Scholarship or Trap? Why Northern Nigerian youth must verify foreign opportunities by Alhassan Bala - WeekendDigits@ITREALMS

Hundreds of young Nigerians, including students and graduates from northern Nigeria, have benefited from legitimate scholarships and educational opportunities offered by foreign governments and institutions. Such programmes can open doors to quality education, professional development and international exposure.

However, the growing use of social media to advertise scholarships, jobs and training opportunities abroad also presents serious risks.

How MVNOs can unlock opportunities in Nigeria's telecom amid challenges by Elvis Eromosele - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Phenomenal is one word that has been used to describe the growth of the Nigerian telecom sector. The rise from under half a million lines to 165 million in 24 years is truly phenomenal by any standard. It's not surprising therefore, that the question on the lips of many today is whether the Nigerian telecom sector has reached its limit.

Proponents of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) say there’s still room to grow. This was the central focus of the Telecoms Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF 6.0) in Lagos, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) Potential: Status, Trends, Investment, and Future Prospects.”

It's official! Darey.io, Xterns.ai launch in Nigeria, revolutionizes learning, opportunities - ITREALMS

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It is now true that Darey.io and Xterns.ai have been officially launched in Nigeria, reports ITREALMS.

Founding Chief Executive Officer (fCEO) Darey.io and Xterns.ai, Mr. Dare Olufunmilayo, told ITREALMS at the weekend during the formal launch, that Darey.io, is Africa’s first Contextual Learning Platform (CLP) and just like his story which began some 15 years ago as a fashion designer in Yaba, Lagos, “anyone can launch their tech career using our framework. That's why we are darey.io.”

NDSF25 to discourse Global Digital Compact, opportunities for stakeholders on June 19 - ITREALMS

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Listen to our Digital Insight Podcast:- "Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum 2025: Internet Governance for Development"

The ITREALMS Media group, through its annual Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) series on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D), will host a crucial discussion on the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and its implications for Nigerian stakeholders, reports ITREALMS.

The forum, themed "Global Digital Compact: Opportunities for Multi-stakeholders in Nigeria," will take place on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Welcome Centre Hotels, International Airport Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

AfriTECH 4.0: Kashifu says Blockchain, AI offer Africa unprecedented opportunities - ITREALMS

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The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has highlighted the transformative potential of blockchain and AI in positioning Africa as a global technology leader.

In his keynote address, titled "Blockchain Technology & AI: Positioning Africa for the Future," and delivered at the Africa Tech Alliance (AfriTECH 4.0) Forum held in Lagos recently, Abdullahi emphasized Africa's unique position to leverage these technologies for economic and social development.

2,659 NYSC members compete for NNPC Foundation business opportunities - ITREALMS

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A total of 2,659 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) across Nigeria have been pre-qualified for the final phase of the NNPC Foundation Business Pitching Exercise, reports ITREALMS.

According to the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Olufemi Soneye in a press statement available to ITREALMS, this exercise would hold from July 2nd to 10th, 2024, as an integral part of the NNPC Foundation’s Financial Literacy Program for Nigerian youths that witnessed the engagement of over 284,000 corps members, who underwent rigorous training and assessments.

Trends and Opportunities for Export in Africa by Reuben Kalu - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!


We Provide the Best Export Solution in Africa, unlocking Africa's trade potential, making it easier than ever for business owners to venture into the world of international trade to improve their forex earning.

You must be an exporter to survive the dollar exchange rate.

ES @NCDMB visits NUPRC, NIACOM, outlines collaboration opportunities - ITREALMS

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The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe on Tuesday visited the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe and the Commissioner for Insurance of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Sunday Olorundare Thomas at their respective offices in
Abuja.

The visit by the new NCDMB boss was aimed at familiarizing himself with chief executives of institutions that are represented on the NCDMB’s Governing Council as well as exploring areas of collaboration.

Guterres launches AI Advisory body - ITREALMS

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The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory body on risks, opportunities, and international governance of artificial intelligence, reports ITREALMS.

Disclosing this, Mr. Guterres said the creation of a new AI Advisory body is to support the international community’s efforts to govern artificial intelligence.

