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TikTok Shop Surges to $26 Billion in GMV, Emerging as a Serious Amazon Rival

TikTok Shop has doubled its global Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) in the first half of 2025, reaching an impressive $26 billion. This remarkable growth is largely fueled by the platform’s live-stream-based sales model. By blending social media engagement with instant purchasing, TikTok is transforming how users discover and buy products—posing a serious challenge to traditional e-commerce giants like Amazon.

Social Behavior Turns Into Shopping Behavior

TikTok Shop’s live commerce approach has redefined the shopping experience, making it more interactive, engaging, and spontaneous. Users watch product showcases in real time, ask questions directly to content creators during livestreams, and make purchases without ever leaving the app. This creates a highly immersive buying journey, especially popular among younger audiences who prioritize entertainment and convenience.

The U.S. market has played a major role in this surge. By mid-2025, TikTok Shop’s GMV in the United States hit $5.8 billion, making it the platform’s second-largest market. Short-form video content continues to dominate, accounting for around half of total sales, while livestream sales have shown significant year-over-year growth. In-app shopping features are also becoming more refined, contributing to a seamless customer experience.

What sets TikTok apart is its creator-driven sales model. Users can earn revenue by promoting products without holding inventory, making it ideal for small businesses, influencers, and entrepreneurs looking for low-barrier entry into e-commerce. However, regulatory uncertainty—particularly in the U.S.—has led some sellers to diversify their online presence to mitigate potential risks.

Despite these challenges, TikTok Shop’s rapid expansion signals a powerful shift in digital commerce. With its dynamic structure and high engagement rates, the platform is poised to play a central role in the future of online retail. Shopping is no longer just a transaction—it’s an experience, and TikTok is leading the charge into this new era.

Alibaba Introduces Accio Agent to Transform Global B2B Sourcing

In a pivotal move aimed at redefining digital trade dynamics, Alibaba International has launched Accio Agent, an AI-powered assistant seamlessly integrated into its B2B sourcing platform, Accio. Designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this innovation aims to streamline global product sourcing by providing end-to-end assistance—from identifying potential suppliers to managing inquiries and after-sales support. Since its debut in late 2024, Accio has already amassed hundreds of thousands of SME users, signaling a new era of intelligent commerce.

Bringing Conversational AI into Every Step of Sourcing

Accio Agent acts like a savvy sourcing specialist that guides entrepreneurs through the often-complex process of global procurement. Users begin with a simple, conversational search—such as “I need sustainable ceramic tableware suppliers”—and Accio responds with tailored suggestions drawn from an enormous backend of over a billion listings and decades of market insight. Unlike static search tools, Accio Agent continues the conversation, prompting users to refine criteria, explore recommendations, and evaluate options with greater precision and clarity.

After narrowing down the selection, Accio Agent doesn’t stop there. It enables users to create and send Requests for Quotations (RFQs) directly to suppliers, then helps compare responses—all within the same interface. This integrated workflow dramatically reduces the friction typically associated with sourcing, transforming what used to be a multi-step, multi-tool process into a fluid, user-friendly experience.

Importantly, Accio Agent is built on advanced technologies, including Alibaba’s open-source Qwen large language model, which is fine-tuned with real-world trading data. It also employs Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), ensuring its responses are backed by verifiable information rather than guesswork. This reliability enables users to proceed with confidence through each phase of sourcing, negotiation, and procurement planning.

The platform has quickly demonstrated value: since launch, Accio has been adopted by a significant SME base across multiple languages, boasting increased supplier conversion rates, high satisfaction scores, and recognition in tech circles. With features such as multilingual real-time translation—critical for overcoming cross-border communication obstacles—Accio Agent positions itself as a one-stop solution for international trade needs.

In effect, Accio Agent is transforming traditional B2B sourcing by embedding AI into every step—from ideation to contract. As global trade becomes increasingly complex, Alibaba’s move offers businesses of all sizes the agility and insight needed to navigate international markets. For SMEs in particular, it could mean the difference between exploration and execution—democratizing access to sourcing opportunities worldwide.

The De Minimis Shift: E-Commerce and Shopper Habits Set for Major Change

Online shopping is on the cusp of a significant transformation as the United States prepares to revoke the long-standing de minimis exemption for low-value cross-border purchases. Until now, imported goods valued at $800 or less per person per day entered the country free from tariffs and duties—a policy adopted in 2016 to encourage small-scale trade. But beginning August 29, 2025, all such parcels will be subject to full customs duties, reshaping everything from pricing structures to logistics and consumer behavior.

