The number of Internet users in the MENA region has grown rapidly over the last five years, and some countries such as Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE have Internet penetration rates above 90%. The yStats.com report points out that online retail sales growth is also expected in the countries that have lagged in Internet penetration but where the population is now signing on.
Even though Internet connectivity will allow shopping, many existing Internet users in the countries of the region have not adapted the practice yet. In most of the countries of the Middle East and North Africa the percentage of Internet connected persons who shop online is a low two- or even one-digit number and online retail is just around a low 1% of total retail. However, recent increase in the online shopper numbers in MENA suggests that the region is poised for continued growth.
Local as well as global E-Commerce companies are prepared to benefit from the expected growth of sales. The yStats.com report names Souq.com as a regional leader in online retail; Global companies such as Aliexpress.com, Amazon.com and eBay.com are also sought by shoppers in the region.
For further information, see: https://www.ystats.com/...