digital economy

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

Bombay High Court Orders Amazon to Hand Over Expired Goods for Disposal

The Bombay High Court has directed Amazon Retail India to hand over all expired and perished goods stored at its Bhiwandi warehouse to the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for scientific disposal.

The order comes amid an ongoing dispute between Amazon and the Maharashtra FDA over the suspension of the warehouse’s licence.

Court Orders Scientific Disposal

A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad directed Amazon to prepare an inventory of all expired and perished products at the Bhiwandi facility and transfer them to the concerned FDA officer.

The FDA will oversee the disposal process in accordance with applicable regulations, while Amazon will bear the associated costs.

The court has also directed the Maharashtra FDA to file its response to Amazon’s plea challenging the suspension of its warehouse licence by August 27.

Dispute Over Warehouse Operations

The case follows regulatory action against Amazon’s Bhiwandi facility in Maharashtra after the FDA alleged that expired food products had entered the retail market instead of being properly destroyed.

The High Court had previously criticised the FDA for what it described as an excessive approach toward the warehouse, urging the authority to implement enforcement measures in a more systematic manner.

The latest directive provides a temporary arrangement for handling the expired inventory while the broader legal dispute over Amazon’s warehouse licence continues.

Implications for E-Commerce Fulfilment

The case highlights the growing importance of inventory control, product traceability and regulatory compliance in e-commerce fulfilment operations, particularly for food and other perishable products.

As online retailers continue to expand their fulfilment networks, ensuring that expired or damaged inventory is identified, segregated and disposed of in accordance with local regulations remains a critical operational and consumer-safety responsibility.

The Bombay High Court’s decision puts the immediate focus on the safe disposal of Amazon’s expired inventory while the court considers the company’s challenge to the regulatory action.

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European Air Cargo Demand Falls as EU Tightens Import Rules

European air cargo demand continued to weaken last week, with the latest decline linked partly to the European Union’s stricter rules governing imports, according to industry data reported by Air Cargo News.

The slowdown is particularly visible on the China-Europe trade lane, which plays a major role in supporting cross-border e-commerce. Changes to the EU’s import framework are adding pressure to a market already facing shifts in consumer demand, shipping patterns and logistics costs.

Stricter EU Rules Affect Cross-Border Shipments

The European Union has been tightening its approach to low-value imports as the volume of e-commerce parcels entering the bloc continues to grow.

For air cargo operators and e-commerce logistics providers, these regulatory changes can influence shipment volumes, customs processes and delivery economics. The impact is particularly significant for businesses relying on high-frequency, low-value shipments from major Asian e-commerce markets.

As import requirements become more stringent, some shipment flows may be consolidated or adjusted, potentially reducing the number of individual air cargo movements.

China-Europe Air Cargo Under Pressure

China remains one of the most important origins for European e-commerce imports. The continued decline in demand on the China-Europe lane therefore highlights the broader impact that regulatory changes can have on international e-commerce logistics.

The latest figures also point to a more challenging environment for air freight operators, as demand is becoming increasingly sensitive to both regulatory developments and changes in cross-border shopping patterns.

For logistics providers, this could accelerate efforts to optimize networks, consolidate shipments and develop more flexible delivery models.

What It Means for E-Commerce Logistics

The developments underline the growing connection between e-commerce regulation and logistics performance.

As European authorities introduce stricter import requirements, retailers, marketplaces and logistics companies will need to adapt their cross-border supply chains. This may include improving customs compliance, changing fulfilment strategies and reassessing the economics of air transportation for smaller parcels.

The trend also reinforces the importance of building flexible logistics networks capable of responding quickly to regulatory changes.

For the global e-commerce industry, the coming months will show whether the decline in European air cargo demand represents a temporary adjustment or a longer-term shift in cross-border shipping patterns.

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Alo Launches Exclusive E-Commerce Platform in China via Tmall

US athleisure brand Alo is expanding its presence in China with the launch of its first official e-commerce store in mainland China on Tmall, Alibaba’s leading B2C marketplace.

The online flagship store will feature more than 300 products and will serve as Alo’s exclusive e-commerce channel in mainland China. Through the partnership, the brand will gain access to Tmall’s customer base, including more than 62 million 88VIP members.

Online-First Strategy

The launch marks the latest step in Alo’s entry into the Chinese market. The brand established its presence in mainland China in June through WeChat and Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote.

Alo has since expanded its local digital ecosystem by introducing an event-booking platform through a WeChat Mini Program and appointing Chinese K-pop star Ningning of Aespa as a brand ambassador.

The company’s decision to prioritise e-commerce allows it to build on existing social media momentum while testing consumer demand and product preferences before making larger investments in physical retail.

According to Maggie Xie, associate director at S&P Global Ratings, an online-first approach can help Alo enter the market with lower upfront capital expenditure compared with opening physical stores.

Competing in China’s Athleisure Market

Founded in 2007, Alo has developed a strong following among younger consumers through its California-inspired aesthetic and celebrity partnerships, including Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid.