FirstBank changes name of subsidiaries, reiterates cross-border business opportunities - ITREALMS

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Premier financial services institution, the First Bank Nigeria Limited, has began a phased corporate name change of its subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and Sub-Saharan Africa, reports ITREALMS.

Sources at the bank headquarters, informed ITREALMS that the FBNBank UK, FBNBank Sierra Leone, FBNBank Gambia and FBNBank DRC are the first set of subsidiaries effecting the name alignment.

Missed opportunities of Nigerian election 2023: A metaphorical analysis - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

Following the turbulence of #NigeriaDecides2023, and with a calmer state of mind after the emotionally charged aftermath of the election, now may be an appropriate time to reflect and evaluate. The opinions expressed here are solely my own and do not represent any institution to which I have direct or indirect ties. Given the highly charged and divisive nature of the overall discourse, it is essential to provide an impartial context. I feel it's relevant to disclose that I have a mixed heritage, being part Igbo, part Yoruba, and part Ghanaian. My paternal grandfather hails from Owerri in Imo State, while my paternal grandmother is from Offa in Kwara State, and my mother is Ghanaian. With that said, we can now delve into a metaphorical analysis of the missed opportunities presented by this significant election.

I believe that the history of a nation with enormous potential but lacking significant achievement is riddled with missed opportunities. Nigeria, a country that has been blessed by nature with abundant resources, including human, material, and commodities, has had tremendous opportunities to excel on the global stage. One of the most conspicuous examples of wasted opportunities is in the Oil and Gas industry. Despite being Africa's largest oil producer for decades, Nigeria's output has been hindered by theft and sabotage in recent years. As a result, according to OPEC reports, the country has fallen to the fourth-largest oil producer in Africa.

IDGC2018: Sosan tasks girls to confidently use opportunities - ITREALMS

ITREALMS

The former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan, has tasked Nigerian girls to be confident by exploring the opportunities within their immediate environment for the good of the society, reports ITREALMS.

Sosan gave this charge at assembly of girls for the International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC 2018) hosted in Nigeria by eBusiness Life Communications in Lagos with the theme ‘The power of The Adolescent Girl: Vision For 2030.’ 

ITREALMS gathered that Sosan who also chaired the event, encouraged the girls from several schools across Lagos and environ, to be courageous, bold and strong without waiting for opportunities to be handed over to them.

Although there are a lot of challenges militating against girl child in Africa, she said, they should research and follow up on global trends, coupled with pursuant of relevant education and they will make the necessary difference that the society needs.

Further, she challenged them to make themselves relevant in all spheres of life and rise above the challenges that face them, and not to “advertise themselves through their dressing and talk mode.”

“You girls should also learn to encourage less privileged girls because the more the merrier. It’s about women supporting women, girls supporting girls. What boys can do, girls can do also, just offer yourselves to do those difficult tasks” She also told the girls to be “bold and strong and speak out.”

While applauding non-government organisations (NGOs) for offering platforms where girls can access aids, she also called on the public and private sectors to encourage girls by providing facilities to teach them, especially in public schools.

Also speaking at the event, Public Sector Manager, Globacom, partners of the event, Mrs. Tina Abdulateef noted that girls have strong assertive attention and long attention span and can take in a lot of information at a time, which gives them an edge against boys. “These are qualities that can be used to excel”, she asserted.

She advised them to research things that will develop them in whatever career path they may choose.

Further encouraging the students, Lead Consultant, IT Managed Services, Signal Alliance Mr. Kinsley Inyang, who represented the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Adanma Onuegbu, told the girls of the need not to relent in the pursuit of their endeavors. “Do not relent, strive hard, look high and you will get there.”

He said girls still have so much to contribute in the growth, development and global competitiveness of the country.

The students, during a panel discussion comprising representatives of five schools in attendance, expressed their concerns on the societal treatment of girls.

The panel discussion, themed “How human trafficking endangers the future of young girls” saw the girls raise issues against the handling by the government, families and friends, of girl victims of human trafficking and rape. They called on the government to ensure proper rehabilitation of victims and smooth integration into the society.

They also opined that government should take another concerned look at girls and their security, they should also infuse it into their campaign promises. They should not make false promises or lie to the victims. They charged Nigerians to stop stigmatizing victims and bring about due punishment for child trafficking and rape offenders.

While moderating the students’ panel, Chief Executive Officer of customer Centricity Limited, Mrs. Uloma Umeano charged Nigerians to be their “brothers’ keepers”, encourage undercover activities and whistle blowing, geared at fishing out traffickers.

“We should also show them (the victims) love and open our arms to them”

She further tasked the girls to learn to communicate with their parents, assuring them that “girls can grow to be strong women; therefore be confident of who you are, learn what knowledge capital is all about.”

In her opening remark, the convener and Chief Executive Officer, eBusiness Life Communications, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, explained that the International Day of the Girl Child is a campaign to spread awareness about issues faced by girls, especially in developing countries. “The main aims of the day are to promote girl empowerment and fulfilment of their human rights, while also highlighting the challenges that girls all over the world face.”

According to her, issues that need to be addressed include access to education; gender bias, early marriage, sexual violence against girls among others.

Speaking further, she noted the need to equip the girls with transferable and lifelong skills such as critical thinking, creativity and digital awareness. “Having role models will also be critical, especially in the sciences and other fields where the presence of women is sparse.”

*Nkem Nweke with additional report by Chidi Nwankwo/GEE

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FBNQuest highlights investment opportunities for diaspora Nigerians - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

FBNQuest Asset Management, a part of the FBN Holdings Plc Group, has called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to take advantage of the numerous investment opportunities available in Nigeria, reports ITRealms.

This call was made at the just-concluded Nigerians in Diaspora Global Development Conference in London. 

The conference presented a rare opportunity for Nigerians in the diaspora to engage in constructive and interactive sessions, with key decision makers across different industries in Nigeria encouraging stakeholders to partner and collaborate on investment schemes. 

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the NIDO-led $20 million Diaspora Housing Investment Fund, a closed end investment fund to be privately placed and constituted under a Trust Deed with a suitable Commercial Trustees to be selected. 

The fund will be established through the issuance of the similitude of a real estate investment trust scheme which will provide opportunities for individual and institutional investors to participate in the Nigerian real estate sector.

The conference yielded fruitful discourse and exchange of ideas that examined the intersections between investment in human capital, natural resources, entrepreneurship, innovation and technology in Nigeria. 

As one of the major sponsors of the conference, FBNQuest Asset Management called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to offer strategic expertise in their various endeavours to impact the country with knowledge and financial capacity, especially by way of investment. 

Speaking during the conference, Managing Director, FBNQuest Asset Management, Ike Onyia, said: “We want to partner with the Diaspora community through NIDO and its members. As a member of one of the leading financial services groups in Africa, we are well-positioned to serve the diaspora community professionally and to ensure their aspirations in the area of maximising investment returns are fulfilled. 

“FBNQuest Asset Management is open to partnerships that will unlock the potential of the Nigerian diaspora community as a source of economic development. We provide bespoke solutions to organizations and individual investors looking to set up structures that can help them achieve their investment goals. As a trusted advisor and credible partner with sound local knowledge and a rich pedigree, we will help them navigate through opportunities in the homeland.”

FBNQuest Asset Management is a leading asset manager in Nigeria for individual and institutional investors, guiding clients through Africa’s dynamic markets, while identifying the best opportunities to shape portfolios in line with specific investment goals. 

The firm was recognised as the “Best Asset Manager in Nigeria” in the prestigious Euromoney Private Banking and Wealth Management Survey 2017, which is the industry’s leading barometer of the world’s best service and product providers. 

The survey covers 15 different product and client categories and has ranking results in 70 countries in which FBNQuest Asset Management emerged number one in Nigeria.

Nenye Dom/GEE

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NIRA media college takes on DNS industry opportunities - ITREALMS Online

ITREALMS:

The 2018 .NG “One-day Media College” event organized by Nigeria Internet

Registration Association (NiRA) is set to hold on Friday, July 20 with the theme “A World of Opportunities: Tapping the opportunities in the DNS Industry” reports ITRealms.

Dean, NiRA Academy and Resource Centre, Mr. Sikiru Shehu, revealed this to ITRealms in a press statement made available to our news room, saying the event venue is the NIRA Office Complex, Funsho Williams Avenue, Iponri, Surulere, Lagos.

As said by him, the one-day .NG Media College is aimed at encouraging creativity and
discourse on Domain Name Industry and its relevance in the Legal, ICT and
Financial Industries in Nigeria.

“We will have presentations on “brand protection and trademarking on the Internet”, “Cyber security: protecting the resilience of Nigeria’s financial services”, “a case study for the
financial services sector in Nigeria to adopt Nigerian online identity”, local hosting etc,” he said.

Pointing out that eminent personalities have accepted to be part of the discuss and participants have until July 15, this year to register for the one-day college.

Uj. N. Dominic/GEE

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Digitalisation to spur opportunities, entrepreneurship - UNCTAD

ITREALMS:

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has said that digitalization will create more opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses, reports ITRealms.

UNCTAD in its latest policy brief made available to ITRealms, noted that the world is at the dawn of the next technological revolution, bearing transformational implications for all.

“Digitalization will create opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses, and bring benefits to consumers,” part of the statement read.

Pointing out that the global growth of e-commerce is a good example of this. However, many existing practices will be disrupted, and incumbents exposed to competition. Skills requirements of workers will change, and many jobs will be lost and created due to automation.

Like previous large-scale economic transformations, the UN agency noted that the benefits will be immense, but they will not materialize through a smooth, cost-free transition.

The net outcome will depend on policies undertaken at the national and international levels to build countries’ capabilities – in a wide range of policy areas – to maximize the benefits of these transformations and ensure their equitable distribution.

Consistency with international commitments such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development requires a strong international effort to ensure that no one is left behind in the transition to a digital economy.

An holistic policy approach towards digitalization and trade would be a step in the right direction towards recognition of the right of people in developing countries to connect to the new world of technological progress and benefit from the prosperous future they deserve.

Nenye Dom/GEE

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Internet opportunities: Africa, the place to be

ITRealms:

Despite dismal domain names currently on the continent of Africa, the chairman, Board of Directors, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), Dr. Steve Crocker, has expressed optimism on Internet opportunities in Africa, reports ITRealms.

Speaking as a special guest at the outreach session organized by the Africa Regional At-Large Organisations (AFRALO) as part of the sideline events of ICANN59 public policy forum, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Though he noted that the Continent may be going through some challenges at the moment, Crocker was optimistic that Africa has the business opportunities, so “this is the place to be.”

He further told participants made up of At-Large Structures (ALSes) and students from University of Johannesburg, that new ideas are always welcome and encouraged the students to take active part in ICANN59 and At-Large in general.

“Don’t hesitate to ask questions,” he urged.

Nonye Dom/GEE

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Opportunities in Biafra by Aliyu Nuhu!

Commentary@ITRealms:

Those that want an independent state of Biafra should know that there are more to do about nation building than making noise and declaring remembrance holidays.

Biafra is a bad case for nationhood. It is as bad for take off as nation as most parts of Nigeria. It is hopelessly underdeveloped without roads or cities. It does not grow any food to support its population. It has no power plants to power growth. 

With present power plants in the country, very few are in Biafra and cannot give enough megawatts to power growth. Of all the refineries in present day Nigeria,none is in the state of Biafra. Biafra has nothing to offer Igbos. 

With all the monies that went to the region, Biafra cannot boost of single motorable highway. Its leaders stagnated and undermined its development. 

It has little space for all,little universities, no rail network,no factories to work,no electricity,even within itself it is the most violent region in terms of armed robbery and insecurity,it has no domestic market to trade within, no seaports to export anything, no airport to fly anywhere. 

In short Biafra in so underdeveloped that its dream is close to insanity. If all Igbos leave the rest of Nigeria and migrate to Biafra,riots and confusion is what will ensue.

Igbos are stuck with Nigeria. The best option is to join forces with the rest of marginalized Nigerians to make Nigeria a better place for all. No state can emerge out of Nigeria and make any economic headway.
Its a fact.

( I have never seen a more ignorant and perverse presentation from an an otherwise very intelligent and informed person).

*Aliyu Nuhu​ wrote in from Lagos where he lives.
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Africa telecom, finance leaders assess accelerating digital investment opportunities

ITRealms:

The telecommunications and financial technology companies have been discovered to increasing investment across Africa as the rapidly improving digital infrastructure and services, and the take up of smartphones, provide huge opportunities for business and revenue growth, reports ITRealms.

Also, ITRealms gathered that leaders from Africa's biggest telecom investment companies including MTN, Orange, Helios Towers, American Tower, Eaton Towers, Google, Microsoft, Liquid Telecom and SEACOM are meeting with investment bankers, investors and advisers in London on May 24 to discuss accelerating new investment opportunities in digital communications and infrastructure.

Telecom and tech companies are increasing investment across Africa as the rapidly improving digital infrastructure and services, and the take up of smartphones, provide huge opportunities for business and revenue growth.

“Telecom and tech companies are ramping up their investment plans for digital infrastructure and services across Africa as reach of service and demand is soaring,” commented an investment banker focused on Africa. “On the infrastructure side, operators are investing in spectrum, especially in the 700MHz band, as well as on strengthening their networks by migrating from 3G to 4G LTE-based services. Mobile tower operators are also investing heavily while submarine and terrestrial cable providers have been increasing the available backbone infrastructure.”

“Improving broadband speeds and access is also having a big impact on both business to business and consumer focused opportunities. Datacentre investment appetite is growing and Smartphone take-up is supporting the growth in m-commerce, m-money and m-banking services which presents a massive opportunity for vendors and application providers.”

Over 200 senior telecom, media and tech executives, including many industry CEOs, investment bankers and advisers will meet at TMTFinance Africa 2017 at the Hilton Hotel Tower Bridge in London on May 24 to discuss the new investment and partnership opportunities.

The executive only event, which is in its eight year in London, features over 70 speakers and 25 sessions on telecom, media and tech investment and partnership opportunities for Africa.

Participating companies include: MTN Group, Orange, Liquid Telecom, Eaton Towers, American Tower Corporation, Jumia Food, SEACOM, Savannah Fund, Fibersat, PayStack, Sliide Airtime, Connect Africa, Rack Centre, Citi, Helios Towers Africa, Standard Bank Group, Atlas Mara Ltd, Draper Dark Flow, Google, Microsoft, Ringier Africa, Norton Rose Fullbright, WorldRemit, IFC, Amadeus Capital Partners, WIOCC, Societe Generale Chanzo Capital, Africa Mobile Networks, African Broadcast Network, Intelsat, Digital World Capital, MainOne Cable, M-KOPA Solar, Flexenclosure, Hardiman Telecom and African Capital Alliance.

Nonye Dom/GEE

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PIDA wants Africa to provide opportunities for youth, accelerate job creation

ITRealms:

The Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) ended its 2016 Week in Abidjan with a call for accelerated job creation through infrastructure development for Africa’s transformation, reports ITRealms.

Africa, PIDA said, has to provide employment opportunities for its youth if it is to harness their potential and contribute to the desired economic growth outlined in the vision of Agenda 2063.

The call was made by officials from the African Union (AU), the NEPAD Agency and the African Development Bank (AfDB) at the opening of the second annual Programme for Infrastructure Development (PIDA) Week which ended weekend in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

This year’s gathering organized under the theme, “Creating Jobs through Regional Infrastructure Development,” had over 250 participants and stakeholders representing Member States, private sector, development partners and project owners.

PIDA, a multi-sectoral programme covers transport, energy, transboundary water and ICT, is dedicated to facilitate continental integration in Africa through improved regional infrastructure.

PIDA week 2016 will showcase and validate the relevance of regional infrastructure (PIDA) projects and the impact thereof on the socio-economic development of Africa and particularly on job creation for the youth.

