digital economy

Türkiye Plans $200B Energy Investment by 2035 to Expand Renewables and Modernize Grid

Türkiye is planning to invest approximately $200 billion by 2035 to expand renewable energy, develop nuclear power and modernize its electricity grid, according to the 2026 Energy Sector Report prepared by the Presidential Investment and Finance Office.

The investment program comes as Türkiye accelerates its energy transition and prepares for rising electricity demand. The country aims to increase its combined wind and solar capacity to 120 GW by 2035, requiring an estimated 8-9 GW of new capacity additions each year.

$80B targeted at grid infrastructure

Around $80 billion of the projected investment is expected to be directed toward improving grid flexibility, modernizing electricity infrastructure and expanding transmission and distribution networks.

The focus on grid modernization is becoming increasingly important as Türkiye adds larger amounts of variable renewable generation and prepares for higher electricity consumption.

Türkiye’s renewable energy sector already represents a significant share of its power system. Renewables accounted for 62% of installed electricity capacity in 2025, including 32.3 GW of hydropower, 25.6 GW of solar and 14.8 GW of wind capacity.

Renewables generated 43.4% of Türkiye’s electricity in 2025, while total electricity generation reached 356 TWh and demand stood at 359 TWh. Electricity demand is projected to rise to 455 TWh and eventually 510 TWh, increasing the need for additional generation and infrastructure.

Storage and EV infrastructure gain momentum

Energy storage is emerging as another major investment opportunity. As of early 2026, Türkiye had 372 pre-licensed solar projects representing 14.3 GWh of storage capacity, alongside 252 wind projects totaling 19.7 GWh.

Electric mobility is also expanding rapidly. Türkiye had 373,733 electric vehicles in 2025, compared with just 7,698 in 2021. Electric and hybrid vehicles represented around 25% of vehicle sales, while the country had approximately 39,000 charging stations in 2025.

Under a high-growth scenario, Türkiye’s electric vehicle fleet could reach 7 million vehicles by 2035, creating further demand for charging infrastructure and electricity capacity.

Energy transition creates investment opportunities

The report highlights renewable generation, grid modernization, energy storage, energy efficiency, EV charging infrastructure and domestic energy technologies as key areas for investment.

Presidential Investment and Finance Office President Ahmet Burak Dağlıoğlu said Türkiye’s industrial infrastructure, geographic position and role in regional energy networks could support its ambition to become a leading country in the global energy transition.

The planned investment also supports Türkiye’s longer-term objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2053, while attracting international capital, advanced technologies and strategic partnerships to the country’s energy ecosystem.

For businesses and investors, Türkiye’s energy transformation could create opportunities across renewable generation, battery storage, grid technologies, EV infrastructure and related supply chains through 2035.

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Latin American E-Commerce Market Projected to Reach $215 Billion in 2026

Latin America’s e-commerce market is projected to reach $215.31 billion in 2026, continuing to grow at a pace 1.5 times faster than the global average, according to a joint report by Endeavor and MercadoLibre.

The region’s digital commerce landscape remains heavily concentrated in its largest markets. Argentina, Brazil and Mexico accounted for nearly 85% of all e-commerce sales in Latin America in 2025, underlining their dominant role in the region’s online retail ecosystem.

Mobile Commerce Leads the Way

Mobile shopping is a defining feature of Latin America’s e-commerce growth. The report found that 84% of online purchases are made via smartphones, highlighting the importance of mobile-first strategies for retailers and digital platforms.

However, the region’s consumers are also becoming increasingly demanding.

Nearly half of shoppers said they would leave a platform after just one negative experience, with delivery delays and problems with returns among the biggest sources of frustration.

Reliable Delivery Over Personalization

The findings suggest that operational excellence may matter more to consumers than advanced personalization.

Around three-quarters of respondents identified clear pricing and transparent policies as highly important when making online purchasing decisions. By comparison, only around one-third considered personalization a major priority.

This signals a growing challenge for e-commerce companies: while many platforms continue investing heavily in recommendation engines and personalized experiences, consumers may place greater value on reliable delivery, straightforward returns and transparent pricing.