The brand is entering an increasingly competitive Chinese athleisure market, where international and domestic sportswear companies are competing for consumers seeking premium athletic and lifestyle products.

By combining social media, influencer marketing and a Tmall flagship store, Alo is building a digital-first route into the Chinese market while gaining an opportunity to understand local consumer behaviour.

The strategy highlights the growing importance of marketplaces and social commerce in helping global brands test new markets before committing to extensive physical retail networks.

For Alo, Tmall provides not only a sales channel but also an entry point into one of the world’s largest and most competitive e-commerce markets.

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Saudi Arabia’s Q1 Consumer Spending Growth Boosts Retail Real Estate Demand

Saudi Arabia’s retail sector continued to show strong momentum in the first quarter of 2026, with rising consumer spending supporting demand for retail real estate across the Kingdom.

Consumer spending reached SR425 billion ($113.3 billion) in Q1 2026, representing a 6.8% year-on-year increase, according to consultancy Knight Frank. The growth highlights the continued strength of Saudi Arabia’s consumer economy and its growing impact on the country’s retail property market.

Consumer Spending Strengthens Retail Demand

The increase in consumer spending is providing a strong foundation for retailers and landlords as Saudi Arabia continues to expand its modern retail infrastructure.

Higher household expenditure is contributing to demand for shopping centres, retail destinations and other commercial spaces, particularly as consumer activity remains an important driver of the Kingdom’s broader real estate market.

The trend also reflects the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia’s consumer landscape, where changing lifestyles, population growth and expanding retail offerings are creating new opportunities for brands and property developers.

Retail Real Estate Gains Momentum

The relationship between consumer spending and retail property is becoming increasingly important as Saudi Arabia develops large-scale mixed-use and commercial destinations.

Strong spending levels can encourage retailers to expand their physical presence, while developers benefit from greater demand for high-quality retail locations. This creates a cycle in which stronger consumer activity supports retail expansion and new retail destinations, in turn, provide additional opportunities for brands.

Saudi Arabia’s retail market is also being shaped by the Kingdom’s wider economic diversification strategy, which places greater emphasis on tourism, entertainment, hospitality and consumer-focused industries.

A Positive Signal for the Saudi Retail Market

The Q1 figures provide a positive signal for retailers, investors and real estate developers operating in Saudi Arabia.

With consumer spending rising by 6.8% year-on-year to SR425 billion, the Kingdom continues to demonstrate significant retail market potential. As new commercial and mixed-use developments progress, sustained consumer demand could remain a key factor supporting the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s retail real estate sector.

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Etsy Cuts 12% of Workforce Days After $1.4 Billion Depop Sale

Etsy is restructuring its business and cutting around 200 jobs just days after receiving $1.4 billion from the sale of its Depop marketplace to eBay, creating a striking contrast between the company’s fresh cash injection and its decision to reduce its workforce.

The company announced the layoffs on August 5, with the cuts affecting approximately 12% of its workforce. Most of the impacted positions are in product and engineering, according to reports. Etsy said the restructuring is designed to simplify its organizational structure, improve coordination and accelerate decision-making.

Layoffs Follow Strong Second-Quarter Performance

The workforce reduction came alongside Etsy’s second-quarter results, which showed continued growth in its core marketplace.

Etsy Marketplace revenue increased 9.3% year over year, while gross merchandise sales (GMS) rose 7.5% to approximately $2.6 billion. The company also reported comparable net income of $114 million, representing an increase of more than 50% from the previous year.

The results suggest that the layoffs are not simply a response to deteriorating marketplace performance. Instead, Etsy is positioning the restructuring as part of a broader effort to make the company more focused and efficient.

CEO Kruti Patel Goyal said cost savings would be a consequence of the restructuring rather than its primary objective. She also said the layoffs were not driven by artificial intelligence, although Etsy continues to use AI in product development and other areas of the business.

$1.4 Billion Depop Sale Adds to the Restructuring Story

The timing of the layoffs has drawn particular attention because Etsy completed the $1.4 billion sale of Depop to eBay on July 30, only six days before announcing the workforce reductions.

The transaction is part of Etsy’s broader strategy to streamline its portfolio and concentrate resources on its core marketplace. The company previously sold Reverb, another marketplace business, in 2025.

Rather than using the proceeds primarily to expand its workforce, Etsy is simultaneously restructuring its organization and returning capital to shareholders. The company has authorized an additional $2 billion share repurchase program.

Etsy Refocuses on Its Core Marketplace

The latest moves highlight a broader shift in Etsy’s strategy: moving away from operating multiple marketplaces and toward strengthening its flagship Etsy platform.

The company expects the restructuring to be substantially completed by the end of the third quarter of 2026. Employees affected by the cuts are expected to receive severance packages, including at least 16 weeks of pay and extended healthcare coverage, according to the company’s disclosures.

For Etsy, the combination of marketplace growth, portfolio divestments, workforce restructuring and a major share-buyback authorization signals a more focused phase of its business strategy.

