A market of 1.3-billion people could be tapped into if postal and internet services were made efficient and accessible
The SA private sector should also use best practices from its counterparts in the Brics grouping of major developing economies — Brazil, Russia, India, China. For instance, the largest telecommunications provider in Brazil provides a service through which e-commerce companies and others can offer customers free access to their websites, provided they watch a few adverts first. This goes a long way in mitigating data costs.
The department of telecommunications & postal services believes SA has some of the most progressive and liberal legislation in terms of e-commerce, compared with the rest of the continent and even Brics, though it is not in one document. However, the department acknowledges the need for a more stable co-ordinating system between the government and its various agencies for dealing with e-commerce matters.
At the moment though SA, along with India, has decided not to participate in global negotiations on a plurilateral e-commerce agreement, Given the potential of e-commerce to drive economic growth and create employment, SA needs to prioritise it and create a conducive environment. However, it is necessary to bear in mind the multiple socioeconomic challenges the country faces. There are no shortcuts.
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