Supporting eCommerce in the Middle East and North Africa

Context

eCommerce offers significant economic potential for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the southern Mediterranean region.

However, the sector faces many challenges caused by a lack of or incomplete national frameworks. This results in trade barriers, legal uncertainty for companies that operate online, and inadequate consumer protection. In addition, there is a lack of political cooperation between countries to harmonise regulatory requirements and technical standards so that companies can engage in cross-border eCommerce.

Objective

The institutional and business conditions for inclusive eCommerce in the southern Mediterranean region have improved.

Approach

The programme operates at the regional level to facilitate dialogue, experience sharing and cooperation between the region’s countries. This includes organising training, study visits, and an innovation lab. Cooperation aims to harmonise eCommerce within the southern Mediterranean region and promote regulations that are aligned with the European Union (EU), thereby improving trade with Europe.

The programme trains government institutions, private-sector associations and companies to provide them with technical expertise relating to regulatory frameworks. The objective is for this to support eCommerce and develop coordinated systems, for example for online payments.

In addition, the programme advises government institutions, such as trade ministries, so that they can better coordinate the implementation of eCommerce strategies.

Through training, it supports the owners and employees of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in developing their technical and entrepreneurial skills, using existing eCommerce solutions and planning and implementing their own solutions.

Last update: January 2025