Macro-level Assessment of e-Commerce Readiness in Ethiopia: Emphasis on the Supply-side

Abstract

E-commerce literature emphasizes the need to periodically assess the level of e-commerce readiness of a nation in order to figure out key areas that require intervention from stakeholders. However, no study is found in extant literature that is aimed at assessing the e-commerce readiness of Ethiopia. The objective of this study is to map the e-commerce readiness level of Ethiopia with emphasis on the supply-side of e-commerce. To that end, a descriptive survey of e-commerce readiness was conducted at macro level. The study was a cross-sectional survey that mainly employed a qualitative approach. The study also reviewed e-commerce readiness studies conducted and models developed both at the regional and international level. From among such models, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) self-assessment tool was selected as an appropriate instrument for adoption and development of a measure for e-commerce readiness in Ethiopia. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of the...