasing advocacy are important for harnessing its benefits.

Arguments

Women in Egypt face barriers to digital entrepreneurship

Supporting facts:

• Lack of digital skills, payment process fears, and insufficient soft skills are cited as primary barriers

• Women in rural areas are often unaware of how to access the internet

Topics: Digital entrepreneurship, Barriers, Women in business

Lobna Mansour’s startup provides services to entrepreneurs, especially women in rural Egypt.

Supporting facts:

• They provide capacity building programs to improve entrepreneurs’ soft skills.

• They offer programs to enhance entrepreneurs’ digital skills.

• They help entrepreneurs understand payment methods in Egypt.

• They help entrepreneurs establish an online presence, market their products and manage their budget.

Topics: Entrepreneurship, Women empowerment, Rural Development

Lobna Mansour’s startup provides many programs for entrepreneurs, particularly women

Supporting facts:

• Lobna mentions the activities of her startup that focus on supporting entrepreneurs, with a special emphasis on women

Topics: Entrepreneurship, Women Empowerment

Her startup provides tech-specialized courses like big data and artificial intelligence

Supporting facts:

• Lobna terms the provision of courses in fields such as big data and artificial intelligence as vital to keeping entrepreneurs up-to-date and knowledgeable about new technologies

Topics: Technology, Education

There’s a need for well-equipped venues where women can receive training

Topics: gender equality, education, digitalization

More access for women is required

Topics: gender equality, access, women empowerment

Need for more access to equipment and technology for women

Topics: gender equality, digital equality, access to technology

Specific courses in digitalization for women are required

Topics: gender equality, education, digital literacy

Report

Women in Egypt face various barriers to digital entrepreneurship, including a lack of digital skills, fears around payment processes, and insufficient soft skills. Additionally, many women in rural areas are unaware of how to access the internet. However, the e-commerce market in Egypt offers significant potential for women, with high rates of internet and mobile phone usage in the country.

Online platforms can provide cost-effective and easier management solutions for women looking to start their own businesses. To address these barriers, there is a need for digital skill development and training, focusing not only on technical skills but also on soft skills such as marketing and budgeting.

These skills are crucial for running a successful business in the digital era. Lobna Mansour, through her startup, actively works to provide services to entrepreneurs, particularly women in rural Egypt. Their focus is on capacity building, digital literacy, and helping entrepreneurs establish an online presence.

They also offer programs to enhance digital skills and provide an understanding of payment methods. Lobna Mansour believes that keeping entrepreneurs up-to-date with new technologies is essential. Her startup emphasizes the importance of specialized courses in fields like big data and artificial intelligence.

These courses help entrepreneurs stay knowledgeable and relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. In conclusion, promoting gender equality in entrepreneurship requires providing women with more access to training venues, technology equipment, and specific courses in digitalization. By addressing the barriers faced by women in Egypt, such as a lack of skills and financial literacy, we can create an environment that fosters entrepreneurial growth and empowers women to participate in the digital economy.

Arguments

E-commerce offers numerous benefits to developed and developing countries and can serve as a potent tool in empowering women.

Supporting facts:

• E-commerce can reduce the barrier to entry by lowering the capital needed to launch enterprises and by enhancing productivity. It helps improve the economic inclusion of women by offering more flexibility in running an enterprise.

• Global e-commerce sales reached approximately 5.2 trillion dollars in 2021 and 2022 and are expected to grow to over 8 trillion dollars by 2026.

Topics: e-commerce, women empowerment

African businesses, specifically MSMEs risk being left behind if they do not adopt e-commerce.

Supporting facts:

• Increased internet penetration and mobile adoption in Africa presents a great opportunity for MSMEs to leverage online sales.

• Unless these enterprises accelerate the use of e-commerce they face a risk of being left behind.

Topics: e-commerce, African MSMEs

E-commerce can substantially contribute to Africa’s GDP and has the potential to bring gender parity in sales.

Supporting facts:

• According to UNCTAD, digital e-commerce could add $180 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2025.

• Another study indicates that if women’s e-commerce sales could reach parity with men by 2025, the sector could add nearly $15 billion to the African market.

