WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
7 July 2017 
(17-3650) Page: 1/45 
Committee on Trade and Development  
Aid for Trade    
 
  
DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY  AND E -COMMERCE  
Joint OECD -WTO Aid -for-Trade Monitoring and Evaluation Exercise  
for the Global Review  2017 
 
Table of Contents  
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 2 
1  OVERVIEW OF THE MONI TORING AND EVALUATIO N EXERCISE  ................................ ... 3 
2  GLOBAL INFORMATION C OMMUNICATION TECHNOL OGY CONNECTIVITY (IC T) 
STRATEGIES  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  4 
3  DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY  AND NATIONAL DEVELOP MENT PRIORITIES  .........................  6 
4  REGIONAL STRATEGIES  ................................ ................................ .............................  12 
5  E-COMMERCE OPPORTUNITI ES AND CHALLENGES  ................................ .....................  14 
6  E-COMMERCE AS A DONOR PRIORITY  ................................ ................................ ........  23 
7  PRIVATE AND PUBLIC -PRIVATE ENGAGEMENT  ................................ ...........................  30 
8  CONCLUSIONS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  32 
ANNEX 1  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  33 
ANNEX 2  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  38 
ANNEX 3  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  40 
ANNEX 4  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  41 
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  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  
1.  This paper  presents an analysis of responses to the digital connectivity and e -commerce 
questions contained in the 2017 Aid for Trade (AfT) Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) exercise . 
Insights into the actions being taken by developing countries, often with the suppor t of 
development partners, to promote digital connectivity and e -commerce are presented on the basis 
of the information harvested  from a total of 111 self-assessment questionnaire responses and 160 
case stories received.  
2.  The analysis begins by surveying th e actions promoted by the International Telecommunication 
Union  (ITU)  to support digital connectivity through the World Summit on Information Society 
process that began in 2003.  The paper then outlines the digital connectivity targets established in 
the 20 30 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  This analysis provides a useful context against 
which to consider the monitoring information collected about national and regional connectivity 
actions.  
3.  Discussion of global Information Communication Technology (ICT)  development  targets and 
strategies is followed by analysis of how developing countries are programming  digital connectivity 
and e -commerce as a priority in their national and regional development planning.  Then, 
discussion of the opportunities and challeng es faced  is followed by an analysis of the actions being 
taken by donors and South -South partners to increase  digital connectivity and support 
e-commerce.  Finally , private sector actions to bridge the digital divide and facilitate the 
development of  e-commerce  are profiled . 
4.  Key messages from the analysis include:  
 Many developing countries, across all levels of development, are taking action to 
promote digital connectivity and e -commerce.  Thirty  of the 63 developing countries that 
responded to the 2017 M&E exercise stated that the development of ICT is a 
development priority and referenced national plans or related strategies.  The top three  
issues covered in national e -strategies were payment issues, business to business (B2B) 
transactions and business to  consumer transactions  (B2C) . 
 
 However, 33 developing countr ies did not reference the digital connectivity and 
e-commerce promotion activities that their governments are taking.  Even among those 
that did cite national plans, few of the national coordinatio n mechanisms included 
officials from Ministries of Trade.  
 Across regions and income -levels, respondents identified the high cost of broadband 
connectivity as the main obstacle  to internet access.  Other factors identified as affecting 
the use of internet se rvices included slow internet connection speeds, data protection 
and e -signatures.  Several case stories examined the impact of the digital divide on 
global development, highlighting the lost opportunities for economic growth.  
 
 Top challenges faced by micro , small and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs) in 
cross-border e -commerce transactions include high shipping costs, particularly for small 
parcel shipments, sanitary and phytosanitary certification and problems with online 
payments, notably accessing third p arty payment services.  Controlling counterfeit goods, 
and the high volume of parcel trade rank highly among the problems faced by customs 
and other border management authorities in relation to e -commerce, as well as dealing 
with returned goods and banking restrictions on foreign exchange transfer.  
 
 Twenty -three of the 37 donor respondents stated that e -commerce  and digital issues 
featured among their development policy priorities.  Both donors and recipients expect 
demand for support to grow . Fifty-seven of the 63 developing countries that replied to 
the self -assessment questionnaire anticipated the need for future financial and technical 
assistance to meet their e -commerce and digital objectives . Thirty -one donors anticipated 
growth in future demand for e -commerce support  – both from partner countries and 
regional partners.  
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   The private sector emerges as an active player in efforts to support affordability of 
connection (including through infrastructure projects), to promote local adoption and use 
of the inte rnet, and to upgrade ICT awareness and skills.  
1  OVERVIEW OF THE MONITORING AND EVALUATION EXERCISE  
5.  This section  provides an overview of the information collected on e -commerce through the 
2017 AfT M&E exercise . It collates material from two sources : responses to self -assessment 
questionnaires and submissions of case stories . Self-assessment questionnaires were addressed to 
partner countries (developing  and least developed  Members), regional economic communities 
(RECs) and transport corridors  (TCs), don ors (bilateral and multilateral) and providers of 
South -South trade -related assistance . Figure 1 shows a breakdown of the replies received from 
111 respondents . Figure 2 categorizes the submissions made to the call for case stories . Further 
information on respondents is provided in Annex 3.  
Figure 1. Self-assessment questionnaires by respondents  
 
Source : OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
Figure 2. Case story (CS) by focus  
 
Source : OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
Trade 
facilitation, 44, 
31% 
E-commerce, 
65, 45%  Infrastructure, 
Services and 
Investment, 24, 
17% Other, 10, 7%  
Case story  
focus WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  2  GLOBAL I NFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOL OGY CONNECTIVITY  (ICT)  
STRATEGIES  
6.  This section provides an overview of steps that have been taken at the global level to promote 
the adoption and use of ICT.  An important process was th e World Summit on the Information 
Society (WSIS) that took place in 2003 in Geneva and in 2005 in Tunis result ing both in a 
declaration and an action plan . The rationale behind these global actions is to secure ICT access 
and create a framework for promoting its use in addressing development goals.  
7.  The Geneva Declaration of Principles and Plan of Action call for a connected and inclusive 
information society that enables sustainable development . They include actions towards the 
integration of national  e-strategies both in national development plans and in poverty reduction 
strategies . They also call for the mainstreaming of ICT priorities into development assistance 
strategies . The Tunis Agenda for the Information Society focuses, inter alia , on giving  momentum 
and direction to financial mechanisms to bridge the digital divide . In 2006, the process led to the 
establishment of the Internet Governance Forum – a multi -stakeholder dialogue to advise on ways 
to accelerate internet availability and affordabil ity. 
8.  A series of regional summits complemented the WSIS process under the umbrella of the 
"Connect the World" programme of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) . The goal of 
these summits was to "mobilize human, financial, and technical resources  for the implementation 
of the WSIS connectivity targets and of the regional initiatives ." To date, five  summits have been 
held: 
 Connect Africa (Rwanda, 2007);  
 Connect Commonwealth of In dependent States (Minsk, 2009);  
 Connect Arab Summit (Doha, 2012);  
 Connect Americas (Panama, 2012);  and 
 Connect Asia Pacific (Bangkok, 2013).  
9.  More recently, the adoption of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 
and accompanying Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) put considerable focus on ICT 
development,  with four  out of 17 goals directly related to it:  
 SDG 4 : "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning 
opportunities for all" . Target 4.b focuses on promoting ICT skills . "By 2020, 
substantially expand globally the number  of scholarships available to developing 
countries, in particular least developed countrie s, small island developing States and 
African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and 
information and communications technolog y, technical engineering and scientific 
programmes,  in developed countries and other developing countries."  
 
 SDG 5: "Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls ." Target 5.b places 
a particular emphasis on the role of ICT in empowering women.  
 
 SDG 9: "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable 
industrialization and foster innovation ." Target 9c aims to significantly increase access 
to ICT by providing LDCs universal and affordable access to the internet by 2020 . 
Indicator 9.c.1 "proportion of population covered by a mobile network , by technology"  
measures progress towards its parent target . It also sets the benchmark for  "minimum 
access to ICT " as the percentage of  the population covered by a mobile cellular 
network.  
 
 Goal 17: "Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership 
for sustainable development ." Target 17.8 focusses on the operationalization of the 
technology bank and science, of technology and innovation capacity -building 
mechanisms for  LDCs by 2017, and on enhancing and enabling the use of technolog y. 
Here, the indicator measures internet usage rates .1 
                                                
1 https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/files/metadata -compilation/Metadata -Goal-17.pdf  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  10.  Another milestone was the State of Broadband Report  issued in 2016 by the Broadband 
Commission for Sustainable Development.  The commission was jointly established by the ITU and 
the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2010 . The report 
documents and reinforces the potential of ICT and broadband -based technologies for sustainable 
development in  the context of the SDGs and through five ICT-related advocacy targets:  
 making broadband policy universal;  
 making broadband affordable;  
 connecting homes to broadband;  
 getting people online;  and 
 achieving equali ty in access to broadband (Box 1 ).  
Box 1. The  State of Broadband Report 2016  
" 'Business as Usual' will not produce the results needed to connect the remaining offline 
populations, who are now found in more remote, rural areas, and consisting disproportionately of 
poorer, minority, less educated, and  often female, members of society."  
Target 1  "Making broadband policy universal" . By 2015 all countries should have a National 
Broadband Policy (NBP) or strategy or include broadband in their Universal Access/Service (UAS) 
Definition.  The report counted 15 1 countries with a NBP and 38 without one.  
Target 2  "Making broadband affordable" . By 2015, entry -level broadband services in developing 
countries should be made affordable (amounting to less than 5% of average monthly income) 
through adequate regulation a nd market forces . Affordability refers to the price of services and to 
the cost of devices relative to the income.  
Target 3  "Broadband  homes ". By 2015, 40% of households in developing countries should have 
Internet access, a target now achieved . In developing countries, 41% of households have access to 
the internet compared to 84% in developed countries . By 2016, 52% were expected to be 
connected worldwide.  
Target 4  "Getting people online ". By 2015, internet user penetration should reach 60% worldwid e, 
50% in developing countries and 15% in LDCs . By the end of 201 6, Internet users per capita had 
reached 15%, global internet penetration 47% or about 3.5  billion people . In developing countries 
internet penetration has reached 40%.  
Target 5 " Achieving ge nder equality in access to broadband by 2020" . Regrettably, progress 
towards gender equality in access to broadband has slightly widened, growing from 11% in 2013 to 
12% in 2016 . User penetration is higher for men than women in every region of the world, w ith the 
smallest gaps noted in the Americas (<2%) and in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) 
(5%).  
Report recommendations  
 Review and update regulatory frameworks for broadband . Improve policy frameworks for 
the Internet of Things.  
 Encourage investment by both the public and private sector.  
 Make full use of Universal Service Obligations . Consider infrastructure -sharing and open 
access approaches to infrastructure.  
 Consider measures to make broadband more affordable . Reduce taxes and import dut ies 
on telecom/ICT equipment & services.  
 Promote training and measures to stimulate demand.  
 Encourage local content and the local hosting of content.  
 Promote free flows of information.  
 Promote advanced market commitments for rural broadband access.  
 Benchma rk and monitor ICT developments.  
Source : "The State of Broadband : Broadband catalysing sustainable Development" (Broadband Commission for 
Sustainable Development , 2016) sub mitted to the  OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017),  
CS 41. WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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11.  Efforts to promote e -connectivity as a tool for development focus on access, affordability, 
awareness, adaptability, and availability . E-connectivity prompts deeper use and also drives 
content creation which broadens available online services . A case story  (CS) submi tted by the ITU 
(CS10) outlines the possible impacts of broadband on health, education and e -government . It 
emphasizes how connectivity increases productivity and competitiveness for MSMEs, empowering 
women and girls in all aspects of their lives,  notably by giving them access to knowledge.  
12.  In spite of these clear benefits for development, the majority of the world population remains 
offline . The Broadband Commission describes the digital divide as a two -sided coin . On the 
demand side, issues arise regardin g access, affordability, literacy, and content . On the supply side, 
issues relate to availability, network infrastructure, and coverage . Efforts have historically focused 
on the supply -side, but a shift in emphasis to also address demand -side constraints h as now 
started (CS  39). 
13.  Advances in technology coupled with ever more prevalent online services, makes a safe and 
trusted cyberspace imperative . The Telecommunication Standardization Sector of the ITU provides 
recommendations on standardization . It defines  how telecommunication networks inter -operate 
and has developed over 4,000 recommendations on fundamental ICT components that are now in 
force (CS  9). 
3  DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY  AND NATIONAL DEVELOP MENT PRIORITIES  
14.  Thirty of the 63 developing country governments that replied to the self -assessment 
questionnaire indicated that they have a national e -commerce or other digital strategy.  In fact, all 
but one of these 30 respondents indicated that they have multiple strategies, including national 
ICT strategies, e -government, e -commerce, telecommunications and broadband strategies (See 
figure 3 below).  
Figure 3. National e -commerce or digital related strategies  
 
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
15.  These national strategies cover a diverse range of national government policy areas : including 
e-health, e -learning, ICT for productive development, ICT and environment, legal frameworks on 
electronic signatures and documents, cyber -security, and a strategy for MSME entry into the digital 
economy.  
16.  The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)  provided additional information in its 
self-assessment questionnaire as to how its national policy had evolved . In 2002, the DRC enacted 
legislation to separate regulatory and operational functions in  the telecommunications sector so as 
to stimulate competition . The law entrusted regulation of the postal and telecommunications/ICT 
sector to the Post and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority . In October 2 009, the DRC 
adopted a sectoral policy document known as "Development of the Telecommunications and ICT 
Sector Strategy in the DRC" . This document guided the DRC's national ICT policies over the period 
2010-2015. These policies are currently being updated, pending the  adoption of a new eTrade law.  
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  17.  The M&E responses did not demonstrate any link between the development of national 
strategies and level of development.  Among the respondents recalling a national e -comme rce or 
other digital strategy, two  are high -income countries, 15 middle -income countries,  and 13 are 
LDCs.  Box 2 below provides further information given by respondents about their national 
strategies.  Twenty -one of the 30 respondents stated that their national e -commerce or digital -
related  strategy was also reflected in their national develop ment strategy.  
Box 2. Quotes on national e -commerce and other digital -related strategies2 
Botswana  would require assistance to develop the National Strategy for e -commerce as well as 
other related strategies.  
Burkina Faso : [the] e-commerce sectoral cyber s trategy [was] adopted in 2013 by the 
Government.  
Dominica : There is a draft strategy for e -government which takes e-commerce into 
consideration.  
The Gambia : The Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure has developed 
National Information and  Communication Infrastructure Policy which factored ICTs in Trade 
(e-commerce) . A concept note has already been developed for the formulation of the e -Commerce 
Strategy.  
Guinea  [outlined] law number L/2016/035/AN pertaining to electronic transactions in th e 
Republic of Guinea.  
Mali has adopted a national policy document and a strategic plan to develop ICTs in 2004 . In 
2010, a sector -wide development policy for e -commerce was created.  
Mauritius : The e -Government Strategy 2013 -2017 identifies e -payment as facilitators for 
electronic transactions with Government . The draft National ICT Strategic Plan 2016 -2020 also 
creates the conducive environment for e -commerce to flourish in Mauritius.  
Pakistan  has both a National Telecommunication and ICT infrastructure strategies 
(http://www.moitt.gov.pk/ ), and its National Strategy for E -commerce is being formulated.  
Philippines  Republic Act No. 8792, known as the "Electronic Commerce Act" 
http://www.gov.ph/2000/06/14/republic -act-no-8792-s-2000/  
Rwanda  [outlined the] SMART Rwanda Master Plan 2015 -2020.  
Senegal [communicated that its] strategy entitled "2025 Digital Senegal" was currently being 
drafted.  
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines : the National ITC Strategy expired in 2015 . We are currently 
in the process of developing a new strategy.  
Tonga : There is little awareness about e -commerce.  
Uganda [quoted the]  National e -Government Master plan and [the] Roadmap.  
Yemen does not have a national strategy for e -commerce but it issued law No. 40 of 2006 on 
"Payment Systems and Electronic Financial and Banking Law ". This law sets the scene for 
E-commerce from the legal point of view.  
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
                                                
2 Among the information offered were links to national strategies. These national strategies have been 
added in Annex 1.  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  18.  Data from the ITU indicates that 163 countries had national e -strategies in place in 2010 .3 The 
Broadband Commission also reports that 151 countries had National Broadband Plans in 2016 .4 
Comparing the WSIS and Broadband Commission data with the monitoring replies suggests that in 
fact, all 63 respondents have a broadband strategy and 61 have an ICT strategy.5 (See A nnex 1 
for further details .) One reason for the apparent contradiction may be the way the question was 
formulated in that it placed more emphasis on e -commerce than digita l strategies.  Alternatively, 
some respondents may have decided not to reference a strategy that had expired or was being 
updated . Eighteen respondents noted that they planned to develop or update their national 
development strategy to include e -commerce . In addition, 16 respondents said they were planning 
to develop a separate e -commerce or digital -related strategy.  
19.  Another reason why respondents may not have cited their national e -commerce or digital 
strategies might be explained by national coordination failings.  Among respondents that have 
national strategies, 21 respondents stated that coordination is ensured by the Ministry in charge of 
ICT. From the information collected, it appears that Ministries of Trade are not systematically 
represented in coordi nation mechanisms.  Box 3 below highlights the additional information 
provided by respondents on their national mechanisms.  
Box 3. Mechanism(s) used to coordinate national e -commerce (or other digital -related) 
strategy across their government s 
Burkina Faso : The Ministry in charge of trade, given the importance of electronic commerce, has 
created a directorate in charge of [it] within the Directorate -General for Trade, which ensures the 
coordination.  
 
Botswana : The coordinator at the Ministry of Transport and  Communication is working with the 
Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry . UNCTAD is developing the strategy . There is a 
transformation team within the ministry with the permanent secretary as the champion.  
 
Cote d'Ivoire : Coordination [is done] by th e Ministry in charge of ICT with the private sector and 
the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.  
 
DRC: Framework law no. 013/2002 of 1 6 October 2 002, governing telecommunications, and post 
in the DRC, entrusted the regulation of the post and telecommun ications/ICT to the Regulatory 
authority of the Congo telecommunication and post . However, this law is  now being revised.  
 
Dominica : There is a National Steering Committee to coordinate national e -commerce across the 
government which is coordinated by the Ministry responsible for ICT.  
 
El Salvador : The promotion of e -commerce is the responsibility of economy -related institutions . 
Such as the Ministry of the Economy (MINEC), the Salvadoran Chamber of Tourism (CASATUR), 
the Innovation and Quality Directorate (DICA), the National Science and Technology Council 
(CONACYT) of El Salvador and the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) . Some examples are the promotion 
of business and e -commerce models for the tourism sector innovation and quality with support 
from the Ibero  American University Foundation (FUNIBER) . The Small Business Development 
Centre (SBDC), Global network platform through the National Commission for Micro and Small 
Enterprises (CONAMYPE), with USAID support for e -commerce between El Salvador, the 
United  States, and Mexico, among others.  
 
Gabon : The ministry in charge of the Digital Economy, the Communications Regulations Agency of 
Regulations of Electronic Communications and Postal Services (ARCEP).  
 
Malawi : There is an E -Government Department responsible for regulatory requirements for 
implementing e -transaction matters.  
 
Mauritius : The Inter Ministerial Budget Measures Implementation Committee is responsible for 
Monitoring budget 2016 -2017, measures which amongst others include the setting up of an 
e-comm erce platform in Mauritius.  
 
                                                
3 See, (2011) ITU National e -Strategies for Development: Gl obal Status and Perspectives 2010,  page.4. 
4 See, ( 2016) State of Broadband 2016, pa ge.88. 
5 Annex 1 . WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  Pakistan : Considering the cross -cutting and multi -agencies nature of e -commerce, the 
Government of Pakistan has constituted the following forums for policy formulation and 
coordination. 1 . National E -commerce Policy Board . Headed by the finance Minister, with Ministers 
of Commerce, IT as members along with Central Bank Governor and Chairman of the 
FBR. 2. National Advisory Council on E -commerce : The Council comprises of all stakeholders 
including private sector. 3 . E-commerce Po licy Unit within Ministry of Commerce : it has 
representatives from all relevant agencies along with representation from leading private sector e -
commerce enterprises.  
 
Philippines : Various agencies [are] involved : 1. D epartment of Trade and Industry. 
2. Department of Budget and Management. 3 . Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. 4 . Department of 
Transportation and Communications. 5 . National Telecommunications Commission. 6 . National 
Computer Centre. 7 . National Information Technology Council. 8 . Commission on Audi t. 
 
Rwanda : the ICT National ministerial committee  is composed of 9 ministries.  
 
Senegal : Primatoral Decree No. 560 / MCTEN / DTI of 2 9 January 2 013 on the establishment, 
organization, and operation of the steering committee for the elaboration of the national strategy  
for development of the digital economy in Senegal.  
 
Sri Lanka : Industry Consultation with Private Sector - Inter Ministerial Committee 
(https://www.icta.lk/inter -ministerial -committee/ ) - ICT Agency of Sri Lanka formed under the ICT 
Act No 27 of 2003 of Sri Lanka.  
 
Saint Lucia : The Ministry with responsibility for Commerce is responsible for coordination of the 
National E - Commerce Strategy.  
 
Uganda : The ICT Sector Working Gr oup. This has representation from [the] private sector, [and] 
government and Development Partners. [The] Presidential Investors Round Table (PIRT) 
coordinates e -commerce activities.  
 
Uruguay : There are specific mechanisms for coordination between the Minis try of the Economy 
and Finance and the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 
the Communication Services Regulatory Unit.  
 
Zambia : E-governance, Centre of Excellence and the Ministry of Finance  
Source: OECD/WTO Aid-for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
20.  The remainder of this section looks in more detail at the national digital -related strategies 
cited by respondents . These strategies cover, but are not limited to ICT, broadband development, 
e-commerce, e -government, tel ecommunications, national ICT policies which include trade, 
broader national development strategies with ICT/e -commerce pillars, roadmaps, e -health 
strategies, strategies for MSMEs to enter the digital economy, e -learning policies and program mes, 
and legislative reform . The strategies are also at different stages of implementation, with some 
being reviewed, some expired and some recently adopted.  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  Box 4. Pakistan's digital economy: national perspectives on bridging the digital d ivide  
The main barriers t o broadband connectivity in Pakistan are poor infrastructure, low literacy rate, 
regulatory hurdles, geographic barriers and low rates of urbanization . Considering the 
cross-cutting and multi -agencies nature of e -commerce, the Government of Pakistan has 
constituted the following forums for policy formulation and coordination:  
 National E -commerce Policy Board . Headed by the Finance Minister, with Ministers of 
Commerce, IT as members along with Central Bank Governor and Chairman of the FBR.  
 National Advisory Council on E -commerce : The Council comprises of all stakeholders 
including private sector.  
 E-commerce Policy Unit within Ministry of Commerce : It has representatives from all 
relevant agencies along with representation from leading private sector e -commerc e 
enterprises.  
 
Pakistan sees the way forward in promoting e -commerce to include focus on its regulatory regime 
and updating its law to facilitate its growing digital economy.  
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E  exercise (2017) , public sector CS 87. 
 
21.  The top three  issues covered in national strategies were payment issues, B2B transactions and 
B2C transactions . Other issues include access to online platforms, ICT infrastructure, customs 
automation and provisions to promote confidence in e -commerce.  In addit ion, provisions to 
encourage investment in, and financing of, e -commerce, data protection, and consumer protection 
were cited in national strategies (See figure 4).  
Figure 4. Issues covered in national e -commerce or other digital -related strategies  
 
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
22.  Box 5 provides further information on comments made by respondents about their national 
e-commerce or other digital -related strategies.  
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  Box 5. Additional information provided by res pondents on issues covered in national 
e-commerce (or other digital related) strategy.  
Barbados : The strategy is in the formative stages and we are now looking to constitute the 
national team to look at e -commerce . Many of these issues will hopefully be incorporated when the 
planning is further advanced.  
Cote d'Ivoire : National Trade Information Network, Online shopping sites, Single Window to 
Foreign Trade, Trade Barriers Alert Mechanism.  
DRC: The operationalization of all this will be done with the adop tion of the new law expected on 
eTrade in the DRC.  
The Gambia : Even though, the Gambia is yet to have an e-commerce strategy, the Current 
National Information, Communication Policy (NICI) seeks to promote the development of the 
e-commerce.  
Pakistan : Legal framework for data protection and consumer protection.  
Senegal : A national digital strategy is being elaborated . The fore -mentioned issues have already 
been taken into account in the legislation on electronic transaction which has been in force since 
2008.  
Tanzania : Legal and regulatory framework, Local Content Development . For further information 
refer National ICT Policy which can be accessed from the website www.mst.go.tz  
Uganda : Integration of national ICT systems and platforms is on going.  
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
23.  In its self -assessment questionnaire response, El Salvador highlighted the Import and Export 
Processing Centre and the Integrated Foreign Trade System . Through these systems El Salvador 
has an electronic interconnection between its national authority and other Central American 
customs systems.  These systems allow importers to obtain approvals and documentation through 
a single integrated procedure.  
24.  Strategic lines of action in Mexico's national strategy di scussed in its self -assessment 
questionnaire include : to promote the use of the internet for online and phone purchases, to 
increase access to financial support and services, to expand online payment possibilities, to 
promote people's confidence in e -comme rce, to generate a clear, flexible and inclusive regulatory 
framework for business people, retail distributors and banks, and to encourage investment in, and 
financing of, e -commerce.  
25.  Several of the case stories received highlighted the issues and prioriti es addressed in national 
strategies as well as the different steps governments are taking to integrate e -commerce/ICT into 
national development policies . These steps include regulatory reforms and investments in 
infrastructure, and public awareness initiat ives on the benefits and opportunities of the digital 
economy . Also included were training and capacity -building programmes , and strategic actions to 
connect rural and hard -to-reach populations at affordable rates.  
26.  The Government of C ôte d'Ivoire noted in its self -assessment questionnaire that it is working 
on developing an e -commerce ecosystem . Its national regulatory reforms aim to encourage 
electronic transactions, including laws to protect personal data and consumers, and fight 
cybercrime . The governmen t has created a Ministry of Posts and the Digital Economy, and has 
opened an academic institution which focuses on new technologies . Online businesses are tapping 
into the growing consumer demand . Nevertheless, the growth of e -commerce is still constrained  
by limited logistics, insufficient payment services, and  by high costs in electricity and broadband . 
Recognizing these challenges, the Government has launched an ICT development initiative 
targeting infrastructure, services accessibility, the development of national expertise and the 
implementation of a technological free zone. (CS  138) WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  27.  The Nigerian Government has made ICT development a national development priority . In its 
2012 ICT Policy, Nigeria places emphasis on internet development, aiming to increas e broadband 
penetration from 6 % to 30% by 2018. (CS  6) 
28.  Also integrating ICT development in its national development strategy, the 
Dominican  Republic focusses on the need to make broadband access affordable . This increased 
focus led to the review and update  of E-Dominica, the country's e -strategy. (CS  4). 
29.  Samoa highlighted how its Submarine Cable Company had laid a fibre -optic cable system 
linking Samoa to Fiji's international submarine cable network in a bid to provide affordable internet 
access to its citi zens. Supported by the Asian Development Bank  (AsDB) , the World Bank Group  
(WBG)  and the Government of Australia, the project's goal is to enhance low -cost broadband 
services, strengthen the ICT regulatory and legal environment, and facilitate e -health inv estments 
in Samoa. (CS  8). 
30.   Bangladesh launched the Access to Information programme (A2i) to secure universal internet 
services in its rural and urban centres (see Box 6).  
Box 6. A2i and E -commerce - "Digital Bangladesh"  
In Bangladesh, e -commerce hit the big wave of transformation in the early 2010s . With less than 
15% of total population shopping online, and this mostly in urban areas, the market is saturated 
with big e -commerce players trying to get a share of the little pie.  
In the unchartered rural are as of Bangladesh, mobile phone usage is seeing a new revolution . 
However, age -old cultural norms, language barriers, social practices, and resistance to change is 
making  it difficult for a pure e -commerce model to succe ed. 
Hence, A2i has crafted an "Assisted E-commerce  model " to bridge the gaps and create 
opportunities for the traditional e -commerce players who are facing tremendous difficulties.  
For rural e -commerce, A2i will aim to facilitate a comprehensive e -commerce eco system, and take 
care of the crucial factors determining the functionality of the ecosystem, allowing any partner or 
player to take advantage of the backbone created by A2i for economic opportunities.  
The ecosystem proposed by  A2i will follow an "Assisted E-commerce model", and will include 
entrepreneurs  or agents as the facilitating parties in the entire transaction cycle.  
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E  exercise (2017), CS  141 and CS 142. 
 
31.  Fifty-seven of the 63 developing countries that replied to the  self-assessment questionnaire 
anticipated the need for future financial and technical assistance to meet their e -commerce and 
digital objectives . Thirty respondents stated they would like to work with the private sector to 
meet their e -commerce objectives . 
4  REGIONAL STRATEGIES  
32.  The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Common Market for Eastern 
and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Central American Economic Integration Secretariat (SIECA), 
the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) 
Secretariat and the Walvis Bay Corridor Group also replied to the self -assessment questionnaire.  
33.  OECS and the Walvis Bay Corridor Group indicated that they plan to develop or update their 
strategies to include e -commerce priorities.  ECOWAS has a regional ICT strategy that includes 
broadband development, e -applications and e -services . ECOWAS adopted a Supplementary Act on 
Electronic Transactions in 2010.  
34.  Most respondents had a regional coordination mechanism housed in the m inistry in charge of 
ICT. SIECA added that a coordination committee would be established once an e -commerce 
development agreement was ratified by its member parliaments.  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  35.  Regarding the scope of e -commerce/digital strategies related to trade in services and/ or 
goods through e -commerce, most respondents reported that B2C transactions, B2B transaction  
and consumer to consumer  (C2C)  transactions were highlighted, while less focus was directed at 
infrastructure and online platforms (Figure 5).  
Figure 5. Trade-related issues reflected in regional/transport corridor respondent's 
strategy  
 
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
36.  Other issues covered in regional frameworks on either e -commerce or digital -related 
strategies includ e plans to facilitate mutual recognition of digital signatures, intellectual property, 
personal data protection, consumer protection, alternative dispute resolution for electronic 
transactions, ICT training and education and ICT rural community development  and developing 
infrastructure for postal services within the region . In a case story submission, ECOWAS outlined 
an UNCTAD -supported study and a series of workshops that it had undertaken towards 
harmonizing relevant e -commerce -related laws and policies. (Box 7)  
Box 7. Review of e -commerce legislation h armonization in ECOWAS  
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Vision 2020, places as a priority on 
the harmonization of telecommunication policies in the region in order to further its econom ic and 
monetary integration goals and enable its citizens to benefit from the fast growing digital 
economy . The expectation is that a successful harmonization process will boost investments and 
increase e -commerce between member states . This process of harmonization, in addition to 
promoting a coherent legal -frame on e -commerce in the region, aims at enabling enterprises in 
member countries to key into and compete in the digital economy.  
ECOWAS has the following Supplementary Act on e -transactions (Suppl ementary Act 
A/SA.2/01/10), Cybercrime (Directive 1/08/11) and personal data protection (Supplementary Act 
A/SA.1/01/10), but all member countries are yet to adopt and implement these regulations . Areas 
identified for further legislative harmonization incl ude: 
• Electronic transactions  
• Data protection  
• Computer crime  
• Consumer protection  
• Online content  
• Domain names.  
Full report of harmonization review here: 
http://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/dtlstict2015d2_en.pdf  
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
111222223
Access to online platformsInfrastructurePoint of Sale (POS) systemsBusiness to consumer transactionsConsumer to consumer transactionsCustoms automationDelivery systemsPayment issuesBusiness to business transactionsTrade related issues reflected in regional/transport corridor respondents' strategy WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  5  E-COMMERCE OPPORTUNITI ES AND  CHALLENGES  
37.  This section discusses the challenges and opportunities that e-commerce  presents to 
developing  country respondents . According to many submissions, there is limited data available on 
e-commerce transactions and insufficient capacity to capture the data on e -commerce . Because of 
this lack of data, a majority of respondents was unable to provide estimates for the share and the 
growth of goods or services traded through e -commerce . The same picture emerged with respect 
to data on how consumers and enterprises connect to the internet . Among the few responses 
received to this, five out of 63 countries indicate d that over 90 % of consumers access the internet 
via mobile phones.  
5.1  Electronic payment solutions  
38.  This section examines the use of electronic payment services for online transactions . 
Respondents indicate that the most prevalent form of available e -payment solutions is e -banking, 
credit or debit card transactions , mobile money , and e -government transactions . Most respondents 
stated that there was no data to estimate the percentage of transactions paid for electronically 
due. (Figure 6).  
Figure 6. Estimate of transactions paid for electronically  
 
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
39.  Twenty -one respondents noted that consumers in their country use mobile phones for both 
domestic and international remittances . Twenty -five respondents indicated that consumers use 
mobile phones for only domestic remittances and fund transfers, and 19 respondents noted that 
mobile phones were not used for domestic and international remittances or fund transfers . The 
African Devel opment Bank ( AfDB) highlights the development impacts of mobile banking in 
developing countries (see Box 8 below).  
  
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  Box 8. AfDB – Impact on mobile payments and banking on the u nbanked in African 
Countries  
Mobile payments technology is becoming increasingly important, especially in the context of 
developing economies, where many low -income households and microenterprises do not have 
ready access to financial services . Mobile payment facilitates financial inclusion, and offers 
potential for financial integration.  
Taking bank accounts as an indicator, access to formal finance in Kenya, although improving over 
the past five years, is still limited (with bank account penetration rate reaching 21% in 2010) . If 
mobile money accounts had been used,  access to financial services in Kenya would have been 
more spectacular with an increase from an estimated 19% in 2007 to over 40% in 2011 . According 
to a survey, "usage of non -bank financial institutions more than doubled , going from 7.5% in 2006 
to 17.9%  in 2009 . This, could be mostly attributed to the new M -PESA service provided by 
Safaricom."  
Mobile banking and mobile money services, which have already had a major impact on the Kenyan 
economy, are also starting to make serious inroads in to West Africa, where mobile phones are 
ubiquitous (50%) and bank accounts scarce (18%) . New MSPs are springing up from Ghana to 
Nigeria and other Western African countries offering customers , in one of the poorest corners of 
the world , the chance to send and receive mone y via text message s and  for a relatively small fees.  
Rapid growth in the mobile money industry has given the  less privileged and the disadvantaged 
increased access to affordable financial services , including also across borders.  
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E  exercise (2017) , CS 15. 
 
40.  In its self -assessment questionnaire response, Nepal noted that e -banking, mobile money and 
e-government transactions were held back by the cost of broadband subscription, insufficient 
access to digital information, insufficient private data protection, and problems with e -signatures . 
Similarly, Suriname added that e -payment services were held back because of the lack of a legal 
framework.  
Box 9. How mobile phones can be used fo r remittances and fund transfer  
Botswan a: Consumers may use e -wallet and other funds transfers such as MyZaka and Orange 
Money.  
Costa Rica : The payment system operates through the SINPE Mobile service, aimed at the retail 
payment segment (minor amounts), so that users of the National Financial System can make 
electronic money transfers to accounts linked to mobile phone numbers through any electronic 
banking channel (SMS banking, mobile web banking, app banking, online banking or ATM 
network).  
DRC: At this stage, fund transfers by mobile phone u sers are restricted to domestic operations.  
Malawi : Mobile phone operators are able to transfer funds across borders upon satisfying 
regulatory arrangements and conditions.  
Samoa : Digicel group (private company) used to provide these services, but no longe r does. 
Sri Lanka : In terms of domestic payments, people use mobile money service provided by two 
largest mobile service providers in Sri Lanka and most commercial banks provide mobile payment 
services or mobile banking services . Sri Lankans use mobile phones to make payments using cards 
for services on international e-commerce sites.  
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  5.2  Challenges in accessing and using internet services  
41.  The cost of broadband subscription was high lighted by 37 respondents as their main issue, 
closely followed by slow internet connection speeds, data protection and e -signatures. (See 
figure 7 below).  
Figure 7. Main issues faced in accessing and using the internet  
 
Source: O ECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
42.  A similar picture emerges from the monitoring exercise responses  submitted by LDCs . 
Seventeen of them  identified slow internet connection speeds as a main issue for enterprises and 
consumers alike, followed by e -signatures (16) and the cost of broadband subscription (14) . Other 
issues they ranked highly included private data protection (12), problems registering as vendors 
on online e -platforms (11), cybercrime laws (11) , and credit card payments (11)  (Figure 8). 
WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  Figure 8. Main issues LDCs face in accessing and using the internet  
 
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
43.  The Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) makes recommendations on what governments can 
do to address res trictions related to cost (see B ox 15 below) . Furthermore, the report discusses 
the A4AI - Affordability Drivers Index (ADI) which examines policies, incentives, and infrastructure 
investments across 51 developing and emerging countries, as well as correspo nding levels of 
implementation . In 2015 -2016, Colombia and Costa Rica topped the rankings with scores 
reflecting improved performance in infrastructure indicators . Following the successful opening of its 
telecommunication market to new operators (2013) and  the recent introduction of broadband 
services (2014), Myanmar made the largest jump, moving up 9 places to number 27 in the ADI 
indicator.  
Box 10. Everyone should have access to the internet  
On our current trajectory, by 2020 only 16% of people in the world's poorest countries and 53% of 
the world as a whole will be connected . This connectivity lag will undermine global development 
across the board, contributing to lost opportunities for economic growth and denying  hundred s of 
million s access to online education, health services, political voice, and much, much more.  
As stark as the affordability picture appears for those living in poverty and at the bottom of the 
income pyramid, the cost to connect is even higher for women in these groups . The gender wa ge 
gap diminishes the ability of women – and female -headed households in particular – to afford 
Internet access . Recent research by the Web Foundation shows that poor urban women are 50% 
less likely to be connected to the Internet than men in the same age group with similar levels of 
education and household income . However, on the whole, scores on the ADI are low, meaning 
much hard work lies ahead for countries to create the right environment to drive prices down and 
connection rates up.  
 
Recommendations:  
1. Develop and work toward a more ambitious affordability target.  
2. Reduce the cost of mobile phones and ICT devices.  
3. Increase investment in and availability of public, subsidised access.  
4. Create specific, time -bound targets to close the gender digita l divide.  
5. Integrated approach to policy -making.  
Source: Alliance for Affordable Internet and OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise  (2017), CS 2. 
 
WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  44.  When asked to provide information on other possible regulatory obstacles, respondents 
ranked first the absence of an e -commerce strategy . Also highlighted was the lack of access to 
information technology outside of major cities . El Salvador flagged the non -implementation of its 
approved electronic signature law as an issue for enterprises and consumers.  
45.  Papua New Guinea emphasized the high cost of internet . Honduras mentioned the absence of 
a national strategy on e -commerce . Colombia linked this issue with the difficulty for companies to 
access information . Guinea -Bissau emphasized the issue of absence  of, or slow , connection . Peru 
highlighted the lack of access to technology information outside major cities . Yemen added that 
slow internet connections hampered work on the internet (e -commerce) and increased the 
possibility of on -line fraud.  
46.  Also insightful on  this issue are the donor responses that identify problems with credit card 
payments, lack of  experience of e -commerce support programmes, slow internet, lack of access to 
international payment gateways and lack of access to labour with the necess ary techn ical skills 
(see Box 11 ). 
Box 11. Main issues your partner countries face in accessing and using internet services  
Canada : General lack of regulatory framework.  
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development 's (EBRD)  clients are frequently 
constrained by  lack of human capital with the necessary skills, but also management skills specific 
to fast -moving business sectors . Further challenges include trade/ICT infrastructure along the 
entire delivery/trade chain, and the sometimes difficult access to finance for services enterprises.  
UNECA : E-commerce development is still at its early stages  in the  continent and is not currently a 
continental policy priority.  
Finland : Gaps and lack of clarity in overall e -commerce legislation.  
Germany : Every issue mentioned sh ould be addressed in order to support e -commerce in 
developing countries.  
International Trade Centre  (ITC) : Understanding and ability to meet fiscal and legal 
requirements of target markets.  
Spain : High costs, customs duties and returning goods.  
Switzerlan d: Cooperation activities in this area focus on the public sector.  
United Kingdom : Barriers are context -specific  
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
47.  Case stories submitted not only throw light on some of the issues highlighted by respondents, 
but also raise issues not covered in the self -assessment questionnaire . For instance, GSMA 
emphasizes the language constraints consumers and enterprises face in accessing and using the 
internet . In Myanmar, the search -engine  Bindez is addressi ng this issue . The start -up has 
developed an information search -engine and a discovery platform in local language . Previously, 
many users struggled to source understandable and relevant content (CS  25). 
48.  The Internet Society notes that growth of internet ad option in Sub -Saharan Africa is not 
keeping in pace with availability . "Adoption levels are well below saturation levels, and this is in 
part caused by a lack of locally relevant and available content." (CS  20) In the region, barriers to 
local content host ing include : legal restrictions of content hosting, access to power, access to fibre 
cables within the country and lack of content in local languages.  
49.  The AsDB  highlights how the socioeconomic and demographical characteristics of Central 
Asian countries (A fghanistan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, 
Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) are acting as a barrier to internet penetration . Vast sparsely WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  populated rural areas, complicate the deployment on the internet . In addition, a majority of these 
countries are landlocked and unable to connect directly to submarine cables . This, added to 
difficult configuration of the terrain, can make these hard -to-reach rural areas "uneconomic" . Such 
factors pose a direct challenge to internet ac cess (CS108).  
5.3  Challenges f aced by micro, small and medium -sized enterprise (MSMEs)  
50.  The top five export challenges faced by M SMEs identified by respondents to the self -
assessment questionnaire are high shipping costs, high cost of small parcel shipment, iss uance, 
and acceptance of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) certificates, problems with online payments, 
and absence of or difficulties in using the electronic single windows (see figure 9).  
Figure 9. Export challenges faced by MSMEs  in relation to cross -border e -commerce  
 
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
51.  In its self -assessment questionnaire, Antigua and Barbuda stated  that, even though they 
offered online services , its MSMEs focused on  the local market . Yemen noted that the application 
of regulations on exports depended on the size of the consignment . For example, a kilo of honey 
or coffee exported from Yemen is waived from requirements as such small transaction is  
considered non -commercial. (E -commerce usually  involves small quantities transported via air 
shipment, using DHL, Yemen Express Mail, FedEx .) 
52.  Tonga stated that its major product commodities were agricultu ral and fisheries targeting 
New Zealand, US , Japan, South Korea and Australian markets . SPS issues  were therefore key to 
the agriculture and fisheries sectors . There are  also limited facilities for packaging and storage . 
Furthermore, due to its geographical location and low volume of exports, the shipping/freight costs 
were exceptionally high . The coun try does not have a bureau of standards . The two commercial 
banks were regional and often encountered challenges with SWIFT transfers (to and from certain 
countries) . Money transfer charges were higher than in other places in the world . Box 12 provides 
additional information from respondents on the challenges e -commerce presents to MSMEs.  
WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  Box 12. Additional information on the export challenges faced by MSMEs  
Cameroon : The e-commerce system is not very developed in the country . However a law has 
already been  voted by the parliament and application texts are being drafted.  
Colombia : Most companies in electronic commerce and in the economy in general use a simplified 
regime that does not allow exporting.  
DRC: At this stage, we cannot point out trade -related dif ficulties for MSMEs with regards to 
electronic trade as it is not well developed in the country and since the law on electronic commerce 
is not yet created.  
Gambia : In the case of The Gambia, there is limited ICT infrastructure at the border posts to 
facilitate e -commerce in cross border trade.  
Philippines : Integration with global and/or regional value chains.  
Pakistan : Our SMEs are basically hindered by [the lack of] accessibility to a global e -commerce 
platform to sell their goods.  
Guinea -Bissau : Difficulties with payment of customs fees.  
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
53.  With imports, the top five  challenges identified by partner countries and that MSMEs face in 
relation to cross -border e -commerce transaction are : cost of delivery  of small parcel trade, 
problems with online payment systems dealing with returned goods), warehousing, storage and 
packaging difficulties and difficulties accessing third party payment services (Figure 10).  
Figure 10. Import chall enges MSMEs face in cross -border e -commerce  
 
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
54.  Box 13 provides additional information on import challenges MSMEs identified in partner 
country questionnaires.  
 
WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  Box 13. Import challenges faced by MSMEs in  cross border e -commerce transactions  
DRC: At this stage, we cannot point out to trade -related difficulties for MSMEs with regards to 
electronic trade as it is not well developed in the country and since the law on electronic commerce 
is not yet created.  
The Gambia : Limited ICT infrastructure at the border posts to facilitate e -commerce in cross 
border trade.  
Honduras : There is no national strategy for Electronic commerce.  
Philippines : Integration with global and/or regional value chains.  
Yemen : Small parce l trade is costly especially if a competent system is not operating . Dealing 
with returned goods is an issue because the costs of returned goods are too high . However, it is 
possible to negotiate with the exporter to find an amicable settlement such as a d iscount on the 
next transaction in order to avoid bad publicity on the part of the exporter . Occasional online 
payment failure.  
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
55.  The ITC first  identified challenges relating to the lack of awareness and understanding of 
potential opportunities for increased online trade . The ITC  also highlighted insufficient access, 
affordability and skills to use technologies, inadequate availability of interna tional and local 
payment solutions, lack of access to cost -effective logistics (outbound and in target markets), 
significant cultural, linguistic and business practices that need adapting to the customer service 
expectations of international customers, lac k of visibility, and reputation and trust in the target 
markets  (CS 32). 
56.  Other challenges for MSMEs include non -conformity with legal and fiscal requirements, and 
government laws/policies that do not support online trade . A study of Central Asia by the AsDB 
highlights challenges particular to the region . It notes the underperformance of business usage, in 
spite of broadband availability, due to low consumer trust – hence holding back growth in 
e-commerce (CS  124).  
5.4  Challenges faced by customs and other borde r management authorities  
57.  Most respondents were unsure of the issues faced by MSMEs.  Among those respondent s that 
did reply, th e top challenges customs and other border management authorities face in relation to 
the online purchase of goods are difficult ies in controlling counterfeit goods, problems in issuing 
SPS certificates, problems dealing with returned goods, problems clearing small parcel shipments, 
and banking restrictions on foreign exchange transfer . Respondents also cited challenges in 
adapting cu rrent custom procedures and existing electronic single window operations to cater for 
online purchase of merchandise goods, particularly by natural persons . Box 14 provides further 
information on specific partner countries.  
 WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  Figure 11. Challenges customs and other border authorities face with the online 
purchase of goods present  
 
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
Box 14. Challenges to customs and other border management authorities of lin e 
purchase of merchandise  goods  
 
DRC: At this stage, e -commerce in the DRC is still at an embryonic stage, so much that it is 
difficult to identify difficulties both at the level of customs and at borders . With the deployment of 
the Foreign Trade Window across the national territo ry, we will soon be able to give more details 
on this issue.  
Dominica : With regards to the application of customs de minimis  threshold, this poses a challenge 
due to the under invoicing of merchandise goods . The threshold established in Dominica is 
EC$150. 00. With regards to the Electronic Single Window, this is work in progress in Dominica . 
There is still a few Stakeholders to get on board with the operations.  
Pakistan : Current Customs business process are not designed for e-commerce.  
Peru: Access to infor mation and technology.  
Uruguay : Electronic single window issues : Progress is being made to incorporate certificates for 
natural persons.  
 Application of border measures : If the representative does not file a report, Customs has 
to release the goods.  
 Certain  bodies do not issue certificates to natural persons.  
 Implementation of risk management techniques : The National Customs Directorate 
(DNA) is refining the rules because it did not have any information before.  
 Difficulties in dealing with returned goods : We do not have a procedure for returned 
goods.  
 Postal service shipments : the holding agent is the post office which delivers every day 
and courier goods held must be cleared and customs duty paid by the addressee or his 
representative.  
Uzbekistan : Using pape r systems, custom officials in have difficulties coping with the increasing 
volume of small parcels  
 
Yemen : Transaction intermediary PayPal  plays a very useful role in insuring the securing the 
rights of both sellers and buyers . In case of damaged goods , after PayPal release s the payment, 
the cost of returning the goods becomes too expensive . But because of  the keenness of the 
WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  exporter to maintain a good reputation and to avoid negative publicity, it is common to resolve 
matters amicably , for example  by awa rding a  discount on the next shipment.  
Zambia : Determining the actual value of the product.  
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
58.  ECOWAS and the Walvis Bay Corridor Group indicated that banking restrictions were a 
challenge to custom and other bo rder management authorities in their dealing with merchandise 
goods purchased online . ECOWAS also noted difficulties in issuing rules of origin determinations, 
difficulties to control counterfeit goods, and difficulties issuing export certificates . On the side of 
imports, the Walvis Bay Corridor Group indicated difficulties in the acceptance of e -certificates and 
electronic single window issues . CARICOM identified difficulties dealing with returned goods, 
difficulties applying SPS measures and diffi culties in applying customs risk management 
techniques as challenges . ECOWAS indicated difficulties applying intellectual property protections, 
difficulties in applying customs risk management techniques, rules of origin determination 
questions and issues relating to electronic single windows.  
6  E-COMMERCE AS A DONOR PRIORITY  
6.1  E-commerce  and bilateral and multilateral donors  
59.  E-commerce (or another digital -related strategy) featured as a priority in the national 
development policy of 23 out of the 38 donors tha t participated in the monitoring exercise . High on 
the list of their priorities figure ICT development, e -government and e -commerce development, 
together with other digital strategies.  
Figure 12. E-commerce as a priority in donors ' national development policy  
 
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
60.  In the area of e -government, Latvia provided details of its 2016 e -services development 
programme in its self -assessment questionnaire response . Its aim is to generate an exchange of 
experiences (and information) between the La tvian G overnment agencies and Uzbekistan . On the 
Uzbek side officials dealing with e -services development issues are involved, and the project 
focuses on issues related to the online public services d elivery . This exchange aims at gaining 
insight of the different Latvian models in the field of e -services delivery systems, and the activities 
WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  of the agencies providing these services .6 Australia cited its "Strategy for Australia's Investments 
in Economic Infrastructure" released in July 2 015, covering transport, energy, large -scale water 
and sanitation, and ICT infrastructure.7  
Box 15. E -commerce (or other digital strategy) in donor strategy  
Denmark : Support for e -commerce, for trade facilitation and for infrastructure development will 
increasingly be aligned with the EU Aid for Trade Strategy over the coming years.  
EBRD : has launched the Knowledge Economy Initiative, working with countries on innovation -
related issues and providing funding to the private sector, to stimulate competition, attract 
investors and encourage entrepreneurs to commercialise their ideas.  
Germany : E-health and E -learning are part of the portfolio E -commerce is becoming increasingly 
relevant.  
United States : Adoption of digital payments/mobile money is an important foundation for 
e-commerce and e -government.  
ITC: SME Trade Academy provides e -learning opportunities in support of trade and SME activities.  
UNECE : is actively involved helping countries to implement UN/CEFACT Recommen dations on 
Single Window and data harmonization.  
New Zealand : Additional strategic areas for ICT development include education and health 
sectors.  
Source: OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017).  
 
61.  Japan sees the internet of things and artificial intell igence as high priorities in its development 
strategy.  Japan has established a framework to promote businesses providing research services 
and investments aimed at exploiting the benefits of the internet of things . Japan has also 
contributed to internation al communications infrastructure development in various regions . A 
Biometrics authentication system was adopted  by over 70 countries, protecting people's safety and 
security . Furthermore, Japan is supporting ICT for disaster management in many countries ba sed 
on its extensive knowledge with natural disasters.  In Botswana, Japan aimed to develop 
businesses that make use of data broadcasting and transferTV  program me creation technology . 
Japan's ICT is also contributing to the optimization and increased lifespan of existing public 
infrastructure . In the case of Viet N am's Can Tho Bridge construction, Japan has introduced a 
system for real -time measurement of strain and oscillations . By detecting abnormalities quickly, 
serious damages and deformation can b e prevented.  As a part of Myanmar's postal service, Japan 
is working to digitize money transfer services . Japan is able to offer multifaceted support precisely 
because it possesses such comprehensive capacity for ICT development.  
62.  E-commerce is part of the emerging research issues conducted by UNECA in the area of trade . 
Its focus is to assist African countries in the development of common positions and strategies . 
Moreover , the respondent noted that UNECA works with organizations such as the African Allianc e 
for Electronic Commerce to boost capacity in this area.  
63.  Canada noted that e -commerce is not treated in its current national development policy . 
However, its ICT approach places emphasis on building ICT infrastructure, on enhancing 
technology skills and k now-how, and on building confidence and democratic expression (to protect 
and empower users and consumers in cyber space) . It focuses on  stimulating sustainable 
economic growth by building ICT infrastructure (i.e. internet, broadband and telecommunications  
infrastructure, public -private partnerships, and the enabling environment) . In addition to 
enhancing efficiency, effectiveness and impact towards development goals, it ensures that people 
                                                
6 http://www.uz.undp.org/content/uzbekistan/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2016/10/21/uzbek -
delegation -visited -latvia -to-study -its-e-services.html  
7 The Strategy is available at http://dfat.gov.au/about -us/publications/Pages/strategy -for-australias -
investments -in-economic -infrastructure.aspx  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  and businesses have the skills and know -how to take advantage of te chnology -driven sources of 
innovation, of enablers of political, economic, social, and cultural activities through open data . 
Canada also supports multilateral financial institutions in, among other areas, addressing 
infrastructure gaps in developing count ries, accessing ICT infrastructure, developing the private 
sector, increasing the supply of skilled workers and accessing technology.   
64.  While the Belgian Development Cooperation strategy does not focus on e -commerce per se , it 
adopted the 2016 'Digital for  Development' (D4D) – a strategic policy note which focuses on three 
priorities : better use of big data ; digital for inclusive societies; and  digital for inclusive and 
sustainable economic growth.  
Box 16. Special policy initiatives that cover the area of e -commerce (or other digital 
strategy)  
The E U: The European Commission submitted a proposal for a new European Consensus on 
Development in November 2 016, which includes a "Digital for Development" statement . The EU 
and its Member states will continue to develop their support for promoting information and 
communication technologies in developing countries as powerful enablers of growth . This is a 
policy stream currently under development.  
WBG: The 2016 World Development report details a number of aspects o f the WBG work on the 
digital economy more widely, and a specific e -trade program published at 
www.worldbank.org/trade  
EBRD : has launched the Knowledge Economy Initiative, working with countries on 
innovation -related issues such as improving telecoms regulation and developing ecosystems that 
allow venture capital and private equity firms to grow . The EBRD also provides funding to the 
private sector, including for projects related to the development or expansion  of e-commerce . 
These efforts take into account the different levels of development across the region while 
seeking to stimulate competition, attract investors and encourage entrepreneurs to commercialise 
their ideas.  
Finland:  is planning to support the ne w UNCTAD's e -Trade for All Initiative.  
Germany : There are currently a few isolated initiatives in the area of e -commerce and a more 
coherent strategy is currently being developed.  
ITC: For ITC, digital is core to several of their strategic programmes - most clearly the 
"E-Solutions Programme" which structures offering for how to improve access and successful 
digital trade by SMEs from developing and least developed countries.  
UNDP : In the context of the Aid for Trade Initiative for Arab States, UNDP's s upport on trade 
facilitation promotes broader governance reforms inclusive of e -Government approaches for 
enhancing transparency and accountability and access to information by economic operators, 
including trade -related provisions and regulations, promoti ng better compliance.  
United Kingdom : DFID is actively engaged in e -commerce policy and supports initiatives by 
other organisations.  
New Zealand : Specific policy initiatives focus on the development of connectivity solutions and 
cyber safety initiatives.   
Source : OECD/WTO Aid for Trade Monitoring and Evaluation exercise (2017).  
 WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 26 - 
 
  65.  In-country dialogue with partner countries and regional partners features e -commerce issues 
according to 25 donors (Figure 13).  
Figure 13. E-commerce issue s addressed in donor - partner country dialogues  
 
Source : OECD/WTO Aid - for-Trade M &E exercise (2017).  
 
66.  The EBRD engages in policy dialogues related to project finance, supporting improved 
telecoms regulation, and the development of e -procurement database s. In its dialogue, the ITC 
focuses on e -commerce and trade facilitation, raising awareness on the barriers to participate in 
e-commerce and on practical solutions available to help SMEs overcome them . In Canada's case, 
although not a systematic element, a  number of initiatives related to ICTs form part of partner 
countries programming, either at the national or at the regional level.  
67.  In its dialogue with country partners, and particularly with Pacific partners, Australia noted 
that attention was increasing ly placed on reducing the cost, and on increasing the access to, 
broadband infrastructure to enable businesses and governments to participate in the global 
economy, hence capturing the benefits of greater e -commerce . Australia has supported internet 
connec tivity in Tonga and Fiji, improved telecommunications in Vanuatu and of mobile coverage in 
Kiribati and the Solomon Islands . Australia's focus is on ICT policy and regulatory reform to 
support competitive market structures, increase equitable access to ser vices and enable private 
sector -led investment in ICT infrastructure and services.  
Box 17. Telecommunication r eform  
A good example of soft infrastructure investment is Australia's support for telecommunications 
reform . The World Bank estimates that a 10% increase in access to broadband and mobile 
communications in lower middle income countries results in an additional 0.8 -1.4% increase in 
GDP.8 In Indonesia, specialist advice was provided on the most transparent and economic way to 
award radio spectrum for  3G mobile telephony and internet services . This resulted in an auction 
from which the government secured over A$700 million  in revenue and one of the fastest roll -outs 
of 3G services in the world . Similarly in Vanuatu, Australia helped to introduce privat e sector 
competition and independent regulation that expanded mobile coverage from 20% to 85% of the 
population from 2007 to 2009 . The prices of handsets dropped from A$100 to A$25 and monthly 
internet access from A$200 to A$60. 
Source : Commonwealth of Au stralia, DFAT, Strategy for Australia's aid investme nts in economic infrastructure, 
June 2 015 
 
                                                
8 Kim, Kelly, & Raja, W orld Bank, 'Building broadband: Strategies and polic ies for the developing world', 
2010.  
WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  6.2  Donor s upport for digital connectivity and e -commerce  
68.  This section focusses on donor support to developing countries and REC s/TCs for digital 
connectivity and e -commerce development.  Of the 40 respondents to the donor self -assessment 
questionnaire, 29 donors stated that they provide support in this area.  Figure 1 4 provides 
additional information abou t the areas in which this support is provided, ranked by the numb er of 
respondents.  
Figure 14. Donor's digital connectivity and e -commerce development support  
 
Source : OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M &E exercise (2017).  
 
69.  In the area of support to ICT infrastructure, Luxemburg reported its support to sa tellite 
communication . Luxemburg also highlighted advisory services and the provision of 
collectively -owned solutions to shared access to technology, international payments, logistics and 
promotion . UNECA noted that it is currently working on exploring the  implications of the 
introduction of e -commerce on African countries . The AfDB highlighted its support to African 
countries in the area of broadband infrastructural development with an aim to provide affordable 
internet connection (CS16) . The Connect Afric a Initiative, a global partnership launched in October 
2007, aims to mobilize the human, financial and technical resources needed to bridge major gaps 
in ICT infrastructure across Africa, with a total of US $55 billion  pledged to date (See Box 18).  
WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  Box 18 . Connect Africa Initiative (CS  16) 
The Connect Africa Initiative actions are under four major programmes : International fibre 
connectivity, national backbone initiatives, policy regulation, and e -applications.  
Key ICT investments include the East African S ubmarine Cable System along the east and south 
coasts of Africa, connecting 21 African countries to each other and the rest of the world . One 
submarine fiber -optic cable running from Portugal to South Africa, with many landings along the 
route . The project  will lay 7,000 kilometers of submarine fiber optic cable between Seixal (a 
suburb of Lisbon) in Portugal, Accra in Ghana, and Lagos in Nigeria . These investments will provide 
Africa with increased bandwidth and help meet the growing demands of governments , traders, 
businesses and private users for more efficient and less costly data services.  
Source : OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M &E exercise (2017).  
 
70.  A number of case stories highlight donor support for ICT development . The G-Soko market 
system (CS  70) – a DFID -funded electronic trading platform9- links smallholder farmers to grain 
buyers across East Africa . Partners report benefits in accessing new markets, a reduction of 
post-harvest losses and an increase in return on farmer produce . The ITC She Trades Initiat ive 
(CS 127) is another example of support for the use and adoption of ICT . The initiative provides 
market access opportunities for MSMEs with a particular emphasis on women -owned businesses.  
71.  USAID is supporting Myanmar in the digitalization of trade and c ustom procedures (CS  149) 
and in enabling access to these systems through multiple ICT platforms (websites and mobile 
phones) . Support to digital trade also extends to government procurement (CS 110) . The AsDB 
provided support to Nepal by developing an e -Government Procurement system (e -GP). The new 
e-GP system is set to enhance transparency, compliance, efficiency and the effectiveness of 
Nepal's procurement process.  
72.  Other forms of support exist in the area of capacity -building to improve ICT knowledge an d 
skills. To bridge the digital divide, the A sDB makes the case for developing countries to implement 
enlightened and decisive policies . These should help improve the enabling environment, develop a 
highly skilled human resource base, and ICT applications and content (CS  116).  The As DB also 
provided expert capacity -building advice by analysing Pacific websites' readiness to support the 
increasing tourism demand. (Pacific tourist arrivals grew by 8.2 % in 2016 alone) . Analysing the 
online presence of 300 Samo an firms concluded that it was necessary to:  
 Invest in Search Engine Optimization to gain a competitive advantage  
 Keep Social  media be fresh and interesting  
 Consider investing in "paid search", a low -cost and high -reward digital strategy  
 Use existing desig n platforms to develop high -quality websites that drive both traffic and 
revenue. (CS  123) 
73.  In 2013, Germany and Norway supported stakeholders of the Kosovar ICT industry to develop 
a collaborative strategy to promoting the ICT industry . The strategy aimed to transform domestic 
market structures, improve international competitiveness, and foster exports and Foreign Direct 
Investment ( FDI). In 2016, after two years of implementation, the strategy had been integrated in 
national policy documents . It has so far  led to positive economic spill over effects in terms of 
growth and job creation (CS  63). 
                                                
9 Food Trade East & Southern Africa Programme . WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
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  Box 19 . ShopSoko connects Local Artisans to Global Markets (CS  90) 
Shop Soko is an e -commerce site that sells jewellery made by African artisans for the global 
market . The start -up received support and training through Nailab (funded by a World Bank Group 
project) and participated in infodev's Start -up Camp in 2013 . Today, Shop Soko is considered one 
of Kenya's success stories and has become an "Etsy" for African jewel lery. Their site has sold over 
100k products, generating over $800k in income to the over 1,300 artisans with whom they 
partner.  
Source : OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M &E exercise (2017).  
 
74.  In their case stories, donors indicated the impact of their e -commerce and ICT development 
support programmes . The AsDB found that the laying of an undersea fibre -optic cable that linked 
Tonga to Fiji through the Southern Cross Cable (the main link between Australia and the United 
States) (CS  97), had led to "faster internet speed and higher bandwidth at cheaper and more 
affordable prices" . It resulted in improved internet connectivity, led to a 60 % drop in the cost of 
international connectivity and to an increase in international trade, particularly in the tourism 
sector and business process outsourcing . In the area of support towards policy and regulation, 
Germany gives an overview of its joint support to Kosovo in boosting its IT -industry through the 
export of services and software (CS  63). The project led to the reduction o f custom tariffs and VAT 
for IT equipment in order to reduce the cost of business for IT companies, supporting the Kosovo 
Association of ICT (STIKK) educational programmes and facilitated business -to-business export 
promotion services among others.  
75.  Further more, 20 donors indicated that e -commerce featured in their dialogue with regional 
partners, particularly the area of ICT, e -commerce development and broadband development . 
Australia further stated that it directly supports the efforts of ASEAN to improve regional 
connectivity . This has included the development of an ASEAN Master Plan for Connectivity which 
covers the physical connectivity underpinning e -commerce, such as international undersea 
telecommunications cables and domestic broadband coverage . In the Indo -Pacific region, Australia 
also delivers support through the WBG covering ICT infrastructure development such as 
international undersea cable connections, and policy and regulatory technical assistance to 
improve access to ICT infrastructure assets and services . In addition, the ITC added that 
e-commerce has been linked with the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) implementation in its 
dialogue on regional implementation approaches with CARICOM.  
76.  Donors also noted growth in demand for e -commerce suppor t in the past five years . In this 
regard, 11 donors said that the growth had been significant, 11 that there has been some growth, 
while two donors responded that e -commerce had been the fastest growing area of demand at the 
thematic level . For regional pa rtners, 15 donors responded that there had been significant to some 
growth in demand for e -commerce support, three  noted no growth in the past five years . 
Thirty -one donors anticipated growth in future demand for e -commerce support, from both partner 
countries and regional partners.  
6.3  E-commerce support from South -South partners  
77.  Chile stated that e -commerce featured among the priorities of its development policy 
cooperation . Chile's South -South development corporation policy focuses on ICT, 
telecommunica tions strategy and other digital -related strategies . Chile also indicated that 
e-commerce features in its in -country dialogues with partner countries, particularly in the area of 
broadband development, e -commerce development, e -government and ICT developme nt. Chile 
also indicated that there has been some growth in demand for support in e -commerce in the past 
five years from partner countries, but none from South -South regional partners.  
78.  Brazil and Chile, stated that e -commerce featured in their dialogue wit h regional partners, 
particularly in broadband development, e -commerce, and ICT . Chile and Brazil also noted 
significant growth in demand for support for e -commerce, while Indonesia was not sure . In the 
case of dialogues with partner countries, Brazil indi cated that e -commerce did not feature in its 
dialogue with partner countries, Chile indicated that it did and Indonesia indicated "unsure" . On 
country partner dialogues, focus is noted to be in the area of broadband development, WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 30 - 
 
  e-commerce development, e -government, and ICT . South-South partners noted some growth in 
demand for support in e -commerce.  
79.  Expanding on its dialogue with regional partners on e -commerce, Brazil noted its engagement 
with regional partners in the recently established Working Group on Regional Digital Market in the 
context of the Plan of Action for the Information Society in Latin America and the Caribbean . The 
purpose of the working group is to assess opportunities, challenges and strengths and to promote 
an integrated regional digital  market . This consists of support to telecommunications 
infrastructure, to ICT industries (software, hardware and ICT services), and to the network of 
economic and social activities facilitated by the internet – the ultimate goals being the promotion 
of innovation, productivity, growth and social inclusion for equality.  
80.  Indonesia stated that its AfT support in the area of e -commerce consists in regulatory policy 
support and training for MSMEs . Based on its experience of e -commerce support programmes, the 
South-South partner indicated that the main issues firms and consumers face in accessing and 
using the internet is lack of access to digital information and consumer rights . Furthermore, for 
Indonesia, the most common trade issues encountered in South -South e-commerce support 
programmes are difficulties in warehousing, storage, and packaging.  
7  PRIVATE AND PUBLIC -PRIVATE ENGAGEMENT  
81.  Case stories submitted for the M&E exercise highlight the multifaceted engagement of the 
private sector in e -commerce and ICT development more broadly . Case stories submitted by 
partner countries and donors indicate significant collaboration between the public and private 
sectors in addressing the issues faced in internet access and e -commerce development.  
82.  Fifty-four percent  of the donors who responded to the M&E exercise stated that they work 
with the private sector to support growth in e -commerce in partner countries and regions . This 
work covers the development of ultra -fast 5G networks public -private dialogue, direct investmen ts, 
support to the development of ICT investment frameworks, and to data on e -commerce flows . 
Furthermore, donors indicate that the private sector participates in dialogues which go on to form 
the basis of cooperation strategies and implementation . An exam ple of this kind of collaboration 
can be seen in implementation of "Digital Bangladesh".  This initiative seeks to create a digital 
ecosystem that addresses the gap in access to ICT facilities.  
83.  Public and private cooperation are also supporting e -commerce d evelopment by financing 
infrastructure support projects which aim to provide affordable broadband connection . Under the 
Pacific Regional Connectivity Program, the AsDB, the Government of Tonga, Tonga Cable and the 
World Bank partnered to get Tongans online . The US $25 million  project resulted in an 
827 kilometre  submarine fibre -optic cable system linking Tonga to Fiji.  
84.  In total, 24 case stories were submitted by the private sector on projects to support 
e-commerce and ICT development . The projects follow thr ee broad themes : promoting local 
adoption an d use;  promoting ICT awareness and skills ; and ICT infrastructure projects to support 
affordable internet.  
7.1  Promoting local adoption and use  
85.  Various case stories discuss projects on promoting and adopting the use of ICT, highlighting 
the wide reach and potential socio -economic impacts of ICT and e -commerce . Easypasia, a 
mobile -phone banking service in Pakistan is being used to provide educational stipends under the 
Sindh Education Reform Programme (SNDH) in coopera tion with Telenor Pakistan and Temeeer 
Bank (CS  33). The stipend is offered to over 400,000 girls.  
86.  Ebay entered into a partnership with the ITC to connect SMEs in developing countries to its 
global market place (CS  27). Under the agreement, the eBay market place provides export -ready 
companies supported by ITC 's e-Solutions program the opportunity to connect with over 
162 million  buyers world wide. Participatin g businesses  can open 'anchor stores ' on eBay which  
provid es them with greater online visibility, and the opportunity to reach more clients . 
Participating SMEs can also benefit  from more cost -effective logistics solutions by access ing the 
eBay network of fulfilment centres . They also benefit from eBay 's latest  e-commerce research  and WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 31 - 
 
  better position their offerings in selected target markets . Finally , eBay provide s courses  that 
complement  those offered by ITC . These cover product listings  optimization,  online promotion , 
analytics and inventory management.  
87.  Another eBay case story discusses an electronic platform called Crece Con eBay (CS  28) that 
supports SMEs in Mexico who make up 72 % of jobs, but only one in ten have access to a web 
platform to sell their products or services . Crece Con eBay focus is to su pport international growth 
of SMEs . It aims to provide information to its users on the export process through eBay, a 
step-by-step user guide, and support and advice to all SMEs.  
88.  A case story from Alibaba explains how entrepreneurs in China are also using e-commerce as 
a tool to connect farmers in rural China to markets.  The "Rural Taobao" Initiative is a two -way 
system that links rural and urban markets . It works closely with local governments, to establish 
and operate services centres, providing the neces sary hardware, e -commerce training, technical 
support, and information about promotional offers on its online marketplaces . By February 2 016, 
more than 14 000 village -level service centres had been opened in some 300 countie s across more 
than 20 provinces (CS 23). 
7.2  Promoting awareness and skills on ICT  
89.  The private sector is active in projects to address the need for digital skills and capacity to 
fully benefit from fast -changing new technologies . IBM Digital -Nation Africa is one such 
programme . The IBM Digit al Nation Africa is designed to train 25  million  young people in Africa 
between the ages of 15 and 24, providing training ranging from basic IT literacy to specific skills in 
digital privacy or cyber protection.10 
90.  Other training initiatives seek to target s pecific demographic groups . The initiative "She will 
Connect" is taking steps to reduce and eliminate the gender gap in use and accessing the internet 
(CS 19). The case story finds that the key barriers to access include affordability, lack of 
awareness of  the benefits of being connected, lack of familiarity and comfort with technology and 
cultural norms and gender based barriers . "She will Connect" provides women with the skill and 
know -how needed to use technology and connect to new opportunities.  
91.  Telenor  is running digital skills training in order to accelerate mobile adoption and usage 
(CS 44). Project Prayaas provides workshop modules to raise awareness on the socioeconomic 
benefits of being online (CS  45). Project Sampark in India, is also working to b ridge the gender 
divide in mobile use and ownership (CS  46). 
Box 20 . How a small rural business in a developing country was empowered to 
effectively expand internationally through e -commerce with Amazon  
Lanna  Clothes Design, started as a family business of 5 employees, with the only available market 
15 kilometres away from Chiang Mai, and sales influenced heavily by tourist seasons . After 
expanding its business to include online sales and joining Fulfilment by  Amazon, Lanna Clothes 
business grew by 70%, the workforce has expanded to 20, the majority of which are women . 
Fulfilment By Amazon reduced the costs borne by MSMEs associated with managing a large global 
and virtual customer base.  
Source : OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M&E exercise (2017) , CS 88. 
 
7.3  Infrastructure and Affordability  
92.  The 2017 Affordability report of the A4AI explains that a lot more needs to be done to connect 
the unconnected . The report states that connectivity costs remain one of the biggest obsta cles to 
achieving universal access . In 2015, the average price of a 1GB broadband plan as a percentage of 
GNI per capita was 17.44 % in Africa, 4.25 % in Asia -Pacific, 0.90 % in Europe, 3.71 % in Latin 
America and the Caribbean and 0.84 % in North America .11 Solutions to connect large rural 
                                                
10 See http://www -03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/51550.wss  
11 Alliance for Affordable Internet (2017) Affordability Report http://a4ai.org/affordability -
report/report/2017/#affordability_in_2017:_slow_progress_means_billions_are_still_excluded 
(http:/ /a4ai.org/affordability -report/report/2017/ ) WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 32 - 
 
  populations at minimal cost and effective strategies for narrowing usage gaps across regions that 
can be scaled are recommended by the report.12 
93.  In terms of private sector initiatives, the ICT sector is designing largescale pro jects to address 
connectivity concerns, particularly for hard -to-reach rural or landlocked countries that lack direct 
access to submarine fibre cables . Google's Project Loon, (Box 24) and Nokia's FastMile are 
examples of technologies that provide an altern ative to fixed broadband.  
Box 21. Google's Project Loon and internet connectivity in Indonesia  
Following 17  million  kilometers  of test flights across jungles, mountains and plains, Project Loon 
has signed agreements with three mobile network operators - Indosat, Telkomsel and XL Axiata - 
to begin testing balloon -powered Internet over Indonesia in 2016 . Currently, only about one in 
three of Indonesia's 250  million  residents is connected to the Internet . Stringing fiber networks or 
installing and maintainin g mobile phone towers across the more than 17  000 islands that make up 
Indonesia is a significant challenge . Through balloon -to-balloon communication, Project Loon has 
the capability to transmit signal from areas that are connected to an Internet groundsta tion and 
bounce that signal across a constellation of balloons and back down to even the most remote 
islands . In fligh t testing, the Loon team has already been able to wirelessly transfer data between 
individual balloons floating over 100 k ilometers  apart in the stratosphere, enabling local network 
operators to extend their Internet service into areas that are too difficult to reach with current 
technology . The Indonesian tests will form part of the foundation for our longer -term goal of 
providing a continu ous ring of connectivity in partnership with mobile network operators around 
the globe.  
Source : Google Project Loon viewed at https://plus.google.com/+ProjectLoon  
 
94.  The Telecom Infra Project is a collaboration between private sector companies that are 
working together to scale up traditional telecom infrastructure to meet the needs of the 
unconnected (CS  154).  
8  CONCLUSIONS  
95.  One of the themes analysed by the 2017 M&E exercise explores efforts to promo te digital 
connectivity and e -commerce.  This joint paper analyses the information collected on this theme 
through self -assessment questionnaire and case story responses submitted by developing 
countries and their development partners.  
96.  Many developing count ries, regardless of their level of development, are including digital 
connectivity and e -commerce in their national development plans, and pursuing e -strategies or 
other digital -related strategies.  Many respondents however did not reference the activities being 
undertaken to promote digital connectivity and e -commerce.  Few references were made to the 
participation of Ministries of Trade in national ICT or digital coordination mechanisms.  
97.  The information collected highlights a range of ways that developing c ountries and their 
development partners are seeking to support the adoption and use digital connectivity and 
increase their participation in e -commerce . Noticeable is the prominent role that the private sector 
is playing in many of these activities, and the role that the private sector is itself playing in efforts 
to improve skills and training, bridge the digital divide and promote local use and content.  
_______________  
 
                                                
12 Connecting the Unconnected (2017), Affordability report 2017    
  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 33 -  
ANNEX 1  
Table 1. National e -Commerce and digital strategies  
 National ICT strategy  National Broadband Plan*  OECD/WTO A id-for-Trade M&E  Response  
 
NATIONAL  
ANTIGUA & 
BARBUDA  Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) 
Draft Policy  Yes (2012) GATE 2012  No 
BANGLADESH  National ICT Policy  Broadband National Policy Act 2009  No 
BARBADOS  Mobile Barbados : Building the Networked Nation . Draft 
Report of the Barbados 'National ICT Strategic Plan  National Information and Communication 
Technologies Strategic Plan of Barbados 
2010-2015 No 
BELIZE  The National ICT Policy  ICT National Strategy (2011)  No 
BENIN  The Communication and Information Infrastructure 
Development Plan of Benin : 2000-2004 Projet de Développement des 
Infrastructures et des TIC(2014)  No 
BOTSWANA  The National ICT Policy  Botswana 's National Broadband Strategy 
(2014)  No 
BURKINA FASO  An Information and Communication Infrastructure 
Development Plan of BurkinaFaso : 2000-2004 Le Backbone National en Fibre Optique 
(2013)  Yes-e-commerce sectoral cyberstrateg y adopted 
in 2013 by the Government  
BURUNDI  Stratégie Nationale de Développement des TIC 
(SNDTIC)  Burundi/ ICT : N ational Projects for 
Broadband Connectivity Burundi Community 
Telecentre (2011)(Network (BCTN)  No 
CAMEROON  The draft NICI plan  No No 
CENTRAL  
AFRICAN 
REPUBLIC  National ICT Strategy, Policy  Politique, Stratégies et plan d'actions de 
l'édification de la Société de l'Information en 
République Centrafricaine (2006)  No 
CHAD  Plan de Développement des Technologies de 
l'Information et de la  Communication au Tchad - PLAN 
NICI Plan de développement des technologies de 
l'Information et de la Communication au 
Tchad or (PLAN NICI) (2007)  No 
COLOMBIA  Connectivity Agenda ; Agenda de Conectividad Conpes 
3072 Live Digital - Vive Digitale (2010)  Live Digital - Vive Digitale (2010)  
COMOROS  Lettre de Politique de développement des Nouvelles 
Technologies de  l'Information et de la Communication 
2004-2008 Loi N°14 -031/AU du 17 Mars 2014, relative 
aux communications électroniques et Décret 
N°08-019/PR (2014)  No 
CONGO  Stratégie Nationale pour le Développement des 
Technologies de l 'Information et  de la Communication 
en République du Congo  Projet de Couverture Nationale (PCN), Projet 
West Africa Cable System (WACS), Projet 
back bone national en fibre optique (2011)  Yes   
  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 34 -  National ICT strategy  National Broadband Plan*  OECD/WTO A id-for-Trade M&E  Response  
 
CONGO DR  Democratic Republic of the Congo (2002) . Framework 
Law No. 013/2002 of 1 6 October 2 002 on 
telecommunications  in the Democratic Republic of the 
Congo  No On 1 6 October 2 002, the Government had 
adopted framework law no. 013/2002 which 
voted the separation of regulation, regulatory 
and operation functions . It introduced the 
telecommunications and postal services to an 
environment which better stimulated 
competitiveness . The framework law had 
entrusted regulation of the postal an d 
Telecommunication/ICT sector to the Post and 
Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of 
Congo . In October 2 009, the DRC adopted a 
sectoral p olicy document known as "Development 
of the Telecommunications and ICT Sector 
Strategy in the DRC" . This document was the 
reference framework for government action i n 
the period 2010 -2015, with the overall objective 
of allowing the DRC to fully integrate t he global 
information society . Today, all these laws are 
being revised in accordance with the new socio -
economic environment of the country pending the 
adoption of the new law on eTrade in the DRC.  
COSTA RICA  National Science and Technology Plan 2002 -2006; 
Agenda Digital  Estrategia Nacional de Banda Acha (2012)  No 
COTE D'IVOIRE  Plan de Développement de l 'Infrastructure Nationale de 
l'Information et de la  Communication 2000 - 2005 Objectifs Strategiques du Government de 
Côte dÍvore en Matiere de 
Telecommunications et de TIC (2010)  Yes 
DOMINICA  Estrategia Nacional para la Sociedad de la Información 
(in progress)  Planning  There is a Draft strategy for e -government which 
takes into consideration e -commerce  
DOMINICAN 
REPUBLIC  National Strategy for the Information Society : Strategic 
Plan 2007 -2010;  Estrategia Nacional para la Sociedad de 
la Información Dominicana : e-Dominicana  Plan Bienal de Proyectos 2014 -2015 
INDOTEL and US/A Policy (2014)  http://www.oas.org/juridico/spanish/cyb_ecu_ley
_comelectronico.pd f 
http://www.oas.org/juridico/PDFs/repdom_ley53
07.pdf  
EL SALVADOR  E-Country Programme 2007 -2021; Política Nacional de 
Informática  No Yes 
GABON  In progress  Digital Gabon - Gabon Industriel, Gabon 
vert et Gabon des Services (2011)  No 
GAMBIA , THE  The Gambian ICT4D -2012 Plan ; Developing The 
Gambian Information Economy  and Society and 
Accelerating the Process of Transforming The Gambia 
into the  Silicon Valley of Africa  The Gambian ICT4D -2012 Plan (2008)  The Gambia's National Information and 
Communication Infrastructure Policy (NICI) which 
factored ICTs in Trad e (E-commerce) . A concept 
note has already bee n developed for the 
formulation of the E -Commerce Strategy.    
  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 35 -  National ICT strategy  National Broadband Plan*  OECD/WTO A id-for-Trade M&E  Response  
 
GRENADA  ICT Strategy and Action Plan 2001 -2005; ICT Strategy 
and Action Plan 2006 -2010 Information and Communication Technology 
(ICT) 2006 -2010 / A Strategy And Action 
Plan for Grenada (2016)  No 
GUATEMALA  National Agenda for the Information and Knowledge 
Society 2007-2015 No No 
GUINEA  Plan de Développement de l 'Infrastructure Nationale 
d'Ínformation et de  Communication de la République de 
Guinée 2001 -2004 Plan National de fréquences/ Plan de 
développement de l 'infrastructure nationale 
d'information et de communic ation de la 
République de Guinée 2001 - 2004 (2009)  Law number L/2016/035/AN pertaining to 
electronic transactions in the Republic of Guinea  
GUINEA 
BISSAU  Yes-M&E No Guinea -Bissau's National Development Strategy 
2025 and its operational plan (TERRA RANKA)  
HONDURAS  WSIS Declaration and Plan of Action within the "Marco 
Law" Resolución NROOS/IO (2010)  No 
INDONESIA  Five Year Action Plan for the Development and 
Implementation of Information  and Communication 
Technologies (ICT) ; E-Indonesia Action Plan ; ICT Policy  
Framework  Indonesia Broadband Plan 2014 -2019 
(2014)  Yes 
LAO DPR  Yes (find)  No No 
LESOTHO  ICT Policy for Lesotho ; Lesotho ICT Implementation Plan  National Broadband Policy 2014 -2018 
(2014)  Yes 
MADAGASCAR  Lettre de Politique Nationale du Secteur des 
Télécommunications et TIC pour la  période 2007 -2012; 
Stratégie Nationale des TIC pour le Développement  Loi n° 2005 -023 du 17 octobre 2005 (2014)  Yes 
MALAWI  An Integrated Socio -Economic and ICT Policy and Plan 
Development Framework  for Malawi  National ICT Policy (2013)  National ICT Policy (2013)  
MALI Politique Nationale et Plan Stratégique National des 
Technologies  de l'Information et de la Communication 
(2005 -2006-2007) ; NICI Policy and Plan  Documents  No Yes 
MAURITIUS  National IT Strategy Plan (NITSP) ; N ational 
Telecommunications Policy (NTP -2004) ; National ICT 
Strategic Plan 2007 -2011 No The e -Government Strategy 2013 -2017 identifies 
e-payment as facilitators for electronic 
transactions with Government.  The draft National 
ICT Strategic Plan 2016 -2020 also creates the 
conducive environment for e -commerce to 
flourish i n Mauritius  
MEXICO  Sistema Nacional e -México ; National Development Plan 
2001-2006; National  Development Plan 2007 -2012 Red Publica Compartida de 
Telecomunicaciones (2013)  National Digital Strategy  
MYANMAR  ICT Master Plan of Myanmar  No e-government strateg y telecommunication 
strategy    
  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 36 -  National ICT strategy  National Broadband Plan*  OECD/WTO A id-for-Trade M&E  Response  
 
NAMIBIA   Telecommunications Policy for the Republic 
of Namibia (2009)  No 
NEPAL  Information Technology Policy, 2057 ; N epal's 
Information Technology Policy  Telecommunication Policy,  2060 (2004)  Yes 
NIGER  Le Plan de Développement des Technologies de 
l'Information et de la  Communication au Niger - Plan 
NICI du Niger pour la période 2005 -2010 Plan de Développement des Technologies de 
l'Information et de la Communication au 
Niger / Plan  NICI du Niger (2005)  No 
PAKISTAN  Draft National IT Policy, 2016  National Broadband Programme 2007 
(2007)  Pakistan has National Telecommunication and ICT 
infrastructure strategies.National Strategy for E -
commerce is being formulated.  
PAPUA NEW 
GUINEA  National Policy on Information and Communication  National ICT Policy and PNG LNG Fibre cable 
project (2011)  No 
PARAGUAY  National Development Plan of the Information Society 
2002-2005 Paraguay 2013 Conectado y Plan Nacional 
de Telecomunicaciones - PNT (2011)  No 
PERU  Lineamientos de Políticas Generales Para Promover la 
Masificación de Internet  en el Perú ; e-Perú: Propuestas 
para un Plan de Acción para el Acceso  Democrático a la 
Sociedad de la Información y el Conocimiento ; Peruvian 
Digital  Agenda 2005 -2014 Plan Nacional para el Desarrollo de la Banda 
Ancha en el Péru (2011)  Yes 
PHILIPPINES  National Information Tec hnology Plan 2000;IT21 ; E-
Philippines : ITECC Strategic  Roadmap ; IT 21 Philippines 
Asia's Knowledge Center . IT Action Agenda for the  21st 
Century ; Philippines ICT Roadmap (2006 -2010)  The Philippine Digital Strategy, 
Transformation 2.0 : Digitally Empowered 
Nation (2011)  Republic Act No. 8792, known as the "Electronic 
Commerce Act"  
RWANDA  National ICT Strategy and Plan NICI -2015  Regional Connectivity Infrastructure 
Program (RCIP) (2008)  SMART Rwanda Master Plan 2015 -2020 
www.myict.gov.rw  
SAMOA  ICT Policy and Strategic Plan ; National e -Strategy ; 
National ICT Policy ; Digital Strategy (fo r the Countries in 
Pacific)  Broadband Spectrum Plan (2010)  No 
SENEGAL  Senegal National Strategy  No No - A strategy entitled "2025 Digital Senegal" is 
currently being drafted.  
SIERRA LEONE  A national policy on ICT  No data  No 
SRI LANKA  E-Sri Lanka  e- Sri Lanka 82012)  Digital Sri Lanka Program  
ST. KITTS & 
NEVIS  National Information and Communications Technology 
(ICT) Strategic Plan  National Information and Communications 
Technology (ICT) Strategic Plan (2010)   
ST. LUCIA Pan Caribbean SME ICT Competitiveness ; Development 
Programme 2005 -06; ICT Development Strategy  Planning   
ST. VINCENT & 
THE 
GRENADINES  ICT Strategy and Action Plan 2002 to 2006  National ICT Strategy and Action Plan 2010 -
2015 (2010)  No- National ITC Strategy expired in 2015 . We 
are currently in the process of developing a new 
strategy.    
  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 37 -  National ICT strategy  National Broadband Plan*  OECD/WTO A id-for-Trade M&E  Response  
 
SUDAN  National Strategy for Building the Information Industry 
in Sudan ; The Sudan National Strategy for ICT Industry  Sudan 's National Strategic Development 
Plan 2012 -2016 (2012)  No 
SURINAME  Road Map to ICT Policy of Suriname  No No 
TANZANIA  National Information and Communications Technologies 
Policy  National Information Communication and 
Technology Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) 
(2004)  No 
TOGO  Plan NICI Planning  No 
TONGA   Tonga -Fiji Connectivity Project : Pacific 
Regional Connectivity Program (PRCP) 
(2011)  No 
UGANDA  National ICT Policy  Uganda Broadband Infrastructure Strategy 
National Position Paper (2009)  National e -Government Master plan and 
Roadmap  
URUGUAY  Agenda  Uruguay Digital  Agenda Digital 2011 -2015 / Ceibal Plan 
(2007) (2011)  Uruguay has the Digital Agenda for Uruguay 2011 
2015, which is a roadmap containing a specific 
chapter on the subject, centred on Goal 11: 
Development of e commerce and initiatives that 
promote financial inclusion.  
VIET NAM  Master Plan for Information Technology use and 
development in Viet  Nam by  2005; Strategy for 
Development of Viet  Nam's Information and 
Communication  Technology toward 2010 and 
orientations toward 2020  Master Plan of Viet Nam, from 2010 to 
2015; Prime Minister 's Decree 1755 on the 
approval of a National  Strategy on 
Transforming Viet Nam into an advanced 
ICT country (2010)  National e -commerce development program 2014 
- 2020  
YEMEN  Information Technology Master Plan for Yemen (in 
progress)  No No- Yemen does not have a national strategy for 
E-commerce but it issued law No. 40 of 2006 on 
"Payment Systems and Electronic Financial and 
banking Law ." This law sets the scene for E -
commerce from the leg al point of view.  
ZAMBIA  Zambia's First Draft National Information and 
Communication Technology Policy;  ICT Policy, Fifth 
National Development Plan2006 -2010 - a third and final 
draft National Information and Communication 
Technology Policy (2006)  Yes 
ZIMBABWE  National ICT Strategy Document ; The Zimbabwe ICT 
Strategic Plan (2010 -2014)  National ICT Policy (2005)  No WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 38 - 
 
  ANNEX 2  
Table 2. - ICT and Internet development indices  
Partner Country  Internet Development Index 
(Global avg. 4.94)**  ICT Readiness Sub -
Index -Affordabilit y 
Pillar -(Highest value 
6.9)***  
 2016 2016 
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA  5.38 - 
BANGLADESH  2.35 6.4 
BARBADOS  7.18 - 
BELIZE  3.66 - 
BENIN  1.92 2.9 
BOTSWANA  4.17 2.9 
BURKINA FASO  1.80 - 
BURUNDI  1.42 2.9 
CAMEROON  2.16 2.8 
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC  - - 
CHAD 1.09 1.9 
COLOMBIA  5.16 5.6 
COMOROS  - - 
CONGO  - - 
CONGO DR 1.50 - 
COSTA RICA  6.30 6.3 
COTE D'IVOIRE  2.86 2.9 
DOMINICA  5.71 - 
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  4.30 4.2 
EL SALVADOR  3.73 5.2 
GABON  3.12 3.6 
GAMBIA , THE 2.46 3.0 
GRENADA  5.43 - 
GUATEMALA  3.20 4.0 
GUINEA  1.72 6.6 
GUINEA BISSAU  1.38 - 
HONDURAS  3.09 4.9 
INDONESIA  3.86 5.9 
LAO DPR  2.45 5.0 
LESOTHO  2.76 5.0 
MADAGASCAR  1.69 1.0 
MALAWI  1.62 2.0 
MALI 2.14 2.3 
MAURITIUS  5.55 5.5 
MEXICO  4.87 5.7 
MYANMAR  2.54 3.0 
NAMIBIA  3.64 3.2 WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 39 - 
 
  Source:  Internet Development Index - ITU Measuring the Information Society Report (2016) ; Affordability 
Index, World Economic Forum Network Readiness Index 2016 - Readiness Sub -index  
 
** Methodology note : IDI- 11 Indicators grouped as access, use, and skills . IDI values range from a 
low of 1.07 in Niger to a high of 8.84 in the Republic of Korea (within a possible range from 0 to 10) . 
The average IDI value among the  175 economies included in IDI 2016 was 4.94.  
 
*** The affordability pillar captured from the ICT readiness sub -index of the World Economic Forum 
Network Readiness Index . Affordability here refers to the cost of accessing ICT . This is measured 
using three indicators : prepaid mobile cellular tariffs, fixed broadband internet tariffs, and Internet 
and telephony sectors competition index . Pakistan tops this index with a value of 6.9.  
  Partner Country  Internet Development Index 
(Global avg. 4.94) ** ICT Readiness Sub -
Index -Affordabilit y 
Pillar -(Highest value 
6.9) *** 
NEPAL 2.50 6.1 
NIGER  1.07 - 
PAKISTAN  2.35 6.9 
PAPUA NEW GUINEA  - - 
PARAGUAY  4.08 5.1 
PERU 4.42 4.6 
PHILIPPINES  4.28 4.1 
RWANDA  2.13 3.6 
SAMOA  2.95 - 
SENEGAL  2.53 2.5 
SIERRA LEONE  - - 
SRI LANKA  3.77 6.0 
ST. KITTS & NEVIS  7.21 - 
ST. LUCIA 4.85 - 
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES  5.32 - 
SUDAN  2.60 - 
SURINAME  5.09 - 
TANZANIA  1.65 2.3 
TOGO 1.86 - 
TONGA  3.93 - 
UGANDA  1.94 3.3 
URUGUAY  6.79 4.8 
VIET NAM  4.29 6.8 
YEMEN  2.02 - 
ZAMBIA  2.22 2.5 
ZIMBABWE  2.78 3.8 WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 40 - 
 
  ANNEX 3  
Table 3. Respondents to the Self -Assessment  Questionnaire  
Partner Country Respondents (63)  
Africa  Benin; Botswana; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Cameroon; Central African 
Republic; Chad; Congo; Comoros; Côte d'Ivoire; Democratic Republic of 
the Congo; Gabon; The Gambia; Guinea; Guinee -Bissau; Lesotho; 
Madagascar; Malawi; Mali; Mauritius; Namibia; Niger; Rwanda; Senegal; 
Sierra Leone; Sudan; Tanzania; Togo; Uganda; Zambia; Zimbabwe  
 
Arab and Middle East  
 Yemen  
Asia and Pacific  
 Bangladesh; Indonesia; Lao PDR; Myanmar; Nepal; Pakistan;  
Papua New Guinea; Philippines; Samoa; Sri Lanka; Tonga; Viet Nam  
 
Latin America and the 
Caribbean  Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Belize; Colombia; Costa Rica; 
Dominica; Dominican Republic; El Salvador; Grenada; Guatemala; 
Honduras; Mexico; Paraguay; Peru ; Saint Lucia; Saint Kitts and Nevis; 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Suriname; Uruguay  
 
Regional Economic Community/Transport Corridor respondents (7)  
REC/TCs  CARICOM; COMESA; ECOWAS; OECS; SIECA; TradeMark East Africa; 
Walvis Bay Corridor Group  
 
Donor respondents (38)  
Bilateral donor  Australia; Austria; Belgium; Canada; Czech Republic; Denmark; 
European Union; Finland; France; Germany; Iceland; Ireland; Japan; 
Korea, Republic of; Kuwait, the State of; Latvia; Lithuania; Luxembourg; 
Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Portugal; Slovak Republic; Spain; 
Sweden; Switzerland; Chinese Taipei; United Kingdom; United States  
 
IGOs AfDB; EBRD; IaDB; IsDB; ITC; UNDP; UNECA; UNECE; World Bank 
Group  
 
South -South Partner respondents (3)  
South -South  Brazil; Chile; Indonesia  
 
Source : OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M &E exercise (2017).  
 