Beyond the Marketplace

The report also points to the broader transformation of e-commerce companies across Latin America.

Marketplaces are increasingly expanding beyond online retail into areas such as digital payments, credit services and logistics, creating more integrated digital commerce ecosystems.

As the market moves toward the $215 billion milestone, Latin America is emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing e-commerce regions. The next phase of growth, however, may depend not only on attracting more consumers online but also on delivering a seamless and trustworthy customer experience.

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Kyrgyzstan Partners With Chinese Firm to Build New E-Commerce Platform

Kyrgyzstan is set to launch a new e-commerce platform in partnership with a Chinese company, aiming to strengthen the country’s digital commerce ecosystem and create new opportunities for local businesses to reach international markets.

The agreement was signed on August 28 between state-owned Kyrgyz Post and China’s Kashgar Fengxin Trading Co., Ltd. during the Kyrgyz-Chinese Investment Forum in Bishkek. The planned platform will utilize Kyrgyz Post’s existing postal and logistics network to support order deliveries across the country.

Beyond e-commerce transactions, the project is also expected to introduce digital services and artificial intelligence-powered content. However, key details, including the platform’s launch date, investment volume, and financing structure, have not yet been disclosed.

Expanding Digital Commerce Infrastructure

The initiative represents another step in Kyrgyz Post’s transformation from a traditional postal operator into a key player in the country’s digital commerce infrastructure.

By integrating the new platform with its nationwide postal and logistics network, Kyrgyz Post aims to make online shopping and delivery services more accessible throughout Kyrgyzstan.

The country’s e-commerce market has been growing rapidly. According to government figures cited by The Times of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan’s domestic e-commerce market reached an estimated value of $525 million in 2025, representing approximately 15% growth compared with the previous year.

New Opportunities for Cross-Border Trade

One of the project’s key objectives is to help Kyrgyz businesses reach customers beyond the domestic market.

Kyrgyz Post says the platform could enable local entrepreneurs to promote their products internationally and expand their sales opportunities abroad. However, it remains unclear which markets will initially be accessible to sellers and whether the platform will provide direct access to Chinese consumers.

Kyrgyzstan’s e-commerce market is already strongly connected to international platforms. Russian marketplaces such as Ozon and Wildberries operate in the country, while Chinese platforms including Taobao and Alibaba are popular among consumers.

The new initiative could help shift greater attention toward the opposite direction of cross-border commerce: enabling Kyrgyz products and businesses to reach international buyers.

A Broader Push for Digital Trade

The partnership comes as Kyrgyzstan continues to develop infrastructure and regulatory frameworks for digital commerce.

The government has been working on initiatives to support cross-border e-commerce, including plans related to an E-commerce Park and preferential tax policies for businesses operating in the sector.

At the same time, economic cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and China is expanding beyond traditional trade. Officials have increasingly emphasized joint production, technology cooperation, and the localization of new industries.

While no direct connection has been announced between the upcoming e-commerce platform and broader transport projects linking Kyrgyzstan with China, both developments highlight the growing importance of digital and physical infrastructure in shaping the future of regional trade.

As Kyrgyzstan continues to strengthen its digital economy, the new platform could become an important tool for connecting local businesses with new customers-both at home and potentially across international markets.

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Dubai Air Cargo Transactions Surge 53% as E-Commerce Shipments Accelerate

Dubai’s air cargo sector recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, reflecting the accelerating pace of e-commerce and cross-border trade across the emirate.

Dubai Customs processed 18.2 million customs transactions through its Air Cargo Centers during H1 2026, representing a 53% increase compared with the same period last year. Shipment volumes also rose significantly, reaching approximately 1.3 million tonnes, up from around 886,000 tonnes in H1 2025 – an increase of nearly 47%.

The growth highlights Dubai’s expanding role as a regional logistics and e-commerce hub, where high volumes of smaller shipments require increasingly fast customs and delivery processes.

E-Commerce Drives Shipment Growth

The strongest increase was recorded within the Free Zone Department of Dubai Customs’ air cargo sector. The department completed around 17.7 million customs transactions during the first six months of 2026, compared with approximately 10.9 million during H1 2025 – a 62% rise.

