E-commerce Growth in Developing Countries
Trends, Drivers & Policy Implications
Tech Theme – By Dimple
Introduction
• Rapid digital transformation
• Mobile-first adoption
• India as case example
• Challenges: logistics, literacy, inclusion
Global Trends
• Fast rise in online commerce
• Growth driven by mobile internet
• Cross-border trade expansion
Drivers of E-commerce
• Smartphones & cheap data
• Digital payments (UPI-like)
• Platform innovation
• Logistics tech
Barriers
• Infrastructure gaps
• Trust & regulation
• High fulfilment cost
• Low financial inclusion
India Case Study
• Market size: $125B (2024)
• Huge untapped potential
• Quick commerce rising
• Urban–rural divide
Benefits
• SME market access
• Job creation
• Consumer convenience
• Digital entrepreneurship
Socio-economic Impact
• Inclusion of micro sellers
• Women & rural participation
• New digital value chains
Methodology
• Secondary data research
• UNCTAD, World Bank, WTO
• Market analysis + thematic review
Policy Recommendations
• Strengthen digital infra
• Improve fintech inclusion
• Support MSMEs
• Balanced regulation
Sustainability Concerns
• Packaging waste
• Delivery emissions
• Need for green logistics
Conclusion
• E-commerce = growth lever
• Requires inclusive policies
• Digital future depends on coordination