The company is now betting that a leaner organization and greater concentration on its core marketplace can translate recent financial momentum into sustainable long-term growth.

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Hepsiburada Reports 13.4% Order Growth in Q2 2026 as GMV Reaches TRY 56.7 Billion

Hepsiburada continued to expand customer activity and order volumes in the second quarter of 2026, highlighting the Turkish e-commerce platform’s growing transaction scale despite continued pressure on profitability.

The company reported 19.5 million orders in Q2, up 13.4% from the same period last year, while the number of active customers reached 11.5 million. Order frequency also increased, suggesting that existing customers are shopping more frequently on the platform.

Orders Rise as Customers Shop More Frequently

One of the strongest signals from Hepsiburada’s latest results was the increase in purchasing frequency.

Customers placed an average of 7.4 orders during the quarter, compared with 6.5 orders in Q2 2025. At the same time, active customers increased 2.5% year over year.

However, the higher order volume was accompanied by a 9.4% decline in average order value, reflecting changes in consumer purchasing behavior.

Hepsiburada’s marketplace remained the main driver of its commerce business, accounting for 68.6% of GMV during the quarter.

GMV Growth Remains Positive

Hepsiburada generated TRY 56.7 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) during Q2, up 2.8% year over year. Revenue increased 3.1% to TRY 22.8 billion.

Looking at the first half of 2026, the growth picture becomes stronger. GMV reached TRY 118.6 billion, representing a 14.7% increase from the first half of 2025.

Total orders for the first six months reached 39.8 million, up 17.7% year over year.

The figures point to continued expansion in transaction activity, even as the platform operates in an environment where consumers are becoming more selective about spending.

Profitability Becomes a Key Challenge

While customer engagement improved, Hepsiburada faced greater pressure on its bottom line.

The company recorded a TRY 1.89 billion net loss in Q2, compared with a TRY 956.2 million loss in the same period last year.

EBITDA also declined to TRY 239.2 million from TRY 976.9 million a year earlier.

Hepsiburada said its results reflected continued investments in growth initiatives, highlighting the challenge of balancing expansion with profitability as the platform scales.

Hepsiburada Expands Into Consumer Finance

Beyond its core marketplace operations, the company is also continuing to build out its broader commerce ecosystem.

In June, Hepsiburada launched Hepsitaksit, a new financing product designed to give customers additional flexibility when making purchases.

During its first month, transactions through Hepsitaksit represented 0.4% of total GMV, marking an early step in the company’s efforts to integrate financial services more closely with its e-commerce platform.

A Mixed Picture for Turkish E-Commerce

Hepsiburada’s Q2 results offer a broader snapshot of the evolving Turkish e-commerce market.

The platform is attracting more orders and encouraging customers to shop more frequently, while GMV continues to grow over the first half of the year. At the same time, lower average order values and increased investment are creating pressure on profitability.

As Hepsiburada moves into the second half of 2026, the key question will be whether it can turn stronger customer engagement and higher transaction volumes into more sustainable financial performance.

For now, the company’s latest results show an e-commerce business continuing to scale – but with efficiency and profitability becoming increasingly important alongside growth.

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CarrefourSA Completes Majority Ownership Transfer to Yeni Mağazacılık

Ownership Transfer Officially Completed

ISTANBUL – CarrefourSA has officially completed the transfer of its majority ownership to Yeni Mağazacılık A.Ş., the retail company behind Türkiye’s discount chain A101, following the receipt of all required regulatory approvals.

The transaction covers 89.28% of CarrefourSA’s shares, previously held by Sabancı Holding and Carrefour Nederland BV. With the closing of the deal, CarrefourSA becomes part of Aydın Group’s retail portfolio under Yeni Mağazacılık.

CarrefourSA and A101 to Continue as Separate Brands

Despite the acquisition, CarrefourSA and A101 will continue to operate as separate brands, maintaining independent management structures, distinct retail formats, and their existing brand identities. The companies emphasized that the integration is designed to strengthen CarrefourSA’s financial position while preserving its premium supermarket positioning, with A101 continuing to focus on the discount retail segment.

CarrefourSA will remain under the leadership of CEO Hatice Evren, who will oversee the company’s next phase of growth. Aydın Group stated that the retailer will benefit from stronger financial backing, enabling investments in customer experience, supplier partnerships, employee development, and nationwide expansion.

Growth Strategy Focuses on Expansion and Investment

According to Erhan Bostan, Board Member of Aydın Group, the company aims to leverage CarrefourSA’s strengths in fresh food, product variety, and quality while expanding its footprint across Türkiye. The group plans to increase accessibility by opening new stores and strengthening collaboration with local suppliers, contributing to employment and the country’s organized retail sector.

The completed transaction marks a significant development in Türkiye’s organized retail sector, strengthening Aydın Group’s multi-brand strategy while allowing CarrefourSA and A101 to continue serving different customer segments.

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