A New Era of Tariffs and Consumer Choice

As this policy shift takes hold, shoppers can expect to notice higher prices at checkout—product cost + taxes, duties, and shipping will become the new norm. Expenses that were once hidden behind “duty‑free” labeling will now be transparent, prompting more thoughtful buying decisions. Impulse purchases, especially on social shopping platforms, may decline as customers pause to calculate total costs and compare alternatives.

Even e-commerce giants like Shein, Temu, and Amazon, who thrived on ultra-low-cost cross-border shipping, will need to adjust. Some have already begun building inventories in U.S.-based warehouses to avoid per-package duties, hoping to soften the impact on delivery times and prices. Still, many smaller online sellers and artisans—whose margins are tight—could struggle to absorb the new costs or raise prices competitively.

This policy change will also have ripple effects across the supply chain. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will face a surge in formal declarations, creating longer clearance times and potentially slowing deliveries. Carriers like UPS, FedEx, DHL, and courier services will see higher operational overhead, with the added burden of customs compliance and new fee structures. Meanwhile, some niche sellers that once exploited the loophole—such as border-area fulfillment businesses—may struggle to sustain their business models.

In the end, this shift may empower domestic producers. As import costs rise, consumers may turn to U.S. brands for affordability and convenience. Digital marketplaces that transparently include duties in pricing and offer fast, clear delivery options could gain a new competitive edge. The e-commerce landscape is entering a recalibration—one where global trade costs are fully visible, supply chains evolve, and both customers and businesses adapt to a more transparent and regulated future.

Jumia Partners with Government to Drive Nigeria’s E-Commerce Expansion

Nigeria’s e-commerce sector is set to receive a major boost as Jumia, the country’s leading online retail platform, enters into a strategic collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. The partnership was formalized during a high-level meeting held in Abuja, where key representatives from Jumia and the ministry discussed how to align private sector innovation with the government’s broader digital economy agenda.

Strengthening Rural Access and Positioning Nigeria for Cross-Border Trade

A central focus of the meeting was the shared commitment to expanding digital access in rural communities, where online retail services are still limited. Jumia reaffirmed its dedication to this goal through its long-standing “E-Commerce in Rural Areas” program, which has already introduced thousands of Nigerians to online shopping. This initiative includes establishing pick-up stations, utilizing an extensive logistics network, and mobilizing community-based agents through its JForce network.

Minister Jumoke Oduwole emphasized the government’s drive to implement structural reforms under the upcoming National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, which aims to regulate digital trade, data security, and cyber infrastructure. She highlighted the importance of private sector involvement in shaping a more inclusive and competitive digital marketplace.

Jumia’s CEO, Temidayo Ojo, echoed this vision, praising the government’s proactive approach and expressing the company’s readiness to collaborate on future initiatives. He noted that combining Jumia’s digital infrastructure with public policy reforms could help accelerate Nigeria’s integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), opening doors for Nigerian businesses to reach broader markets across the continent.

As Nigeria moves forward with digital reforms, this partnership between Jumia and the government marks a pivotal step in building a more connected, inclusive, and competitive e-commerce ecosystem. The success of this collaboration could serve as a blueprint for public-private partnerships aiming to unlock the full potential of Africa’s digital economy.

Myntra Launches Zero-Commission Support for Ethnic Wear Brands

One of India’s leading e-commerce platforms for women’s fashion, Myntra has announced a bold new initiative targeting over 500 digital-first ethnic wear brands. As the festive season approaches, the company will offer a zero-commission model for a duration of three months, giving participating brands a major cost advantage and providing consumers with more competitively priced products.

Festival-Focused Sales Strategy to Empower Emerging Brands

This strategic move by Myntra is timed perfectly with India’s peak festive season, which includes major shopping events around Diwali and Navratri. Typically charging a commission rate of 15–16% on sales, Myntra will temporarily waive these fees for selected women’s ethnic wear labels. This initiative enables brands to offer better prices while attracting more customers during the high-demand period.

The zero-commission model is also expected to lower the entry barrier for small and medium-sized businesses, allowing them to integrate more easily into the digital retail ecosystem. As a result, the platform will benefit from a greater variety of brands and products, while consumers enjoy a broader range of choices.

