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$200B AI Investment Signals Strong Future for AWS Under Andy Jassy

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has reinforced the company’s long-term commitment to artificial intelligence, positioning AWS at the center of what he describes as a “once-in-a-generation” technological shift.

The company plans to invest approximately $200 billion in 2026, with the majority of this investment directed toward AI infrastructure, including data centers, custom chips, and cloud capacity. This large-scale investment strategy reflects Amazon’s belief that AI will redefine not only cloud computing but also the broader digital economy.

AWS AI business reaches new scale

AWS is already seeing strong traction from its AI services. According to recent disclosures, Amazon’s AI-related services within AWS have reached an annualized revenue run rate exceeding $15 billion, accounting for a growing share of its cloud business.

At the same time, Amazon’s custom chip segment powered by products such as Trainium and Graviton has surpassed $20 billion in annual revenue run rate, signaling rapid adoption of in-house AI infrastructure solutions. These results indicate that Amazon’s investment in AI technologies is already delivering measurable outcomes.

Strategic partnerships accelerate growth

Amazon is also strengthening its AI ecosystem through major partnerships. The company recently announced a multi-year strategic collaboration with OpenAI, aimed at accelerating innovation and expanding AI capabilities.

Such partnerships complement Amazon’s broader investment approach, enabling the company to scale faster and respond to rising enterprise demand for AI-powered solutions.

AI to reshape cloud and global commerce

Jassy has emphasized that demand for AI workloads is growing faster than AWS can currently supply. The company is rapidly expanding data center capacity and continuing its investment in infrastructure to meet this demand.

Looking ahead, Amazon believes AI could significantly expand AWS’s long-term potential, positioning the cloud unit for substantial growth in the coming years.

A defining moment for AI leadership

Amazon’s massive AI investment signals a decisive shift toward long-term innovation over short-term profitability. While concerns around spending remain, the company is confident that continued investment in AI will drive future returns and strengthen its competitive position.

As competition intensifies among global tech giants, AWS’s aggressive strategy could play a defining role in shaping the next era of cloud computing and e-commerce.

Source

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26.2% Growth Signals Strong Momentum for J&T Express in Q1 2026

Strong start to 2026 for J&T Express

Global logistics provider J&T Express has reported a 26.2% year-on-year growth in parcel volume for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting strong demand across key markets and continued expansion of its global logistics network.

During the reporting period, the company handled a total of 8.326 billion parcels, with average daily volumes reaching approximately 92.5 million shipments.

This performance highlights a solid start to the year, supported by increasing e-commerce activity and improved operational efficiency across regions.

Southeast Asia leads rapid expansion

One of the strongest contributors to this growth was Southeast Asia, where J&T Express continues to dominate the market. Parcel volume in the region surged by nearly 80% year-on-year, reaching 2.768 billion parcels in Q1.

The growth was driven by:

Strong demand from e-commerce platforms
Seasonal shopping peaks such as Ramadan
Continued investment in logistics infrastructure

The company also expanded its operational capacity, increasing line-haul vehicles and automated sorting systems to support rising demand.

Global markets accelerate beyond China

While China remains a core market, J&T Express is seeing rapid expansion in other regions. Non-China parcel volumes now account for over 35% of total shipments, indicating a shift toward a more globally diversified business model.

In emerging markets, including Latin America and the Middle East, parcel volumes more than doubled year-on-year. The company has been actively partnering with major e-commerce platforms such as TikTok, Temu, SHEIN, and AliExpress to capture cross-border growth opportunities.

Additionally, J&T expanded its network by adding new service outlets and sorting centers, further strengthening its international logistics capabilities.

E-commerce continues to drive logistics growth

The company’s performance reflects the broader momentum of global e-commerce, which continues to fuel demand for fast and efficient delivery solutions. As online retail expands, logistics providers like J&T Express are investing heavily in automation, infrastructure, and cross-border capabilities.

Industry trends suggest that Southeast Asia and emerging markets will remain key growth drivers in the coming years, supported by increasing internet penetration and digital adoption.

Outlook remains positive

J&T Express’ strong first-quarter results indicate continued growth potential for 2026. With a focus on operational efficiency, infrastructure expansion, and strategic partnerships, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the next wave of e-commerce growth.

Source

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Tehran E-Commerce Faces 100% Disruption Risk as Internet Restoration Urged

Tehran E-Commerce Sector Urges Immediate Internet Restoration as Crisis Deepens

Tehran’s digital economy calls for urgent action

Iran’s digital business community is calling for the immediate restoration of internet services as ongoing disruptions continue to impact economic activity across the country. The Tehran Electronic Commerce Association has issued a formal statement urging authorities to restore full connectivity, describing stable internet access as a critical foundation for both economic recovery and public confidence.

