Welcome to the world of online commerce in Egypt! With the rapid growth of internet penetration and the booming e-commerce market, there has never been a better time to sell and buy online in Egypt. Whether you are looking to sell your products or find great deals on a wide range of items, the online marketplace in Egypt offers endless opportunities.
Egypt has witnessed a significant increase in internet access, with 50% of the population, equivalent to 49.2 million people, now online. This has contributed to the rapid growth of the e-commerce market, positioning Egypt to become the largest e-commerce market in Africa. Popular e-commerce websites like Souq and Jumia have gained traction in Egypt, allowing users to easily buy and sell online. In fact, the B2C e-commerce turnover in Egypt reached an impressive $5 billion in 2017.
The Egyptian government is also committed to further promoting e-commerce, with a target to increase its share in the GDP to 2.32% by 2020. Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, are widely popular among Egyptians, serving as a key platform for online commerce.
Key Takeaways:
- Egypt is experiencing significant growth in internet penetration rates, with 50% of the population having internet access.
- The e-commerce market in Egypt is booming and expected to become the largest in Africa.
- Local editions of popular e-commerce websites, such as Souq and Jumia, are widely used in Egypt.
- The B2C e-commerce turnover in Egypt reached $5 billion in 2017.
- The Egyptian government aims to increase the share of e-commerce in GDP to 2.32% by 2020.
- Social media penetration rates in Egypt are high, with Facebook being the most popular platform.
The Growing Importance of E-commerce in Egypt
Egypt is witnessing a growing importance of e-commerce, fueled by its increasing internet penetration rates and smartphone usage. With 50% of the population having internet access, Egypt is set to become the largest e-commerce market in Africa. The popularity of local editions of pan-Arab and pan-African e-commerce websites, along with the B2C e-commerce turnover reaching US$ 5 billion in 2017, demonstrates the potential for online sales in the country.
Google dominates the search engine market in Egypt, with a staggering 96.68% market share, indicating the reliance of Egyptian consumers on online platforms. Furthermore, popular online sales events like White Friday and Mobile Week lead to increased sales, further highlighting the growing significance of e-commerce in Egypt. However, despite this growth, Egypt ranks 116th worldwide in e-commerce readiness, revealing the need for continued efforts to enhance the country’s e-commerce infrastructure.
Recognizing the potential, the Egyptian government has taken steps to stimulate e-commerce growth. With a strategy in place to double the number of businesses selling online by 2020, Egypt is poised to become a thriving e-commerce hub. For entrepreneurs looking to tap into the Egyptian market, it is crucial to consider factors such as the fulfillment process, having a diverse product catalog, selecting the right platform, and implementing effective digital marketing strategies. By harnessing the power of e-commerce, businesses can capitalize on the promising future of online sales in Egypt.
| Key Points | Facts |
|---|---|
| Egyptian Internet Penetration | Above African average and below global average |
| Smartphone Penetration | 30.4% in 2017 |
| Search Engine Market Share | Google dominates with 96.68% |
| Popular Sales Events | White Friday and Mobile Week |
| E-commerce Readiness Ranking | Egypt ranks 116th worldwide |
| Government Initiative | Strategy to double online businesses by 2020 |
The Potential of Online Marketplace in Egypt
With over 48 million internet users, Egypt presents a lucrative market for online shopping. The country’s growing population, coupled with the increasing accessibility of online payments, creates ample opportunities for businesses to tap into the Egyptian e-commerce market. Currently, there are more than 500 online retail stores in Egypt, indicating a thriving presence of e-commerce in the country. (Third source)
In the coming years, Egypt’s e-commerce industry is expected to witness significant growth. Payfort predicts that the value of Egypt’s e-commerce market will reach 2.7 billion USD by 2020. This projection demonstrates the immense potential and profitability of online selling in Egypt. (Third source)
When targeting the Egyptian market, it is crucial to understand the preferences of online shoppers. Customers in Egypt are attracted to products that offer quick shipping, high quality, and overall happiness. To succeed in the Egyptian e-commerce landscape, businesses need to prioritize these factors and provide exceptional customer experiences. (Third source)
| Key Considerations for Selling in Egypt |
|---|
| 1. Offer fast and reliable shipping services |
| 2. Focus on providing high-quality products |
| 3. Prioritize customer satisfaction and happiness |
By aligning their strategies with the preferences and expectations of Egyptian online shoppers, businesses can establish a strong presence in the Egyptian e-commerce market and drive significant sales. With the right approach, selling items in Egypt can be highly profitable and rewarding. (Third source)
Key Considerations for Starting an E-commerce Business in Egypt
If you’re looking to start an e-commerce business in Egypt, there are key considerations you need to keep in mind. These factors will help ensure the success and growth of your online venture in this flourishing market.
Proper Fulfillment Process
A crucial aspect of running a successful e-commerce business in Egypt is having a proper fulfillment process. This includes ensuring timely delivery of orders and providing a pleasant customer experience. By prioritizing efficient order processing, accurate inventory management, and reliable shipping partners, you can build trust with your customers and encourage repeat purchases.
Diverse and User-Friendly Product Catalog
To attract and retain customers in the competitive Egyptian e-commerce market, it’s essential to have a diverse and user-friendly product catalog. Offering a wide range of products that cater to different customer preferences and needs will increase your chances of capturing the attention of potential buyers. Additionally, ensuring that your online store is easy to navigate and search will enhance the overall shopping experience for your customers.
Choosing the Right Platform
Selecting the right platform for your e-commerce business is crucial. Your chosen platform should have a robust backend system that enables you to effectively manage your products, orders, and integrations with payment methods and shipping companies. Investing in an intuitive and scalable platform will provide you with the flexibility to adapt to changing market dynamics and customer demands.
Strategic Digital Marketing
Generating sustainable traffic to your online store requires a strategic digital marketing approach. Implementing effective search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, leveraging social media platforms, and utilizing targeted online advertising can help drive relevant traffic to your website. By focusing on optimizing your online presence and reaching out to your target audience through various digital channels, you can increase brand visibility and customer engagement.
| Key Considerations for Starting an E-commerce Business in Egypt |
|---|
| A proper fulfillment process, including timely delivery and a pleasant customer experience, is crucial for success. |
| Having a diverse and user-friendly product catalog is essential to attract and retain customers. |
| Choosing the right platform for your online store is important for effective product, order, and payment management. |
| Implementing a strategic digital marketing approach will help generate sustainable traffic to your online store. |
Conclusion
Selling and buying online in Egypt presents a tremendous opportunity for businesses, thanks to the large population and increasing internet penetration rates. With 50% of the population having internet access and the Egyptian e-commerce market poised to become the largest in Africa, there has never been a better time to tap into this growing market.
The Egyptian government is actively working on strategies to boost e-commerce in the country, aiming to increase the share of e-commerce in GDP to 2.32% by 2020. This commitment from the government shows their recognition of the importance of e-commerce and the potential it holds for the Egyptian economy.
To succeed in the Egyptian e-commerce market, businesses need to consider key factors such as having a proper fulfillment process, a diverse and user-friendly product catalog, choosing the right platform for their online store, and implementing a strategic digital marketing approach. By focusing on these aspects, businesses can effectively navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that the Egyptian market presents.
With a growing number of online retail stores and increasing credit card penetration, the future of e-commerce in Egypt looks promising. Businesses that embrace this digital revolution and cater to the preferences of online shoppers in Egypt, such as fast shipping and high-quality products, will have a competitive edge in this thriving market.
FAQ
What is the internet penetration rate in Egypt?
Egypt has experienced significant growth in internet penetration rates, with 50% of the population (49.2 million people) having internet access.
Is the e-commerce market growing in Egypt?
Yes, the Egyptian e-commerce market is booming, with the country set to have the largest e-commerce market in Africa.
What are the popular e-commerce websites in Egypt?
Local editions of popular pan-Arab and pan-African e-commerce websites, such as Souq and Jumia, are popular in Egypt.
How much turnover did B2C e-commerce reach in Egypt in 2017?
In 2017, the B2C e-commerce turnover in Egypt reached US$ 5 billion.
What are the government’s aims for e-commerce in Egypt?
The Egyptian government aims to increase the current share of e-commerce in GDP to 2.32% by 2020.
What is the social media penetration rate in Egypt?
Social media penetration rates in Egypt are at 40% of the total population, with Facebook being the most popular platform.
How does Egypt’s internet penetration rate compare to global and African averages?
Egypt’s internet penetration rate is above the African average and below the global average.
What is the smartphone penetration rate in Egypt?
Smartphone penetration in Egypt is at 30.4% in 2017.
Which search engine dominates the market in Egypt?
Google dominates the search engine market in Egypt, with a market share of 96.68%.
Are there popular online sales events in Egypt?
Yes, White Friday and Mobile Week are popular online sales events in Egypt, leading to increased sales for major retailers.
What is Egypt’s ranking in e-commerce readiness?
Egypt ranks 116th worldwide in e-commerce readiness according to the UNCTAD B2C E-Commerce Index 2017.
What is the government doing to boost e-commerce in Egypt?
The Egyptian government is working on a strategy to double the number of businesses selling online by 2020.
How many internet users does Egypt have?
Egypt has over 48 million internet users, making it a prime market for online shopping.
Is online payment accessible in Egypt?
Yes, the credit card penetration in Egypt is developing fast, making online payments more accessible.
How many online retail stores are there in Egypt?
There are more than 500 online retail stores in Egypt, indicating a growing presence of e-commerce.
What is the predicted size of Egypt’s e-commerce by 2020?
Payfort predicts that Egypt’s e-commerce will reach 2.7 billion USD by 2020.
What do online shoppers in Egypt look for in products?
Online shoppers in Egypt are attracted to products that can be shipped quickly, are of high quality, and make them happy.
What factors are important for a successful e-commerce business in Egypt?
A proper fulfillment process is crucial, including timely delivery and a pleasant customer experience. Having a diverse and user-friendly product catalog is also essential. Choosing the right platform for your online store is important, as well as generating sustainable traffic through strategic digital marketing.
What is the potential of e-commerce in Egypt?
Selling and buying online in Egypt has tremendous potential, with a large population and increasing internet penetration rates.
How promising is the future of e-commerce in Egypt?
With a growing number of online retail stores and increasing credit card penetration, the future of e-commerce in Egypt looks promising.