Dubai’s air cargo infrastructure also handled more than 6.2 million postal parcels during the period, underlining the growing contribution of cross-border e-commerce to air freight demand.

As online retail continues to generate large numbers of smaller shipments, customs efficiency has become increasingly important to the wider digital commerce ecosystem. Faster clearance can directly influence delivery times, logistics costs and the overall customer experience.

Dubai Raises E-Commerce Customs Threshold

Dubai Customs has also introduced measures aimed at facilitating cross-border e-commerce.

Effective August 3, 2026, the customs duty exemption threshold for eligible goods within cross-border e-commerce shipments was increased to Dh1,000. The measure is intended to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency for companies involved in digital trade.

The authority has additionally introduced an exemption for certain returned goods imported by companies for personal use, provided the relevant customs duties were previously paid and the goods are returned within 60 days.

Cargo Volumes Continue to Rise

The increase in activity has also been reflected in cargo volumes moving through Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Imported goods cleared through Cargo Village at Dubai International Airport and the Air Cargo Center at Al Maktoum International Airport reached 48.26 million kilograms in May, compared with approximately 26.56 million kilograms in January – an increase of nearly 82%. Maximum daily volumes also climbed from 1.24 million kilograms in January to 2.11 million kilograms in May.

Smart Customs and AI Support Faster Trade

Dubai Customs is increasingly focusing on technology to manage growing shipment volumes while reducing clearance times.

The authority said its air cargo centres are being equipped with smart technologies, devices and artificial intelligence applications to improve inspection and examination processes.

The shift reflects a broader evolution in the role of customs, from simply processing shipments to becoming an important component of trade competitiveness.

For e-commerce businesses, faster customs clearance can help shorten the time between an order arriving at a logistics hub and reaching the end customer. This is particularly important as consumers and retailers increasingly expect rapid cross-border fulfilment.

What This Means for E-Commerce

Dubai’s latest figures point to a wider transformation in the region’s logistics landscape. As e-commerce continues to generate higher shipment volumes, the competitiveness of digital commerce increasingly depends on the efficiency of the infrastructure supporting it.

With rising air cargo volumes, expanded customs thresholds and greater use of AI-powered processing, Dubai is positioning its logistics ecosystem to accommodate the next phase of cross-border e-commerce growth.

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34% of European SMEs on Temu Have Expanded Into International Markets

A survey of 152 European sellers on Temu shows that marketplace participation is increasingly linked to cross-border expansion, higher capacity and additional hiring.

One in three European small businesses selling on Temu have expanded into new international markets after joining the marketplace, according to a new survey conducted among sellers across six European countries.

The survey, conducted by Temu in June and July 2026, included 152 small businesses from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom. According to the findings, 34% of respondents said they had started selling in new markets after joining the platform.

Marketplace participation linked to business expansion

The survey also points to broader operational growth among participating SMEs. Half of respondents said they had increased production or operational capacity, hired additional employees, or done both after joining Temu.

For smaller businesses, access to additional demand can create opportunities to scale operations, particularly when marketplaces provide access to customers beyond their domestic markets.

The findings suggest that cross-border marketplaces are becoming an increasingly important route for SMEs seeking to expand their international customer base without building market infrastructure independently.

Established businesses are also using Temu

The survey indicates that Temu is not only attracting newly established online sellers. 43% of the businesses surveyed had already been selling for more than 10 years before joining the platform, suggesting that established companies are also using marketplaces as an additional route to customers.

Meanwhile, 75% of respondents said Temu had become either an important additional sales channel or their primary sales channel.

This highlights the changing role of marketplaces within SME e-commerce strategies. Rather than relying exclusively on their own websites or traditional retail channels, established businesses are increasingly adding large digital marketplaces to their distribution mix.

Cross-border e-commerce opportunity

The international expansion reported by participating sellers also reflects the broader importance of marketplaces in European cross-border commerce. Research from the OECD indicates that more than a quarter of European SMEs already sell across borders within the EU, while many businesses consider access to the single market important for their growth strategies.

