Kenya has launched its National E-Commerce Strategy-2023.
This groundbreaking initiative is poised to revolutionize the landscape of digital trade by fostering innovation, inclusivity, and therefore, economic growth.
The National E-Commerce Strategy is a collaborative effort between the government, private sector stakeholders, and industry experts, aiming to harness the full potential of digital commerce in Kenya.
“The growing digital economy championed by the ministries of investments, trade and industry and information, communications and the digital economy presents all other sectors in our society with immense possibilities," Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo noted.
"With each passing year, new technologies emerge on the horizon and as digital technologies become the cornerstone of our daily activities, government businesses and individuals must adapt to this new reality.”
The strategy seeks to enhance accessibility to global markets for Kenyan goods and services, especially, Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs) by leveraging e-commerce platforms.
This will enable local entrepreneurs to reach a broader customer base and participate more actively in international trade.
Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Industry, Rebecca Miano, said:
“The Kenya national e-commerce strategy is not just a document. It is our visionary response to the opportunities and challenges presented by the digital age.”
The strategy includes initiatives for the development of digital skills among the workforce and entrepreneurs through enhanced plans to improve internet connectivity and e-commerce-related infrastructure countrywide to alleviate the digital divide between gender, rural and urban areas.
The strategy emphasizes the establishment of regulatory frameworks and standards for e-commerce transactions aimed at building trust among consumers.
The Strategy further envisions a dynamic and techno-savvy business environment that capitalizes on modern break-through technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, 3D Printing, The Internet of Things(IoT), Motion Pictures, Biotechnology, Genomics and Nanotechnology which are the basis of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
The official launch event for the National E-Commerce Strategy took place on 13th December in Nairobi. Distinguished guests, industry leaders, and stakeholders from various sectors gathered to witness this historic moment.
The event featured keynote addresses and interactive sessions aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration among participants for the successful implementation of the Strategy.
The work on Kenya’s e-commerce strategy is supported by The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH