This is a staggering figure considering that high unemployment rates, poverty and crime blight South Africa's townships. Moreover, e-commerce is growing rapidly in townships and informal settlements, with the 2023 Township CX Report finding that 60 of survey respondents either sell products and services online or know someone who does.
That said, township e-commerce still faces many challenges, primarily infrastructural.
In township economies, the consumers range from informal traders and small business owners to everyday individuals looking for affordable goods and services.
Many of these consumers face financial constraints and limited access to digital infrastructure, so e-commerce platforms must prioritise affordability, ease of use and trust. Some of the biggest obstacles e-commerce businesses face in township economies are limited internet access, lack of trust in digital payments, security and logistical challenges.
Platforms should offer