According to the association, the current situation is no longer just a technical issue but a structural challenge affecting thousands of businesses and millions of users who rely on digital services daily.

E-commerce operations under pressure

The disruptions have significantly affected key sectors of Tehran’s e-commerce ecosystem. Ride-hailing platforms, food delivery services, online marketplaces, and fintech applications have all experienced operational slowdowns or partial outages.

Many businesses report reduced transaction volumes and difficulties in maintaining customer communication. Small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, are facing growing pressure as their ability to sell, market, and operate online becomes increasingly limited.

Despite these challenges, parts of the sector have continued to function at reduced capacity, highlighting the resilience of Iran’s digital entrepreneurs. However, industry leaders warn that this situation is not sustainable in the long term.

Limited access and global isolation

Authorities have relied on a restricted “national internet” infrastructure, allowing access primarily to domestic platforms while limiting global connectivity. This approach has created a digital divide, cutting businesses off from international markets, tools, and platforms.

In addition, restrictions on VPN services commonly used to bypass such limitations have further reduced access to global networks. As a result, many companies are unable to engage in cross-border trade or use essential digital services.

Economic impact continues to grow

The prolonged restrictions are contributing to broader economic challenges. Businesses are experiencing declining revenues, disrupted operations, and reduced productivity. While some financial services have resumed and certain regulatory deadlines have been extended, these measures offer only temporary relief.

Industry representatives stress that without full internet restoration, the damage to Tehran’s e-commerce sector could have lasting consequences.

A defining moment for digital economies

The situation in Tehran highlights a broader global reality: reliable internet access has become a fundamental pillar of modern economies. As pressure mounts from the business community, the coming period will be critical in determining the future stability and growth of Iran’s digital ecosystem.

Source

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Andy Jassy Praised Amazon’s Chips; Criticized NVIDIA with a Rare Swipe

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy made a rare swipe at NVIDIA by emphasizing his confidence in Amazon’s chips.

In his annual letter to shareholders, Andy Jassy virtually challenged NVIDIA by praising Amazon’s progress in the field of artificial intelligence chips. Amazon is a customer of NVIDIA; however, it also produces artificial intelligence chips called “Trainium.” The company has made chip deals with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Apple by selling access to Trainium chips via the cloud.

“We Have a Strong Partnership with NVIDIA”

Jassy stated that Amazon’s chip business is “on fire.” He said this demand is part of a shift in which companies are diversifying where they buy their artificial intelligence chips from. Andy Jassy said, “Virtually all AI thus far has been done on NVIDIA chips, but a new shift has started. We have a strong partnership with NVIDIA, will always have customers who choose to run NVIDIA, and we will continue to make AWS the best place to run NVIDIA.”

“Trainium3 Offers 30–40% Better Price-Performance Than the Previous Model”

Jassy said that customers want “better price-performance.” He compared this to Amazon reducing Intel’s dominance in the CPU space with its own chip called Graviton, which it launched in 2018. Saying, “The same story arc is unfolding in AI,” Jassy stated that Amazon’s latest chip, Trainium3, offers “30–40% better price-performance” than the previous model. Jassy noted that the annual revenue run rate of Amazon’s chip business is now over $20 billion. Jassy wrote, “At scale, we expect Trainium will save us tens of billions of capex dollars per year, and provide several hundred basis points of operating margin advantage versus relying on others’ chips for inference.”

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy Says 14,000 Job Cuts Driven by Culture, Not AI or Cost

MBME Pay Receives Prestigious Payment Service Provider License from the CBUAE

MBME Pay, a wholly owned subsidiary of MBME Group PJSC, has received a “Payment Service Provider” license from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) to conduct merchant acquiring and payment aggregation activities.

The license places MBME Pay among an exclusive group of fully regulated payment service providers in the UAE. It reflects the strength of MBME Pay’s infrastructure, its rigorous compliance framework, and its strategic ambition to power the next generation of digital commerce.

“MBME Pay is in a Unique Position in Digital Payments”

Abdelhadi Mohamed, CEO of MBME Group, said: “This is not only a regulatory milestone; it is a strong vote of confidence in our vision and capabilities. With the Central Bank license, MBME Pay is uniquely positioned to accelerate the transition to a cashless economy in the UAE and across the MENA region, while setting new standards for reliability, security, and customer experience in digital payments.”

