Telling the trade stories of least developed countries

Urgent digital transformation is needed to create safe and secure cross border ecommerce customs clearance in the world’s poorest countries

Partnerships with development agencies and government efforts to boost the digital economy are helping soften the economic blow of the pandemic.

An uptick in business, especially in the delivery of food and essential items, is enhancing resilience in the wake of the crisis.

Digital solutions implemented to combat the spread of COVID-19 give fresh impetus to efforts to harness the development gains of ICT and ecommerce.

Originally published by UNCTAD on 7 May 2020

UNCTAD has assessed the state of play in the two countries and identified policy actions required to harness ecommerce for development.

Trade ministry fast-tracks measures to ease access to essential goods and services during the pandemic.

UNCTAD's assessment identifies available opportunities and barriers to overcome for e-commerce to flourish in the country.

New report on Lesotho shows how the small, mountainous nation could unlock its digital market to diversify its economy.

Following UNCTAD’s Ecommerce Week in April 2019 and on the cusp of a new partnership with EIF to boost ecommerce, Rwanda’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva discusses the state of play for online trade in the country

During UNCTAD’s Ecommerce Week in April 2019, Deputy Director General for International Trade at the Cambodia Ministry of Commerce talks all things e-trade

For an arid swath of Africa, a sap-like substance offers income possibilities for the poorest of the poor, along with environmental benefits

Geographical barriers, including isolation from main markets, have resulted in issues for Vanuatu to access international networks and grow its businesses

Launching of these specific initiatives demonstrates the progressive vision of Vanuatu to stimulate the economy and leverage opportunities through international trade for delivering growth and development

Consumers and businesses in two remote Pacific island nations can look forward to a better connected and more prosperous future, according to assessments made by UNCTAD of their readiness to benefit from electronic commerce

The Government has shown a strong interest in adopting economic and social policies that can facilitate the development of the Internet economy, of which e-commerce is one segment. Unlocking its potential will also reduce distance to markets, reduce “sealockedness” and enable Vanuatu to leapfrog certain barriers associated with physical trade

The current low use of ecommerce in Solomon Islands belies significant potential for the sector to grow swiftly and make economic and socioeconomic contributions to the country

The Pacific Island nation of Samoa has made considerable progress in recent years in getting businesses and consumers online but still faces challenges before being fully ready to benefit from e-commerce, an UNCTAD and EIF assessment of the country says.

New UNCTAD-EIF study of the fisheries sector in The Gambia shows trade policies have to be inclusive if they are to reduce poverty