For SMEs, marketplaces can reduce some of the barriers associated with entering new markets by providing an established digital sales environment and access to international consumers.

However, the Temu survey was commissioned by the platform itself and covers a relatively small sample of 152 existing Temu sellers. The findings therefore reflect the experiences of participating businesses rather than the wider European SME population.

Still, the results point to a growing role for marketplaces in helping European SMEs pursue international sales, operational expansion and cross-border e-commerce growth.

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Turkmenistan Moves to Regulate E-Commerce as Digital Payments Surge

Turkmenistan is taking steps to strengthen its digital economy with a new draft law on electronic commerce, as online and non-cash payments continue to grow across the country.

The draft Law of Turkmenistan “On Electronic Commerce” is currently being prepared alongside amendments to several other pieces of legislation. The initiative is designed to establish clearer rules for digital transactions, strengthen consumer and seller protections, and create a more structured environment for e-commerce.

The legislation is part of Turkmenistan’s broader Digital Economy Development Concept for 2026-2028, which focuses on digital services, e-government and innovative technologies.

According to data from the Central Bank of Turkmenistan cited in the report, around 1,043 retail outlets had been connected to the national e-commerce system through banks by early 2026. That figure increased to approximately 1,075 outlets by April, although around 69% of connected outlets are concentrated in the capital, Ashgabat.

Digital payments have also recorded significant growth. Non-cash payments through the country’s e-commerce system increased by nearly 84% in 2025, reaching approximately 2.63 billion Turkmen manats, compared with 1.44 billion manats a year earlier.

From Digital Payments to Full E-Commerce

The rapid expansion of electronic payments provides a foundation for e-commerce, but payment digitization alone does not constitute a complete digital commerce ecosystem.

For Turkmenistan to develop a more integrated e-commerce market, further progress will be needed in areas including logistics, digital platforms, consumer protection, data management, online marketing and dispute resolution.

The forthcoming legislation could help establish a common legal framework and reduce uncertainty for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises looking to expand their use of digital commerce.

Another challenge will be extending digital commerce beyond Ashgabat. The concentration of e-commerce infrastructure in the capital indicates that regional connectivity, digital infrastructure and digital literacy will remain important priorities.

A New Stage for Turkmenistan’s Digital Economy

The proposed legislation represents an important step in formalizing an e-commerce sector that is already beginning to grow. Its long-term impact, however, will depend on whether the new rules can encourage wider participation from businesses and consumers and support digital commerce across the country.

As Turkmenistan continues its legislative work, the key question will be whether the country can move beyond the digitization of payments and build a broader, integrated e-commerce ecosystem.

The coming years could therefore mark an important transition for Turkmenistan as it seeks to connect digital payments, regulation, businesses and consumers within a more developed digital economy.

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ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement Could Reshape Regional E-commerce

ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement -DEFA- aims to harmonize digital trade, E-commerce, payments, data governance, cybersecurity, and AI rules across 11 Southeast Asian markets.

ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement could become one of the most important regional digital trade initiatives in the world, with the potential to reduce regulatory fragmentation across Southeast Asia and create a more integrated market for E-commerce businesses.

Negotiations on the agreement, known as DEFA, concluded in May 2026 after several years of discussions among ASEAN member states.

The framework covers a broad range of digital economy issues, including cross-border E-commerce, digital trade, data governance, digital identity, electronic payments, cybersecurity, online safety, and the movement of digital talent.

If signed, ratified, and implemented effectively, DEFA could help transform ASEAN from a collection of separate national digital markets into a more connected regional E-commerce ecosystem.

ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Targets a More Unified Digital Market

ASEAN’s digital economy has expanded rapidly, but businesses still operate across highly fragmented regulatory environments.

Companies selling across Southeast Asia must navigate different rules for payments, customs, data, consumer protection, digital identity and online transactions.

DEFA is intended to reduce some of these barriers by establishing a more consistent regional framework.

For E-commerce companies, greater regulatory alignment could lower compliance costs and make it easier to expand into additional ASEAN markets.

The agreement could also improve businesses’ ability to scale regionally without building entirely separate operational systems for each country.

ASEAN Digital Economy Could Reach $2 Trillion

The economic potential is significant.

ASEAN has a population of more than 680 million consumers, and studies project that its digital economy could reach around $2 trillion by 2030 under stronger regional integration.

At the same time, Southeast Asia’s digital economy has already become one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets.

E-commerce, digital payments, online services, and technology platforms have expanded rapidly across countries including Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.

However, this growth has largely taken place within national markets.

ASEAN Digital Economy Framework seeks to create a stronger regional layer atop these domestic ecosystems.

E-commerce Could Benefit From Lower Cross-Border Friction

One of the most important benefits of DEFA could be easier cross-border E-commerce.

Today, smaller exporters in ASEAN frequently face different invoicing rules, customs processes, payment standards and regulatory requirements when entering a new market.

A more harmonized framework could reduce these barriers.

For example, common approaches to electronic invoicing, digital identity and customs procedures could make it easier for a small business in Indonesia to sell products to customers in Thailand, Malaysia or Vietnam.

This is particularly significant for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

MSMEs account for approximately 97% of businesses across ASEAN and around 85% of regional employment.

For these companies, the true value of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework may not simply be reflected in total trade volumes.

It may instead be measured by how much cheaper and easier it becomes to enter a second, third or fourth regional market.

Intra-ASEAN Trade Could Rise by Up to 20%

The potential impact could extend beyond digital services.

According to an OECD analysis, stronger digital trade integration under the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement could increase intra-ASEAN trade by up to 20%.

Such an increase would depend heavily on implementation.

Each participating government will still need to translate regional commitments into national laws, regulations and administrative systems.

Implementation is also unlikely to progress at the pace of all markets.

Digitally advanced economies such as Singapore may be able to adopt certain elements relatively quickly, while other ASEAN members may require additional time, technical support or regulatory capacity.

A Flexible Model for 11 Different Economies

One of DEFA’s most significant features is the diversity of the countries participating in the agreement.

ASEAN includes advanced digital economies as well as developing markets with very different regulatory structures, infrastructure levels and institutional capacities.

This makes the agreement a notable test of whether countries at different stages of digital development can operate under a common regional framework.

ASEAN has traditionally relied heavily on consensus-based decision-making.

It also has mechanisms that allow some members to move ahead while others require additional time to implement particular commitments.

This flexibility could become important during the implementation phase of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement.

Rather than requiring every country to move at exactly the same speed, the framework may allow integration to progress while providing additional support to markets with lower levels of digital readiness.

Small Businesses Were Included in Negotiations

The agreement was also developed with significant stakeholder participation.

Since negotiations began in 2023has , ASEAN held multiple negotiating rounds and consulted technology companies, business organ,izations and thousands of small businesses.

This is important because smaller companies could be among the main beneficiaries of digital regulatory harmonization.

Large multinational companies often have the financial and legal resources needed to manage regulatory differences between countries.

Small businesses generally do not.

Reducing those differences could therefore make cross-border digital trade more accessible to smaller sellers.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn has previously highlighted the potential of DEFA to create new opportunities for women entrepreneurs, rural innovators and youth-led start-ups.

AI Added to the Digital Rulebook

The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement is not limited to conventional E-commerce regulation.

Negotiators also incorporated emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into the framework.

This makes the agreement particularly significant at a time when governments around the world are still developing approaches to AI governance.

ASEAN could therefore become an important testing ground for regional cooperation on cross-border AI and data rules.

A common approach could help companies deploy AI-powered services across ASEAN markets while establishing shared expectations around governance and responsible technology use.

For E-commerce companies, AI is already becoming increasingly relevant in areas such as personalization, fraud prevention, demand forecasting, logistics, customer service and digital advertising.

How these technologies are regulated across borders will therefore have direct commercial implications.

Digital Identity and Cybersecurity Are Key Pillars

Cybersecurity and online trust are another important part of the agreement.

Digital commerce cannot expand sustainably if consumers and businesses do not trust online platforms, payments and digital identities.

The scale of online fraud across the wider Asia-Pacific region has made this issue increasingly urgent.