A Fully Licensed, End-to-End Digital Payments Partner

With the CBUAE license, MBME Pay will now be able to provide end-to-end merchant acquiring solutions, from onboarding to settlement. It will also be able to operate as a licensed payment aggregator across multiple channels. The company will deliver secure, scalable, and compliant transaction processing services for high-volume and fast-growing businesses. It will support businesses, SMEs, and government entities in accelerating the transition to a cashless and digitally enabled economy.

MBME Pay offers merchants a single, trusted partner through which they can manage their entire payments journey. Its services include onboarding, integration, risk and fraud controls, transaction processing, and ongoing support, all within a strong and transparent regulatory framework.

Supporting E-Commerce, Retail, and Innovative Payment Experiences

MBME Pay sits at the center of a dynamic technology ecosystem that connects consumers, merchants, and institutions. Through this ecosystem, the company integrates advanced payment technologies, APIs, financial services, and digital platforms into a unified and regulated structure.

It supports innovative payment experiences across e-commerce, retail, services, and government channels. It enables secure and frictionless payments tailored to the evolving expectations of businesses and consumers across the UAE and the wider MENA region.

Xyvoraq Launches Live Dropshipping Platform

Xyvoraq, which develops e-commerce infrastructure solutions, has opened the door to a major transformation in the industry by launching its AI-powered live dropshipping platform. The system developed by the company aims to automate many operational burdens, from product management to order processes, allowing brands to focus on strategic decisions.

In the new dropshipping platform, artificial intelligence manages product presentation, conversion optimization, and repetitive tasks. The dropshipping infrastructure maintains inventory, sourcing, and logistics processes. Thanks to this structure, businesses can focus on growth, channel management, and marketing strategies instead of dealing with operational details.

A New Paradigm in E-Commerce: Intelligent Systems

The approach of San Francisco-based Xyvoraq shows that e-commerce is shifting from a model that merely provides infrastructure to intelligent systems that support decisions and manage processes. Platforms no longer only offer logistics or sales infrastructure; they also develop technologies that enable businesses to take real-time action.

Xyvoraq officials emphasize that this step was taken not for short-term performance gains, but for long-term sustainable growth. The company has adopted an approach that prioritizes system stability, cash flow security, and scalability.

A Xyvoraq spokesperson said, “We are not focused on short-term performance. Our priority has always been system stability, cash flow security, and scalability. Our AI-powered live commerce is a natural progression of our infrastructure; it is not a trend we are chasing, but a capability we are building with a long-term vision.”

A New Balance Is Being Established in Dropshipping

For many years, the dropshipping model has stood out as a low-cost entry point for entrepreneurs. However, operational complexity and lack of control have been important factors limiting the sustainability of this model. The AI-powered system developed by Xyvoraq aims to minimize these issues and transform dropshipping into a more professional, scalable, and data-driven model.

The Future of E-Commerce Lies in Automation and Control

In the new era of e-commerce, competition will be shaped not only by product and price, but also by speed, operational efficiency, and technology integration. AI-supported systems will offer brands both cost advantages and strategic flexibility. Companies that take part in the early stages of this transformation will gain a significant advantage in the e-commerce ecosystem of the future.

Uzbekistan Targets 11% E-Commerce Share in 2026 as Digital Growth Accelerates

Uzbekistan sets new e-commerce growth target

Uzbekistan is aiming to increase the share of e-commerce in its retail trade to 9–11%, as part of a broader strategy to accelerate digital transformation and modernize its economy.

The target was outlined during a government meeting led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, where new proposals were presented to strengthen the country’s e-commerce ecosystem.

Market shows strong growth momentum

Uzbekistan’s e-commerce sector has already experienced rapid expansion in recent years.

The market has grown nearly 20 times over the past eight years, reaching an estimated value of $1.3 billion, reflecting increasing consumer adoption and digital infrastructure development.

Despite this progress, e-commerce currently accounts for only around 4–4.6% of total retail trade, significantly below the global average of approximately 22%.

New strategies focus on infrastructure and customs reform

To support further growth, the government is focusing on improving logistics and trade processes.

A key priority is the development of bonded warehouse infrastructure, which allows imported goods to be stored under customs control with deferred payment of duties and taxes.

In addition, authorities are considering a system where customs duties are paid at the point of sale. This approach is expected to simplify trade operations and improve the investment climate.

Investment potential and global alignment

Officials estimate that the proposed reforms could attract up to $500 million in investment, supporting the expansion of digital commerce and related infrastructure.

Similar customs and logistics models are already widely implemented in countries such as China, the UAE, the United Kingdom, and Germany, indicating Uzbekistan’s alignment with global best practices.

