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e-commerce and tech entrepreneurship to reach
thousands of small businesses, including in least
developed countries. Digital tools can help small
businesses in a number of ways, for example, in
identifying and entering new markets through
data-driven decision-making. On this front,
we’re looking at using AI to upgrade the Global
Trade Helpdesk – as mandated to us by the G20
under India’s presidency through the Jaipur Call
for Action on enhancing small businesses’ access
to information – so small businesses have a one-
stop shop to get market intelligence, stay up to
date with the latest regulatory requirements, find
buyers and more. This tool is important because
access to information remains a key bottleneck
for small businesses to engage in global trade
ED with young is not without its drawbacks. What are – despite efforts and progress at national and
entrepreneurs the chief challenges, in your opinion, and what do regional levels.
you propose for confronting them?
Here’s the big picture: Digital is shaking up Small businesses can also use digital tools
the way trade is done, from the way goods are to improve traceability across their business
sold (e-commerce), paid for (digital payments), processes. For example, we’ve helped Rwandan
tracked (blockchain), shipped across borders women coffee producers to use blockchain to
(e-certificates). Small businesses in developing prove the origin of their beans, as they move
countries have the most to gain from the rise along the value chain. These types of initiatives
of digital in trade. Digital trade reduces costs are key, in light of increasingly mandatory green
and speeds up processes at the border; increases market access requirements.
trade (during the pandemic, we saw a third of
global GDP being traded online); and drives Small firms can reach more buyers through e-
development (an increase in mobile broadband commerce, as well, and improve their online
results in increased GDP). presence through AI-driven personalized
marketing and customer engagement. They can
There are challenges. As many as half of all small take advantage of real-time language translation
businesses are unconnected – due to issues tools that break down language barriers, opening
such as lack of access to finance, skills and tech, up new customer bases.
and an ecosystem that is not business-friendly,
especially in developing countries. So how do In a sentence, digital is the gamechanger in
you fix this situation? global trade, including for small businesses. •
First, make connectivity affordable. In least
developed countries, the issue is not just
availability and accessibility, but affordability, so
lower the cost of usage.
Second, invest in knowledge and skills, so small ITC activities at Intra-African trade fair
firms understand how to use the internet to grow
their business.
Third, build up a supportive ecosystem around
small businesses, including by upgrading
business support organizations to better advocate
on their behalf.
Finally, think big and create partnerships. Our
‘Switch ON’ initiative is designed to increase
the scale and reach of our digital initiatives on

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