Topics: e-commerce, GDP growth, gender equality

There are common challenges and barriers hindering women from benefiting from digitalization and e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• Women lack digital skills which hinder them from reaching more customers and increasing their sales

• Women in rural places do not know how to access the internet hindering them from using social media platforms

• Many women are afraid to use online payment methods due to perceived risks

• Lack of soft skills like marketing and business management skills

Topics: Barriers for women, Challenges for Women, Digitalization, E-Commerce

Financing and lack of skills are a key problem for women entrepreneurs in Kenya, similar to South Africa and Egypt.

Supporting facts:

• Businesses owned by women in Kenya often remain small due to limited finance and lack of skills.

Topics: women entrepreneurs, financing, skills

Access to bigger markets is a problem plaguing many women-driven small businesses.

Topics: women entrepreneurs, market access, small businesses

Lack of knowledge on deciding target audience for a product, marketing strategies, and lack of robust supportive infrastructure for payments and logistics create difficulties for women entrepreneurs.

Topics: women entrepreneurs, marketing, logistics

UNCTAD is playing a key role in the development of e-commerce in Africa

Supporting facts:

• UNCTAD conducts e-readiness assessment and e-commerce strategies for different countries

• There’s a need for targeted support around digital skills to boost the adoption of e-commerce in African markets

• More women are comfortable with using social media to conduct business

Topics: UNCTAD, E-commerce, Digital Skills

The AFCFTA digital protocol and the protocol on women and youth in trade are significant steps towards supporting women in Africa working in e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• The protocol aims to overcome challenges faced by women in e-commerce

• The protocol will likely have a significant impact on women over the coming years

Topics: AFCFTA digital protocol, Protocol on women and youth in trade, e-commerce, women empowerment

Karen Nadasen’s organization has hiring policies tailored to attract more women and various programs to retain and grow them once they are hired.

Supporting facts:

• Hiring policies are specifically geared towards attracting more women.

• There are placement programs, internal mentorship and monitoring programs, and learnership programs specifically for women.

Topics: women in tech, diversity in workplace, equal opportunity

Interested to know about the impactful services from Pauline

Supporting facts:

• Nagwa Ibrahim inquires about the most influential service that is provided to women through Pauline’s e-marketplace.

Topics: E-Commerce, Women Empowerment, E-Marketplace

Internet access should be made accessible and affordable

Supporting facts:

• Data is expensive and everything is moving towards being digital

Topics: Technology, Digital Economy, Internet Access

Establish and maintain strong networks and mentorship

Supporting facts:

• Platforms like e-commerce week are essential for networking and learning from others’ experiences

Topics: Mentorship, Networking

Women should be put in the center of the e-commerce and digitalization strategy

Topics: Women empowerment, E-commerce, Digitalization strategy

Monitoring is essential to assess the remaining challenges and potential future initiatives

Topics: Monitoring, Assessment

Report

The discussions focused on the impact of e-commerce on women empowerment in Africa. E-commerce was seen as a powerful tool that can empower women by reducing barriers to entry and enhancing their economic inclusion. It offers flexibility in running enterprises and lowers the capital needed to start businesses, making it more accessible for women entrepreneurs.

E-commerce has the potential to bring about gender parity in sales and contribute significantly to Africa’s GDP. Additionally, increased internet penetration and mobile adoption in Africa provide a substantial opportunity for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to leverage online sales.

However, many African businesses, particularly MSMEs, are at risk of being left behind if they do not adopt e-commerce. Therefore, the adoption of e-commerce is crucial for the growth and survival of African enterprises. Several challenges and barriers hinder women from benefiting from digitalization and e-commerce.

Many women lack the necessary digital skills to reach more customers and increase their sales. Limited access to the internet, especially in rural areas, further hampers their ability to leverage social media platforms for business purposes. Moreover, women often have concerns about online payment methods due to perceived risks.

Additionally, the lack of soft skills like marketing and business management further limits their success in e-commerce. Addressing these barriers is crucial for ensuring women’s financial inclusion and allowing them to benefit from digital skills. Women entrepreneurs in Kenya face challenges related to financing and lack of skills, which hinder their business growth.

Similar problems were identified in South Africa and Egypt. Access to bigger markets is another issue plaguing many women-driven small businesses. Furthermore, women entrepreneurs often lack the knowledge and support to make informed decisions about target audiences, marketing strategies, and have limited access to supportive infrastructure for payments and logistics.