Strengthening the digital economy

The initiative forms part of Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to develop its digital economy and increase the role of online commerce in overall economic activity.

With a young and increasingly connected population, the country is positioning e-commerce as a key driver of future growth, while continuing to invest in infrastructure and regulatory improvements.

Source:
https://menafn.com

Wildberries Enters Ethiopia in 2026 as Digital Trade Growth Surges

Wildberries has officially launched operations in Ethiopia, opening its marketplace to local sellers and enabling them to reach international customers.

The move marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy, positioning Ethiopia as one of its first major entry points into the African e-commerce landscape.

Ethiopian products reach global audiences

Through the platform, Ethiopian businesses can now offer a wide range of goods to international buyers, including coffee, textiles, leather products, and handmade items.

The integration into the marketplace is expected to strengthen export potential for small and medium-sized enterprises while increasing global visibility for locally produced goods. It also provides sellers with access to a structured digital environment that simplifies cross-border trade.

Cross-border e-commerce gains traction

The launch reflects a broader trend of growing cross-border e-commerce activity, particularly in emerging markets.

By leveraging Wildberries’ logistics and marketplace infrastructure, Ethiopian sellers are able to access international markets more efficiently, reducing traditional barriers such as distribution complexity and limited reach.

Partnership supports digital economy development

The entry into Ethiopia follows cooperation with Ethiopian Investment Holdings, aimed at supporting the country’s digital economy and e-commerce ecosystem.

Through this initiative, Wildberries is contributing to improvements in logistics capabilities, technology transfer, and the creation of new opportunities for local businesses to scale beyond domestic markets.

Two-phase marketplace rollout

In its initial phase, Ethiopian products will be made available to international consumers through Wildberries.

A second phase is expected to introduce foreign sellers to the Ethiopian market, further expanding trade flows and strengthening the country’s position within global e-commerce networks.

Source

Dubai Free Zones Launch 4 Measures to Boost Business Stability

Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has introduced a package of measures aimed at supporting businesses operating across its free zones, as part of broader efforts to maintain economic activity and ease operational pressure.

The initiative applies to companies in major zones including Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), and Dubai CommerCity.

Measures focus on cost relief and flexibility

The newly announced support package includes a range of financial and operational incentives designed to improve liquidity and business continuity.

Key measures include:

Flexible rental payment options, including monthly instalments
Waivers on certain administrative and service fees
Deferred payment options for selected charges
Stable rental rates upon contract renewal

These steps are intended to reduce immediate financial pressure on companies while maintaining operational stability.

Part of a broader economic support strategy

The move follows Dubai’s wider economic support programme, which includes a AED 1 billion package introduced to strengthen business resilience amid ongoing regional challenges.

The measures are being implemented for a limited period, with the goal of enhancing flexibility and supporting both businesses and the broader economic ecosystem.

Supporting business continuity and investment

Authorities said the initiative is designed to ensure companies can continue operating efficiently while adapting to current market conditions.

Free zones play a key role in Dubai’s economy, offering benefits such as full foreign ownership, tax advantages, and streamlined business setup processes.

By introducing additional flexibility, Dubai aims to reinforce its position as a competitive global business hub and maintwain investor confidence.

Source

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50% of European Consumers Use BNPL as Usage Rapidly Expands

Half of European consumers adopt BNPL

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services are now used by 50% of consumers across Europe, according to data published by Ecommerce News Europe.

The report shows that BNPL has moved into the mainstream, with many consumers using these services multiple times per year as part of their regular online shopping behavior.

Adoption differs by market

Despite strong overall uptake, usage varies significantly between countries.

In markets such as Switzerland, BNPL penetration remains lower, with roughly one in four consumers using these services. The gap highlights the influence of local financial habits, credit culture, and regulatory frameworks across Europe.

Flexible payments reshape checkout

The growth of BNPL reflects a broader shift in payment preferences.

Installment-based options often interest-free are increasingly integrated into the checkout experience, offering consumers greater flexibility compared to traditional credit products. As a result, payment methods are playing a more central role in purchase decisions.

Regulatory scrutiny increases

The expansion of BNPL has drawn attention from regulators across the region.

Authorities are assessing the need for stricter consumer protection measures, including improved transparency, clearer terms, and stronger affordability checks. Proposed updates to consumer credit rules are expected to address gaps related to BNPL services.

Merchants respond to demand

For online retailers, BNPL is becoming a standard feature rather than an optional add-on.

Merchants are integrating these solutions to support conversion and align with evolving consumer expectations, while also navigating compliance requirements as regulatory oversight increases.

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