 
  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 41 - 
 
   
ANNEX 4  
Table 4. Respondents Submitting Case Stories  
#  
SUBMITTED BY   
CASE STORY TITLE  
1 International Trade Centre  Moroccan businesses boost exports of processed food, seafood and 
leather goods  
2 Alliance for Affordable 
Internet (A4AI)  Affordability Report 2015/16  
3 Alliance for Affordable 
Internet (A4AI)  Affordable internet in Ghana: the status quo and the path ahead  
4 Alliance for Affordable 
Internet (A4AI)  Affordable Internet in the Dominican Republic  
5 Alliance for Affordable 
Internet (A4AI)  Delivering affordable internet in Myanmar  
6 Alliance for Affordable 
Internet (A4AI)  Nigeria: how Africa's largest economy is prioritising affordable internet  
7 Mace Promotions, Ltd.  Sustainability and Empowerment Initiative  
8 Samoa  Samoa Submarine Cable Project  
9 ITU Standardization enabling trust in cyberspace  
10 ITU ICTs for Sustainable Development  
11 Broadband Commission for 
Sustainable Development / 
ITU Where does the UN Broadband Commission for Sustainable 
Development believe broadband can drive significant progress in 
sustainable development?  
12 Chinese Taipei  Repair and Upgrade of Bonriki International Airport (Kiribati)  
13 Chinese Taipei  Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project 
(Belize)  
14 Chinese Taipei  Project for strengthening farmers' organizations and improving fruit 
and vegetable  production technology in Saint Vincent and the 
Grenadines  
15 African Development Bank  Impact of mobile payments and banking on the unbanked in African 
countries  
16 African Development Bank  Connect Africa Initiative  
17 1Point Commerce  Global commerce made easy, simple, and almost local for buyers to 
buy better and sellers to sell more; enable businesses to expand into 
new markets at minimal costs and risk  
18 Intel Corporation  Intel® She Will Connect  
19 Intel Corporation  Connection equals opportunity  
20 The Internet Society  Promoting Content in Africa  
21 Alibaba Group  About the "Rural Taobao" Initiative  
22 Alibaba Group  The life of Taobao couriers  
23 Alibaba Group  E-commerce in rural China  
24 Indonesia  Capacity Building Programme on Quarantine Inspection and 
Agricultural Trade -Related Supply Side Capacity  
25 GSMA  1. Telenor's mobile internet training projects in India: raising 
awareness of the benefits of getting online 2. Unlocking Rural 
Coverage: Enablers for Commercially Sustainable Mobile Network 
Expansion 3. GSMA Case Study: Bindez - Connecting the people of 
Myanmar with information and content in their own language  
26 CUTS International  Promoting Regional Connectivity through BBIN MVA: Role of TIR 
Convention  
27 eBay with ITC  E-commerce development and efforts to bridge the "digital divide".  
28 eBay Crece  Con eBay  
29 International Trade Centre  T4SD: Sustainability Map: Helping businesses chart a path to more 
sustainable trade  
30 International Trade Centre  NTM: Increase Transparency, Identify Challenges and Reduce Trade 
Costs  
31 International Trade Centre  EuroMed TIFM: Facilitating trade and investment across the 
Mediterranean region  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 42 - 
 
  #  
SUBMITTED BY   
CASE STORY TITLE  
32 International Trade Centre  Made in Morocco: case study on linking SMEs to the world of 
e-commerce  
33 Telenor Group  Disbursing girl stipends via Mobile Money in Pakistan  
34 360 Degrees International  Accelerating Women & Youth Economic Empowerment through Digital 
Marketing Skills for Entrepreneurs  
35 Global Affairs Canada  Integrated Border Management to Reduce Trade Costs in East Africa  
36 Yemen  Yemen fish exports access European market  
37 TFO Canada  Design Africa Programme: Market Access, Export Competitiveness and 
Digital Bridge for Made in Africa Artisans Products to Canadian and 
International Buyers  
38 Myanmar  Ministry of Commerce, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, handed 
over the Ratification for the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA)  
39 Broadband Commission for 
Sustainable Development / 
ITU More than half the world is still offline, what is the main reason...?  
40 Broadband Commission for 
Sustainable Development / 
ITU If we want to connect the next 1.5 billion people, where should we be 
focusing?  
41 Broadband Commission for 
Sustainable Development / 
ITU The State of Broadband Report 2016 - recommendations for policy 
makers & world leaders.  Which are the most urgent?  
42 CCTV -News China  E-commerce boosts China's rural economy  
43 Alibaba Group  Alizila News: E -commerce in Rural China  
44 Telenor Group  Telenor's mobile internet training project in India: raising awareness 
of the benefits from getting online  
45 Telenor Group  Project Prayaas  
46 Telenor Group  Project Sampark  
47 GSMA  Unlocking Rural Coverage: Enablers for Commercially Sustainable 
Mobile Network Expansion  
48 GSMA  GSMA Case Study: Bindez  - Connecting the people of Myanmar with 
information and content in their own language  
49 Sally Walkerman  CDS: Water and electricity in Mauritania  
50 Sally Walkerman  ACEP Cameroun - Microfinance  
51 Qualcomm  "Taroworks  Provides Social Enterprises with New Services for Success"  
52 Malawi  Malawi Trade Portal  
53 Centre for Empowerment 
and Development, Nepal  Coffee Cooperatives Value Chain Model for Production, Income and 
Employment (PIE): A reflection from Nepal  
54 TradeMark East Africa  Trade Certificates at a Press of a Button: Automation of the 
Application and Issuance of Certificates of Origin in Kenya by the 
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI)  
55 Egypt  Trade Facilitation between the Arab Repu blic of Egypt and Sudan  
56 International Trade Centre  Leveraging the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement to boost intra -
regional trade in West Africa  
57 Philippines  Philippines Customs Modernization: The Way for Trade Facilitation  
58 Czech Republic  Improvement of the Situation and Regulatory Framework in Road 
Transport in Mongolia  
59 ECOWAS  Review of E -commerce Legislation Harmonization in the Economic 
Community of West African States  
60 NTP/MIP Internship, WTO  Instituting a National Committee on T rade Facilitation in Bhutan  
61 NTP/MIP Internship, WTO  Charbahar Port - A new trade gateway for Afghanistan  
62 NTP/MIP Internship, WTO  Overcoming the challenges of implementing the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement in Nigeria  
63 Germany  IT strategy in Kosovo  Supporting the export of IT services and 
software  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 43 - 
 
  #  
SUBMITTED BY   
CASE STORY TITLE  
64 Germany  Advising Ukraine on Agricultural Trade Issues  
65 Germany  Trade Facilitation Development Cooperation - Trade Facilitation along 
the Dakar -Bamako Corridor  
66 Germany  Trade Facilitation in German Development Cooperation  
67 Earth Divas  Empowering Women Through E -commerce  
68 STDF Safe Trade Solutions (2015) A film produced by the Standards and 
Trade Development Facility (STDF)  
69 Bangladesh  South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC ) initiative to 
establish a sustainable trade and transport facilitation monitoring 
mechanisms (TTFMM) in Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal  
70 United Kingdom  G-Soko market system - Linking small holder farmers to grain buyers 
across East Africa.  
71 TradeMark  East Africa  Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP)  
72 TradeMark East Africa  Elimination of non -tariff barriers to trade in East Africa  
73 TradeMark East Africa  Trade Certificates at the Press of a Button  
74 Jumia  Changing traders' lives via eCommerce  in Africa: Case of Cameroon  
75 Japan  Achieving Quality Infrastructure through the ICT of Japan  
76 EBRD  Rehabilitating railway infrastructure in Bosnia and Herzegovina with 
EBRD's support  
77 EBRD  EBRD and EU prepare businesses for free trade area in Georgia, 
Moldova and Ukraine  
78 TradeMark East Africa  Contribution of standards harmonisation and certification towards 
reduction in the conformity assessment clearance time and cost of 
testing -the case of the EAC  
79 TradeMark East Africa  Uganda Revenue  Authority customs business systems enhancement 
programme  
80 TradeMark East Africa  Mombasa Port Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Project: 
Gate18/20 and Yard 5 projects.  
81 Sweden  Services Trade, Industrial Development and the African Continental  
Free Trade Area  
82 Spinna Circle Ltd  Changing lives through the adoption of e -commerce and mobile 
technology as a platform for global connectivity and market access for 
women entrepreneurs and small businesses in fashion and textiles.  
83 Brazil  Technica l assistance provided to African countries on trade facilitation.  
84 STDF Electronic Sanitary and Phytosanitary certification for faster and safer 
trade 
85 Trini Trolley  e-commerce in the Caribbean  
86 UNESCAP  Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross -border Paperless Trade 
in Asia and the Pacific: A New Tool for  
Enhancing Digital Connectivity  
87 Pakistan  Pakistan's digital economy: national perspectives on bridging the 
digital divide  
88 Amazon  How a small rural business in a developing country was empowered to 
effectively expand internationally through e -commerce with Amazon  
89 Copenhagen Consensus  Bangladesh Priorities Prioritizing Smart Solutions through Benefit -Cost 
Research  
90 World Bank Group  ShopSoko  connects local Artisans to Global Markets  
91 World Bank Group  Kopo Kopo empowers small businesses to shift from cash to digital 
payments  
92 World Bank Group  Maxcom Africa makes paying utility bills fast and convenient  
93 World Bank Group  Farmia  connects local Farmers to Regional Markets  
94 Asian Development Bank  Microfinance in Indonesia: Bringing Banks into the Community  
95 Sidley Austin  Pro Bono Legal Advice for Trade Facilitation  
96 Asian Development Bank  Instituting e -Government Procurement in Nepal  
97 Asian Development Bank  Tonga's high speed revolution  
98 UPS The U.S. -ASEAN Business Alliance for Competitive SMEs  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 44 - 
 
  #  
SUBMITTED BY   
CASE STORY TITLE  
99 World Bank Group  Economic Opportunities for Jordanians and Syrian Refugees 
Programme for Results  
100 World Bank  Group  Myanmar Investment Policy Project  
101 World Bank Group  Using automated data exchange to improve sanitary registration and 
boost regional trade in Central America  
102 World Bank Group  Kurdistan Region of Iraq: Regional Connectivity for shared prosperity  
103 World Bank Group  Gender in Agri -Value Chains, Kosovo, Moldova, Armenia  
104 World Bank Group  Senegal - Warehouse Receipts Financing Reform Initiative  
105 Asian Development Bank  CAREC Transport and Trade Facilitation: Partnerships for Prosperity  
106 Asian Development Bank  SASEC Trade Facilitation Programme  
107 Asian Development Bank  CAREC Transport and Trade Facilitation Strategy 2020  
108 Asian Development Bank  Digital Economy Study in Central and West Asia  
109 UNIDO  Breathing New Life into Armenia's Garment Industry  
110 Asian Development Bank  Instituting e -Government Procurement in Nepal  
111 Asian Development Bank  Integrated Information Communication Technology Strategies for 
Competitive Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific  
112 UNIDO  Building confidence, compliance, and international recognition for a 
world -class cosmetic sector in Colombia – Safe+  
113 Asian Development Bank  Developing Myanmar's Information and Communication Technology 
Sector Towards Inclusive Growth  
114 The Internet Society  Zero-Rating  
115 Asian Development Bank  The Development Dimension of e -Commerce in Asia: Opportunities 
and Challenges  
116 Asian Development Bank  Towards e -Development in Asia and the Pacific  
117 Asian Development Bank  Papua New Guinea Expansion of Microfinance Project  
118 Asian Development Bank  Banking on Business in Afghanistan  
119 Asian Development Bank  Indonesia: Improving Access to Finance in Aceh and North Sumatra  
120 Asian Development Bank  Trade Facilitation in South Asia  
121 Asian Development Bank  The Greater Mekong Sub Region Transport and Trade Facilitation 
Action Programme  
122 UNESCAP  Enhancing Connectivity Through Implementation of National Trade and 
Transport Facilitation Monitoring Mechanisms (TTFMMs) in South Asian 
Least Developed Countries  
123 Asian Development Bank  Going Digital with the Pacific: Lessons from Samoa's Online Firms  
124 Asian Development Bank  A snapshot of e -commerce in Central Asia  
125 Asian Development Bank  Strengthening Trade Facilitation in the Greater Mekong Sub Region 
through Partnerships with the Private Sector  
126 CBI Exporting to Europe through ecommerce the case of CBI's support to 
tropical flower SMEs in Colombia  
127 International Trade Centre  SheTrades Initiative  
128 Ghana (West Blue 
consulting)  Ghana National Single Window Programme  
129 HUB & SPOKES II 
OIF/MCEC  Case study on the facilitation of trade between Congo and its 
neighbours  
130 NTP/MIP Internship, WTO  Rapport non -officiel sur la facilitation des échanges du Burundi (F02)  
131 NTP/MIP Internship, WTO  Rapport non -officiel sur la facilitation des échanges aux Comores (F09)  
132 NTP/MIP Internship, WTO  Facilitation des échanges en Guinée (F04)  
133 NTP/MIP Internship, WTO  Togo - Facilitation Des échanges: premier poste de guichet unique 
(F05)  
134 Enhanced Integrated 
Framework, RDC  Projet de renforcement des capacités productives et commerciales de 
la filière palmier à huile dans le bassin elaecole du Mayombe dans la 
province du Kongo centrale (F06)  WT/COMTD/AFT/W/72  
 
- 45 - 
 
  #  
SUBMITTED BY   
CASE STORY TITLE  
135 Senegal  Le Guichet unique "ORBUS" (F07)  
136 NTP/MIP Internship, WTO  Rapport non -officiel sur la facilitation des échanges de la République 
Démocratique du Togo (F08)  
137 NTP/MIP Internship, WTO  Rapport non -officiel sur la facilitation des échanges de la République 
Démocratique du Congo  
138 NTP/MIP Internship, WTO  L'état de préparation de la Côte d'Ivoire au commerce électronique 
(F10)  
139 SIECA  Integración Energética: La experiencia de Centroamérica en el diseño 
e implementación del Mercado Eléctrico Regional  
140 SIECA  El Tránsito Internacional de Mercancías (TIM): logros y resultados en 
El Salvador  
141 Bangladesh  A2i and e -commerce  
142 Bangladesh  Access to information programme  
143 UNIDO  Strengthening the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) in Nigeria to 
increase the competitiveness of Nigeria's goods and services on the 
domestic, regional and global markets  
144 UNIDO  The promotion of agrofood quality labels in Tunisia  
145 UNIDO  Promoting Connectivity: Easing the woes of clearance  
146 USAID  The US -ASEAN  Connectivity through Trade and Investment (US -ACTI) 
project launches live implementation of the  
ASEAN Single Window (ASW)  
147 USAID  Food Security - Mobile Money Accelerator Programme (MMAP)  
148 USAID  Women in Informal Cross Border Trade in Southern Africa  
149 USAID  A Trade Portal Improves Transparency for Imports and Exports in 
Myanmar  
150 USAID  Peru's progression to higher value technologies with Standards 
Alliance support  
151 USAID  Removing Certificate of Origin Requirements to Facilitate Trade in 
Agricultural Products in West Africa  
152 Digital Divide  Digital Divide Data and Impact Sourcing  
153 Facebook  She means business: when women succeed, we all win!  
154 Facebook  Telecom Infra Project (TIP)  
155 Australia  Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation in Cambodia  
156 Australia  
 International Labour Organization Better Work Programme - Stage 3  
157 Australia  Australia -World Intellectual Property Organization Funds in Trust (FiT) 
Programme  
158 Facebook  Facebook Express Wifi  Empowering Entrepreneurs in Nigeria  
159 UNIDO  Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development for Shared 
Prosperity: Programmes for Country Partnership (received after 
closing of the exercise)  
160 Inter-American 
Development Bank  How to Reduce Trade Costs with Modest Investments - The Foreign 
Trade Single Window in Latin America and the Caribbean (received 
after closing of the exercise)  
Source : OECD/WTO Aid -for-Trade M &E exercise (2017).  
 
 
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