E-Commerce Development Practice Guide for Global South Economies

To help Global South economies expand their e-commerce markets, create more employment opportunities, and empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the World Internet Conference Specialized Committee on E-Commerce has developed the E-Commerce Development Practice Guide for Global South Economies. The Practice Guide addresses practical challenges in e-commerce development and was officially released at the 2026 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit in November.

Building on the earlier Cross-Border E-Commerce Competitiveness Research Report --Country-Level Analysis, this Practice Guide takes a comprehensive look at e-commerce development across Global South economies. It examines common development constraints and country-specific needs, and introduces a four-dimensional evaluation framework covering foundational enablers, development level, operational performance, and development potential. Based on this framework, it classifies e-commerce development into five stages: the nascent, take-off, growth, integration, and future stages. For each stage, it identifies key characteristics, development goals, strategic priorities, and policy tools, providing practical guidance to help Global South economies strengthen their e-commerce capabilities, promote mutual learning and exchange of experience, and select policy measures suited to their specific circumstances.

Click to download: E-Commerce Development Practice Guide for Global South Economies

Contact Email: e-commerce@wicinternet.org