Combined losses from scam-offensesoffences across East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand were estimated at between $88.3 billion and $114.1 billion in 2025.

Regional cooperation around cybersecurity, digital identity and consumer protection could therefore become essential to sustaining E-commerce growth.

The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement could provide a framework for ASEAN governments to coordinate more closely in these areas.

Payments and Digital Identity Could Improve Regional Commerce

Greater interoperability between digital payment and identity systems could also have major commercial benefits.

ASEAN countries have already made progress in connecting some regional payment systems.

The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement could reinforce this trend by creating common principles for digital transactions and authentication.

For consumers, this could make cross-border purchases easier.

For businesses, it could reduce transaction friction and simplify payment acceptance across markets.

Digital identity systems could also improve areas such as customer verification, onboarding, fraud detection and access to financial services.

Implementation Will Determine DEFA’s Success

The conclusion of negotiations does not mean the regional digital market will change immediately.

The agreement must still move through signing, ratification and national implementation.

ASEAN is expected to continue the formal process toward adoption following the conclusion of negotiations.

The most important test will therefore be whether governments convert the regional framework into functioning national systems.

Transparent monitoring could become important.

Tracking indicators such as cross-border SME sales, digital trade volumes, regulatory compliance costs and E-commerce market entry could help governments understand whether DEFA is producing practical results.

Technical support may also be necessary to help less digitally advanced members implement the framework effectively.

From 11 Markets to One Scalable Opportunity

The long-term significance of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement will depend on whether businesses eventually begin to see Southeast Asia less as 11 separate digital markets and more as one scalable commercial opportunity.

That would represent a major change for regional E-commerce.

A company entering ASEAN currently needs to consider different regulations, payment environments, consumer expectations and digital systems across multiple countries.

A more integrated framework would not eliminate these differences, but it could reduce the regulatory barriers that make regional expansion expensive and complex.

For global E-commerce platforms, retailers and technology providers, that could make Southeast Asia significantly more attractive as a unified growth market.

DEFA therefore represents more than another trade agreement.

It is a test of whether digital multilateralism can work across countries with very different economic systems, regulatory environments and levels of technological development.

If ASEAN succeeds in implementing a common digital rulebook, the framework could become an important reference point for other regions seeking to combine E-commerce growth, AI governance and cross-border digital integration.

Nairobi to Host Digital Trade Congress 2026 as Kenya Strengthens Its Digital Trade Ambitions

Kenya is strengthening its position as a leading digital trade hub in Africa as Nairobi prepares to host the Digital Trade Congress (DTC) 2026 on August 28.

Held under the theme “From Local to Global: Scaling Cross-Border Trade,” the congress is expected to bring together more than 200 policymakers, business leaders, investors, technology innovators and development partners to discuss the future of digital commerce and cross-border trade in Africa.

The event is being organised by Teki in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through its Pan-African E-commerce Initiative (PECI). The initiative aims to strengthen Africa’s digital trade ecosystem and expand opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women-led businesses and young entrepreneurs participating in cross-border commerce.

Kenya Targets a Bigger Role in Africa’s Digital Economy

Kenya’s growing focus on digital trade comes as African countries accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol.

The country has been designated the African Union Champion for Digital Trade under the AfCFTA, reflecting its growing role in areas including digital payments, technology and e-commerce. Digital trade has also been identified as a strategic pillar of Kenya’s economic transformation agenda, with technology-enabled commerce expected to contribute to exports, industrialisation, employment and regional competitiveness.

The scale of the opportunity is significant. Industry forecasts cited by the congress organisers suggest that Africa’s e-commerce market could surpass $113 billion by 2029, while cross-border payment flows could increase from approximately $329 billion in 2025 to around $1 trillion by 2035. More than 500 million Africans are already participating in digital commerce.

Focus on Cross-Border Trade Barriers

Despite the rapid growth of digital commerce, businesses operating across African markets continue to face challenges related to fragmented regulations, payments, logistics costs, cybersecurity and limited access to digital markets.

DTC 2026 will address these challenges through executive discussions, investment forums, innovation showcases and business-to-business engagements. Key topics will include cross-border logistics, digital payments, fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, consumer protection and regulatory harmonisation.