UNCTAD was recognized for its role in the development of e-commerce in Africa, conducting e-readiness assessments and implementing e-commerce strategies in different countries. Targeted support around digital skills is crucial for boosting the adoption of e-commerce in African markets. Notably, more women feel comfortable using social media to conduct business, highlighting the importance of providing them with the necessary tools and training.

The AFCFTA digital protocol and the protocol on women and youth in trade were seen as significant steps towards supporting women in the African e-commerce sector. These protocols aim to overcome the challenges faced by women in e-commerce and are expected to have a significant impact in the coming years.

The discussions also emphasized the need for greater advancement in financial inclusion and digitalization for women in Africa. It was noted that hiring policies and programs tailored towards attracting and retaining more women in the workplace are essential. Establishing and maintaining strong networks and mentorship programs were also seen as crucial for women’s empowerment and success in e-commerce.

Promoting women’s participation in e-commerce through a digital trade protocol was highlighted as a positive step towards achieving gender equality. The services that e-marketplaces provide to women were deemed impactful in facilitating their participation in e-commerce businesses. It was recognized that internet access should be made accessible and affordable to ensure equal opportunities for all.

Additionally, monitoring was deemed essential in assessing the remaining challenges and identifying potential future initiatives to further support women empowerment and digitalization efforts. In conclusion, while e-commerce offers significant opportunities for women empowerment in Africa, there are barriers and challenges that need to be addressed to ensure women’s financial inclusion and success in the digital economy.

By tackling issues such as limited access to digital skills, internet connectivity, financing, and market access, African countries can unlock the full potential of e-commerce and create an inclusive and thriving business environment for women.

Arguments

Financing and skills training are the main barriers in Kenya for women to benefit from digitalization

Supporting facts:

• Women have difficulty accessing finance

• Women often lack the skills needed for digital business or e-commerce

Topics: financing, digital skills, digitalization, e-commerce

Market access is a significant obstacle for women in small businesses

Supporting facts:

• Women in small businesses have a limited customer base, preventing their businesses from growing

• Healthy supportive infrastructure in terms of payment and logistics are lacking

Topics: market access, small businesses, online platform, consumers

Strategies for accessing wider markets can help women in business to thrive

Supporting facts:

• Women in business need knowledge on creating the right product for wider markets and accessing such markets

• There’s a need for infrastructure support in terms of payment and logistics

Topics: market access, strategies, business growth

Omawa Africa provides a platform for women, particularly in the handicrafts industry, to access wider markets and grow their businesses

Supporting facts:

• The platform uses e-commerce technology to handle transactions and logistics as the business grows

• 70% of handicraft makers, the platform’s main focus, are women

Topics: e-commerce, market access, women’s entrepreneurship, handicraft industry

Private companies are enabling wider access to technology by providing a marketplace for craft space, which allows entrepreneurs to access larger markets without having to build a website from scratch

Supporting facts:

• Small Africa is a platform that provides a marketplace for craft space in Africa

• Google and Amazon Web Services provide credits to small, women-led organizations for building infrastructure

• Platforms such as Jumia, Amazon and Etsy allow entrepreneurs to access global markets

Topics: Small Africa, Craft Space, E-commerce, Amazon, Jumia, Etsy

Need for policies to regulate and improve internet access

Supporting facts:

• Data is expensive

• Everything is moving to being digital

Topics: digital economy, internet access, technology, policy

Report

The main barriers for women in Kenya to benefit from digitalisation are financing and skills training. Many women face difficulties accessing finance, which limits their ability to invest in digital business or e-commerce ventures. Additionally, there is a lack of skills needed for these digital ventures, further hindering women’s participation in the digital economy.

In the realm of small businesses, market access is a significant obstacle for women. They often have a limited customer base, preventing their businesses from growing. Furthermore, women in small businesses lack the necessary infrastructure support in terms of payment and logistics, which hampers their ability to expand and thrive.

However, strategies for accessing wider markets and infrastructure support can serve as a catalyst for women in business to thrive. Women need knowledge on creating the right products for wider markets and accessing such markets. With the right strategies and support, women can overcome barriers and tap into larger markets.

