Feasibility assessment for E-commerce: A data collection from developing country (Ethiopia)

Area of Science:

• Business and Economics
• Information Technology
• Development Studies

Background:

• E-commerce adoption in developing nations presents unique opportunities and challenges.
• Ethiopia's economic landscape is evolving, with growing interest in digital transformation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors influencing e-commerce feasibility and readiness in Ethiopia.
• To identify key barriers and enablers for e-commerce development in a developing country context.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining online and offline surveys.
• Data collected from banks, government bodies, consumers, and e-retailers in Ethiopia.
• Descriptive statistical analysis using SPSS software.

Main Results:

• Key barriers include technological/organizational issues, inadequate ICT infrastructure, legal/regulatory differences, low digital literacy, language barriers, distribution system deficiencies, and lack of trust.
• Ethiopia possesses significant potential for e-commerce feasibility.
• E-commerce can enhance international value chain participation and public relations.

Conclusions:

• Addressing infrastructure, regulatory, and digital literacy gaps is crucial for e-commerce growth.
• Strategic investments in ICT infrastructure and education are recommended.
• User-friendly websites and facilitated foreign direct investment can improve e-commerce readiness.