As inflation continues to challenge small businesses globally, many are turning to e-commerce platforms to sustain operations and expand customer reach. A recent survey by Shopify revealed that 68% of small business owners in the US, UK, and Africa reported increased online sales in the past year.

E-commerce has allowed businesses to diversify their income streams, reduce overhead, and connect directly with consumers. “We went from struggling to ship locally to sending our handmade soaps to customers in Canada and Germany,” said Aisha, a small business owner in Africa 

Experts suggest the shift is also fueled by the rise of digital payment systems, social media marketing, and affordable web development tools.

However, challenges such as logistics, cybersecurity, and digital literacy remain barriers for some entrepreneurs.

Governments in many regions are beginning to offer training programs and subsidies to support digital transformation. Analysts predict that by 2030, e-commerce could account for over 30% of all small business revenue globally.