Describes how widely e-Commerce is used, the primary sectors that sell through e-commerce, and how much product/service in each sector is sold through e-commerce versus brick-and-mortar retail. Includes what a company needs to know to take advantage of e-commerce in the local market and , reputable, prominent B2B websites.
Last Published: 2/28/2019

Overview
Electronic commerce is becoming more viable as public access to smartphone technology increases.  Broadcast, print media, and text messages are also useful.
The introduction and use of ATMs and credit cards by local commercial banks is enhancing business practices in the country, though the overwhelming majority of transactions are still done in cash, and even large businesses might not accept credit cards.  Some mobile operators have introduced a mobile money payment system that is gaining in popularity.

The existence of online sales portals and increased social media forum usage allows buying and selling activities thanks to an increased internet penetration rate of 40.40% in December 2017 versus 25.17% in 2016, of which mobile internet accounted alone for 99.38% in 2017.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.


More Information

Benin eCommerce Industry Trade Development and Promotion eCommerce