The congress programme also includes discussions on market access, digital trade regulations, technology infrastructure, financing and inclusion, highlighting the need to create a more connected environment for businesses seeking to expand beyond their domestic markets.

Kenya Ecommerce Alliance to Launch

One of the key highlights of the event will be the launch of the Kenya Ecommerce Alliance (KECA), a public-private platform designed to bring together government, industry, development partners and businesses.

The alliance is expected to support greater coordination across Kenya’s digital commerce ecosystem and contribute to the development of an environment where local businesses can scale into regional and international markets.

As Nairobi continues to attract technology companies, investors and digital businesses, the Digital Trade Congress reflects Kenya’s broader ambition to move from being a technology and innovation centre to becoming a major gateway for Africa’s cross-border digital commerce.

The Digital Trade Congress 2026 will take place on August 28 at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi, bringing together stakeholders from across the African trade ecosystem under a shared focus on turning digital trade opportunities into practical commercial growth.

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Russia’s E-Commerce Turnover Reaches RUB 7.2 Trillion in H1 2026

Russia’s e-commerce market continued its strong expansion in the first half of 2026, with online retail turnover reaching RUB 7.2 trillion (approximately $90.8 billion), according to data from the Association of Internet Trade Companies (AKIT). The figure represents an 18.7% year-on-year increase.

Regional Markets Drive Russia’s E-Commerce Growth

The latest figures highlight a significant shift in Russia’s e-commerce landscape, with regional markets increasingly driving growth beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Domestic online stores and marketplaces generated approximately RUB 6.9 trillion, while cross-border e-commerce accounted for RUB 245.8 billion, representing 3.4% of total online turnover.

E-commerce also increased its contribution to Russia’s overall retail sector. Online sales represented 22.2% of total retail turnover between January and June 2026, up from 20.9% during the same period a year earlier.

According to AKIT, 45 Russian regions have already exceeded the national average for online retail penetration. The Arkhangelsk region recorded the highest share at 52.9%, followed by the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug at 38.8%.

Regions outside Moscow and St. Petersburg generated nearly 80% of Russia’s total e-commerce turnover during the first half of the year. Moscow remained the largest individual regional market, accounting for 15.4% of turnover, but its share declined from 16.5%.

Online Retail Expands Beyond Major Cities

The rapid development of e-commerce in Russia’s regions is being supported by wider marketplace access, expanding pickup-point networks and improved delivery infrastructure.

AKIT president Artem Sokolov said online shopping is particularly attractive in areas where traditional retail offers a more limited product range. The trend has been especially visible across Siberia and the Far East, where consumers increasingly use online platforms to access products that may not be readily available locally.

Several regions recorded e-commerce turnover growth of more than 30%, including Tyva, the Nenets and Jewish autonomous okrugs, Chechnya, Dagestan, Trans-Baikal, Kalmykia, Kaliningrad and Amur.

Marketplace operators are also seeing stronger growth outside the country’s largest cities. Ozon reported that regional online orders are growing faster than those in Moscow, where online penetration is already significantly higher.

Home, Fashion and Food Lead Online Spending

Home goods and furniture represented the largest category of online sales during the first half of 2026, accounting for 15.8% of e-commerce turnover.

Clothing and footwear followed with 15.1%, while food accounted for 14.8%. Electronics and appliances represented 13%, and beauty and health products contributed 6.8%.

Digital goods recorded the fastest growth, expanding by almost 40% year on year. Online turnover for pharmaceuticals, pet supplies and crafting materials also increased by around 30%.

Russia’s E-Commerce Market Enters a New Phase

The H1 2026 results underline the increasing importance of e-commerce to Russia’s retail economy. With online sales now accounting for more than one-fifth of total retail turnover, growth is increasingly coming from regional consumers rather than only the country’s major metropolitan markets.

The expansion of marketplaces, logistics networks and pickup infrastructure is helping narrow the gap between urban and regional consumers, creating new opportunities for retailers and digital commerce platforms across the country.

