International cross-border e-commerce transactions are increasing rapidly, contributing to the surge of global digital trade. An important question to consider is: what percentage contribution can come from women-led e-commerce businesses in developing countries in general and Africa in particular, given the widespread impact of non-tariff barriers (NTBs)?

Whilst Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa are both synonymous with and dominated by women, it is hoped that by introducing appropriate enabling policy frameworks for SMEs, e-commerce has greater potential to contribute towards enhanced inclusiveness of women within economies in various ways. Their businesses should enjoy reduced costs of market entry and development, easier accessibility to new market niches across borders, and lower operational costs as a result of reduced costs of establishing physical points of sale. Transacting business in real time online is expected to reduce gender-based discrimination, and the usual cross-border mobility constraints. But in reality, goods purchased online still have to be delivered to customers in other jurisdictions. International e-commerce requires navigation of borders and border procedures. Trade facilitation – and the elimination of NTBs – still matters.

This trade brief discusses challenges of non-tariff measures (NTMs) that could become NTBs impacting women businesses involved in cross-border e-commerce in developing countries in general and with close reference to Africa in particular. The discussion reviews and considers some of the key findings from the technical and statistical report recently published by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Full trade brief: Non-tariff measures and cross-border e-commerce in Africa: What challenges do women traders experience and what can be done?

RELATED RESOURCES

• Digital Trade in Africa – a TRALAC guide

• Bridging the labour gap: Can the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) empower Africa’s youth, women and informal sector workers? – ALREI policy brief.