Beyond brand empowerment, this move represents a strategic investment for Myntra itself. While the platform may lose short-term commission revenue, it is likely to compensate for it through increased sales volume and long-term brand partnerships. The surge in new brands joining the platform and the higher engagement levels from customers may well offset any initial losses.

Myntra’s festival-season initiative reflects the evolving dynamics of digital commerce, where platforms are now choosing to support sellers more directly to boost competitiveness. If successful, this model could inspire similar strategies across the broader e-commerce landscape in India.

Flood Raises $3.5 Million to Digitise Offline Commerce in Emerging Markets

South African startup Flood, a pioneering platform in the “SuperApp-as-a-Service” category, has secured $3.5 million in seed funding to drive its mission of digitising offline retail across emerging markets. Led by serial entrepreneur André de Wet, Flood provides a no-code, API‑based infrastructure that allows telcos, banks, and enterprises to seamlessly embed digital commerce features into apps already used by consumers—no need for separate downloads or apps.

Bridging the Offline Retail Gap with Embedded Commerce

With traditional e‑commerce still out of reach for the majority of small retailers in emerging economies, Flood positions itself as a game-changer. The platform enables features such as merchant onboarding, in‑store QR code access, loyalty programs, real‑time analytics, and click‑to‑mortar models including in‑store pickup, all integrated into trusted mobile apps. In one early engagement, Flood onboarded 8,000 merchants in just three months, and in some markets reported daily usage by as much as 28% of the population.

As André de Wet stated, “95% of retail in emerging markets is still offline.” Flood addresses this challenge by enabling digital commerce through platforms people already use daily—such as banking and telco apps—making the transition intuitive and frictionless. This funding will accelerate market entry into new regions, support partnerships with telecom operators and challenger banks, and help rapidly onboard thousands more merchants.

By offering a white‑label solution, Flood allows partners to retain full control over user experience while adding commerce, loyalty, and payment capabilities. The platform empowers institutions to reach revenue beyond traditional services, and provides real value to small businesses by dramatically expanding their visibility and customer base. In one pilot, Flood processed over 14 million transactions for a community of under 500,000 users.

Backed by investors such as CRE Venture Capital and key angel investors, Flood is scaling rapidly with a mission to enable inclusive, durable digital economies—bringing offline retailers into the digital age without leaving behind those unfamiliar with technology.

Lagos Summit Confronts AI Dreams Amid Africa’s Digital Divide

At a pivotal gathering in Lagos, Africa’s most populous city, policymakers, business leaders, and tech experts convened for the African Digital Economy and Inclusion Conference. Under the theme “AI and the African Digital Economy: Leaving No One Behind,” the summit explores how artificial intelligence can fuel economic transformation without deepening existing inequalities.

Ambition Meets Reality: Infrastructure Gaps Impede AI Adoption

Despite the promise of leveraging AI for everything from e‑commerce to healthcare, Africa faces persistent barriers: inconsistent internet connectivity, unreliable electricity, and scarce investment—especially in rural areas. These issues hinder access to digital financial services, e‑learning platforms, and inclusive innovation. The continent’s digital economy—currently valued at around €155 billion—has the potential to reach nearly €700 billion by 2050, but infrastructure shortcomings threaten to derail that growth.

Speakers stressed the critical need to pair public policy with private innovation. Key areas of focus included:

Deploying AI and big data for economic development,
Building digital identity systems to support cross‑border trade,
Promoting inclusion of youth and women in the digital economy.

Experts also highlighted structural challenges stemming from limited government support. Africa often relies on foreign technologies, amplifying dependency and widening gaps in domestic innovation and autonomy.

Yet, amidst these challenges, home-grown AI solutions are emerging. In Senegal, a Wolof‑speaking chatbot integrates with WhatsApp to enhance accessibility. Rwandan health initiatives are using AI for diagnostics where medical professionals are scarce. In Côte d’Ivoire, an app enables citizens to report high living costs through geolocated photos, helping authorities respond quickly.

Agriculture also benefits from AI: Cameroonian researchers have developed smartphone tools that diagnose crop diseases, while Kenyan start-ups are innovating digital solutions tailored to local needs—extending AI’s reach directly into communities.

Africa’s role in global AI is not just reactive—it could be foundational. As universities, entrepreneurs, and governments explore context‑driven applications, the summit underscores a vital opportunity: harnessing AI to bridge gaps and drive inclusive progress across the continent.