However, disruptions affecting major marketplace infrastructure could pose challenges for the sector’s continued growth. The broader resilience of Russia’s e-commerce ecosystem will therefore depend increasingly on diversified logistics networks and the ability of platforms to maintain reliable fulfillment capacity.

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JD.com Opens Seoul Buying Office to Expand Korean Product Sourcing

China’s e-commerce giant JD.com has opened a direct sourcing office in Seoul as it seeks to expand its procurement of Korean consumer goods and respond to growing demand for Korean products among Chinese shoppers.

The new purchasing unit marks a deeper integration between Korean brands and China’s rapidly expanding digital retail ecosystem, while offering Korean exporters a more direct route to reach Chinese consumers.

Korean Consumer Goods Exports Rebound

The move comes as Korean consumer-goods exports show signs of recovery following several years of post-pandemic weakness.

Shipments across five major categories – cosmetics, food, fashion, household goods and pharmaceuticals – increased 8.7% year-on-year to $3.44 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $3.16 billion during the same period a year earlier, according to Korea Customs Service data cited by The Korea Times.

Trade officials see China’s digital commerce platforms as an increasingly important channel for Korean brands seeking to rebuild their presence in the market.

JD.com, alongside platforms such as Douyin and Alibaba, is becoming part of a broader shift toward direct digital distribution rather than relying exclusively on traditional export intermediaries.

JD.com Signs $1.5 Million in Supply Deals

To mark the opening of its new Seoul purchasing unit, Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) hosted a business matchmaking event with JD.com executives.

The delegation included 12 senior JD.com executives, led by Vincent Yang, the company’s vice chairman and head of cross-border business.

Around 200 Korean consumer brands participated in the event, where JD.com conducted 54 one-on-one procurement meetings.

Following the meetings, JD.com signed supply contracts with nine Korean companies worth a combined $1.5 million over the next year.

Among the companies was fashion brand Reclow, which will sell its apparel through a self-operated flagship store on JD.com. Jewelry brand Lloyd was also among the businesses entering supply agreements with the Chinese platform.

For Korean SMEs, direct platform integration could help reduce some of the logistical, payment and market-entry challenges associated with exporting to China.

China’s E-Commerce Market Creates New Opportunities

China’s online retail sector has expanded significantly in recent years.

Online sales accounted for around 30% of China’s total retail market in 2020, but that share has now risen to more than 44%, highlighting the growing importance of digital channels in reaching Chinese consumers.

Changing consumer behavior is also influencing the types of products Korean companies are bringing to the Chinese market. Value-conscious spending, demographic changes and the continued shift toward online shopping are encouraging brands to adapt their products and sales strategies.

For Korean exporters, selling directly through major Chinese platforms can provide access to established digital infrastructure and a large consumer base without depending entirely on conventional distribution networks.

JD.com Plans Dedicated Korean Goods Section

JD.com plans to expand a dedicated section for Korean products on its platform and work with KOTRA to identify additional Korean companies with export potential.

The platform already operates a logistics entity in Korea that provides customs and fulfillment services, giving Korean sellers access to infrastructure that can support cross-border transactions.

Kim Min-hwa, head of JD.com’s Korea office, said Korean consumer goods continue to perform steadily on the platform, citing their quality and appeal among Chinese consumers.

The company’s expanded sourcing operation could therefore provide Korean brands with a more structured route into JD.com’s marketplace.

Direct Platform Integration Becomes More Important

KOTRA is increasingly emphasizing direct purchasing relationships between Korean exporters and major Chinese e-commerce platforms.

The strategy reflects a broader transformation in cross-border commerce, where marketplaces are moving beyond simply providing a digital storefront and are becoming more closely involved in sourcing, logistics, fulfillment and international distribution.

For Korean SMEs, these relationships could create more predictable order flows while lowering some of the operational barriers traditionally associated with entering overseas markets.

JD.com’s Seoul sourcing office represents another step toward this model, connecting Korean manufacturers directly with one of the world’s largest e-commerce ecosystems.

As Chinese consumers continue to shift their spending online, closer integration between Korean suppliers and Chinese digital platforms could become an increasingly important driver of cross-border trade.

Source: The Korea Times