E-commerce platforms, particularly social media, have been instrumental in promoting business growth for women. However, these platforms can only take businesses up to a certain level. As businesses scale up, handling transactions and logistics require more advanced technology and digital skills.

Private companies are playing a crucial role in enabling wider access to technology. Marketplaces such as Small Africa provide a platform for craft space in Africa, allowing entrepreneurs, particularly women, to access larger markets without having to build a website from scratch.

Additionally, companies like Google and Amazon Web Services offer credits to small, women-led organisations for building infrastructure, further empowering women in business. On the other hand, public companies might be less effective in providing access to e-commerce technologies. Policies are essential to regulate and improve internet access, which serves as the backbone of the digital economy.

Currently, data is expensive, limiting access for many. It is crucial to make internet access affordable and accessible to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their economic background, can participate in the digital economy. In conclusion, financing and skills training are the main barriers for women in Kenya to benefit from digitalisation.

However, strategies for accessing wider markets, infrastructure support, and the involvement of private companies can help women in business succeed. Additionally, policies are needed to regulate and improve internet access to ensure a more inclusive digital economy. By addressing these challenges, women can fully participate in and benefit from the digital revolution, driving economic growth and gender equality.

Arguments

African women entrepreneurs face challenges such as lack of digital skills and access to finance.

Supporting facts:

• The challenges women entrepreneurs face in ECOWAS region, Egypt and Kenya are broadly similar.

• More women are comfortable with the use of social media to conduct business due to lack of other digital skills.

Topics: Women Entrepreneurs, Digital skills, Access to finance

Digital skills are important but should be tailored to the specific needs of women and businesses

Supporting facts:

• Targeting women who are leading within different industries and in need of extra support can help scale up their works

• Women enterprises know the challenges and the market, thus can create adaptable programs

Topics: Digital Skills, Women Empowerment, Entrepreneurship

Mentorship programs and business collaborations are effective in promoting women-led businesses

Supporting facts:

• Linking up businesses with each other allows for sharing of experience and brainstorming of ideas

• Collaboration allows businesses to explore new markets and increase their visibility

Topics: Mentorship, Collaboration, Women-led Business

Importance of evidence-based policy interventions in e-commerce for women

Supporting facts:

• Need to understand and measure women’s specific needs in different spaces

• Businesses are different, women are different

• Copying and pasting the same policy plan in every environment does not work

Topics: Evidence-based policy, e-commerce, Women in business, Interventions

Report

African women entrepreneurs in the ECOWAS region, Egypt, and Kenya face challenges such as a lack of digital skills and access to finance. One notable finding is that due to the lack of necessary digital skills, many women resort to using social media platforms for business operations.

This highlights the need for targeted support to bridge the digital skills gap and foster e-commerce growth in African markets. The study identified a specific skill gap in business skills relevant to e-commerce, implying that targeted support can significantly enhance the adoption of e-commerce among women entrepreneurs.

In addition, the importance of digital skills is emphasized, but it is crucial to tailor these skills to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs and their businesses. By targeting women in leadership positions across various industries and providing them with extra support, their work can be effectively scaled up.

Women-led enterprises have a deep understanding of the challenges they face and possess market insights, enabling them to create adaptable programs that address their specific needs. Mentorship programs and business collaborations have proven highly effective in promoting women-led businesses. Connecting businesses allows for the sharing of experiences and ideas, fostering a collaborative environment that brings forth new opportunities to explore markets and increase visibility.

Furthermore, evidence-based policy interventions play a crucial role in supporting women in e-commerce. To effectively support women entrepreneurs, it is essential to understand and measure their specific needs in different contexts. The study emphasizes that every business and every woman is unique, advocating for tailored interventions instead of a generic, one-size-fits-all policy approach.

Copying and pasting the same policy plan in every environment does not yield desirable results. Therefore, evidence-based interventions tailored to different environments are vital for successfully supporting women in e-commerce. In summary, African women entrepreneurs encounter challenges such as a lack of digital skills and access to finance.

It is necessary to provide targeted support to bridge the digital skills gap and foster e-commerce growth in African markets. Digital skills should be tailored to the specific needs of women and their businesses. Mentorship programs and business collaborations are effective in promoting women-led businesses.

Evidence-based policy interventions in e-commerce play a vital role in supporting women, emphasizing the importance of unique interventions tailored to different environments.