Kenyan Fintech HoneyCoin Secures $4.9 Million to Power Stablecoin-Powered Payments

Kenyan fintech startup HoneyCoin has raised $4.9 million in seed funding to drive its international expansion across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Founded in 2020 by David Nandwa at just 19 years old, the Nairobi-based company is building a cross-border payment infrastructure powered by stablecoins, aiming to make money movement faster, cheaper, and more accessible for both businesses and individuals.

HoneyCoin’s platform connects mobile money systems, banks, and international payment networks, providing seamless and low-cost transactions in markets that traditionally face high remittance fees and currency volatility. This innovative model has gained rapid traction, positioning HoneyCoin as a rising force in the African fintech landscape.

Building the Operating System for Money

With this new investment, HoneyCoin plans to grow its leadership team, expand into new territories, and secure the necessary regulatory licenses to operate at scale. The company is currently processing over $150 million in monthly transaction volume and serves more than 350 enterprise clients and over 326,000 direct users.

Expansion plans are focused on Mozambique, Zambia, Rwanda, and Francophone African countries, along with select markets in Asia and Latin America. The company aims to make its stablecoin-powered solution a global standard in emerging economies where traditional banking services are often limited or expensive.

Founder and CEO David Nandwa has described HoneyCoin as the “operating system for money,” suggesting that the company’s platform has the potential to redefine how financial infrastructure works—similar to how companies like Apple redefined computing. With this funding round, HoneyCoin is poised to take a leading role in the next generation of financial services across the Global South.

Etihad Rail to Establish New Commercial Hubs Across the UAE

The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) national railway project, Etihad Rail, aims not only to transform transportation but also to reshape the economy. Plans are underway to develop new commercial hubs around strategic stations across the country. This initiative is expected to create significant opportunities in logistics and supply chain sectors. Early observations have already shown up to a 15% increase in the value of commercial lands surrounding these stations.

Transforming Logistics and Supply Chains

Etihad Rail is constructing a 1,200-kilometer railway network connecting all seven emirates of the UAE. Scheduled to commence passenger services in 2026, the project will also strengthen the nation’s logistics infrastructure. Trains are expected to reach speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, reducing the travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to just 57 minutes. This enhanced speed will improve business travel efficiency and accelerate trade activities.

The project aims to create more than 9,000 new jobs by 2030, spanning sectors such as engineering, construction, train operations, logistics, and maintenance. Moreover, with the introduction of environmentally friendly electric trains, carbon dioxide emissions are anticipated to decrease by 70 to 80 percent.

Within the UAE’s economic diversification strategy, Etihad Rail is not only upgrading transportation infrastructure but also redefining commercial and logistics centers. This transformation is set to make a substantial contribution to the country’s future economic growth.

The Era of Artificial Intelligence and Data Begins in Africa’s Retail Sector

Africa’s retail sector is rapidly transforming through digitalization and the opportunities technology offers. Artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven solutions are reshaping business models across the continent and elevating the customer experience to a whole new level. Consumers in Africa are becoming more active on digital channels, highly price-sensitive, and have greater expectations for their shopping experience. These new consumer behaviors reduce brand loyalty and push retailers to act faster and more efficiently.

Integrated Systems and Data Management Determine Success

One of the biggest challenges retailers face is the lack of harmony and integration between different digital and physical channels. When a customer tries to buy a product from an online store, inconsistencies in stock availability, pricing, and delivery information harm customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the absence of integration between various systems used by retailers makes it difficult to make informed decisions. Studies show that more than half of retail companies in Africa report that poor data quality negatively impacts their business processes.

Currently, AI is mostly in experimental stages and not fully integrated into business operations. However, AI-powered solutions can help understand customer behavior, optimize inventory management, and increase operational efficiency. Integrated platforms offered by major software providers like SAP give retailers significant advantages in data analysis and automation. Companies using such platforms can increase customer retention rates by 20 to 30 percent and reduce stockouts by 30 to 50 percent.

Africa’s retail sector is evolving into a more competitive and customer-centric structure by embracing AI and data-driven technologies. Yet, investing in technology alone is not enough for successful transformation. Integrating processes, improving data management, and perfecting customer experience at every stage are essential. This way, Africa’s retail industry can meet the demands of the digital age and achieve sustainable growth.