Feasibility assessment for E-commerce: A data collection from developing country (Ethiopia)

Abstract

This methodology work has been made to investigate the factors which affect the feasibility and readiness of e-commerce in developing nations. An online and offline survey has been carried out to collect feedback from the banks, government bodies, consumers, and e-retailers all over Ethiopia and their responses have been analyzed through descriptive statistics by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software program. The results and finding give a clear understanding of the feasibility and readiness of e-commerce and reveals that the technological and organizational aspects, lack of Information and Communications Technology infrastructure, cross-country legal and regulatory differences, lack of digital literacy among consumers and businesses in terms of computer literacy, language barriers, lack of distribution system, lack of trust on e­commerce are the factors which affect the feasibility of e-commerce in Ethiopia. The feasibility can be improved by providing suitable information and communications technology infrastructure, improving cross-country regulatory differences, promoting ICTs in education targeting all levels of the educational system, facilitating foreign direct investment drive in ICTs, making a website attractive and user-friendly. The results of statistical analyses indicate that Ethiopia has significant potential for the feasibility of e-commerce.•E-Commerce offers potential in the form of enhanced participation in the international value chain and public relations.•The feasibility can be improved by providing suitable ICT infrastructure, improving cross-country regulatory differences.•This research study reveals interesting facts about the potential and opportunity of e-commerce in Ethiopia.