H.E. Dr. Elham M.A. Ibrahim, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, said, “PIDA should play an important role in narrowing the gap between job creation and unemployment. To that end, public decision-makers and private sector management are urged to actively undertake training and skills acquisition in infrastructure development, particularly in building roads, rail systems, power generation and power transmission systems in order to enable young Africans to be well prepared for the implementation of complex programmes such as PIDA.”

The week’s events intend to build on the achievement of the inaugural event held in 2015 to increase the visibility of PIDA projects, reach out to the global infrastructure investor community, development finance institutions, export credit agencies, project sponsors (public and private) and governments.

NEPAD Agency CEO, Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki underscored that if Africa is to be successful in increasing the number of regional and domestic infrastructure projects and their impact, changes are needed in mind-set, policy pronouncements and programme implementation. He indicated that there is a need to continue with the positive streamlining of trans-boundary infrastructure projects as highlighted in PIDA and complementary initiatives.

“Africa stands to benefit from its critical human resources, the young people, who must be nurtured to enable their meaningful participation in national development efforts and I believe that infrastructure development is central to this,” said Dr Mayaki.

In his address, AfDB acting Vice President Stephan Nalletamby, outlined, “PIDA’s continued importance for Africa’s transformation and insisted that the programme was “solid, sustainable and attainable objectives for 2030.”

“We have selected our destination and we are going to get there, as long as we can be assured of excellence in our infrastructure and total reliability in its implementation and operation on the ground. The PIDA programme is at the front of our thinking. We consider it to be critical for Africa’s integration agenda,” Nalletamby told participants. “PIDA has the unique feature of being the first African infrastructure development agenda, designed by Africans and fully owned and endorsed at the highest level by African Heads of State and Government. So it has to succeed,” he concluded.

PIDA Week 2016 will also focus on reporting key achievements. The PIDA Progress Report 2016, shared after the opening ceremony, highlighted the need to de-risk infrastructure and PIDA projects to solicit interest from private sector investors as well as domestic and international investors. The Continental Business Network, CBN, has provided the platform to engage private sectors stakeholders. The 2016 report also give an overview of progress made with the 16 priority PIDA projects agreed upon at the 2014 Dakar Financing Summit.

In addition to progress and successes, the report presents a candid review of the challenges and lessons learnt to ensure continued accelerated implementation of PIDA projects.

Chuks Egbune with agency report/GEE

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$22trn e-commerce opportunities beckon on 138 developing countries

ITRealms:

There is a $22 trillion electronic commerce (e-Commerce) opportunities for over 138 developing countries including Nigeria, reports ITRealms.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) made this disclosure Monday at the launch of a new e-commerce initiative ahead of UNCTAD 14, according to its Secretary-General, Mukhisa Kituyi.

“A huge divide is opening between countries that are exploiting those opportunities and those that are not,” Kituyi said.

As said by UNCTAD, developing countries should grasp the rapidly growing opportunity of electronic commerce – e-commerce – worth around $22.1 trillion in 2015, up 38 per cent from 2013, or risk falling quickly behind.

The new initiative, called “eTrade for All”, brings international organizations, donors and businesses under one umbrella, easing developing country access to cutting-edge technical assistance and giving donors more options for funding.

By providing new opportunities and new markets, online commerce, UNCTAD said, could help generate economic opportunities, including jobs. But while more than 70 per cent of people are shopping online in Denmark, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom, the story is different in most developing countries. In Bangladesh, Ghana and Indonesia, for example, just 2 per cent or less of the population buy online.

E-commerce, Kituyi said, includes both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C), respectively valued at around $19.9 trillion and $2.2 trillion each, according to the new UNCTAD data. This trade is mostly domestic, but is becoming more and more international.

The new UNCTAD data show that e-commerce is growing rapidly, with emerging economies accounting for most of this growth. China is now the world’s largest B2C e-commerce market, both in terms of sales and in number of online shoppers. Brazil, India, the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation have also all moved into the top 10 e-commerce markets.

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