Vanuatu entrepreneurs embrace E-commerce revolution

January 24, 2024 10:24 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

25 Ni-Vanuatu entrepreneurs have participated in an E-commerce training course, which unite Pacific entrepreneurs from Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu last week.

The course, aligned with the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap and implemented by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), aims to empower businesses to thrive in the digital age.

Project Coordinator of PIFS E-commerce Acceleration Program, Mattia De Biasi, said the workshop has allowed participants who are new to E-commerce to learn about channels for online sales such as their own websites, social media platforms, and online market places, and have helped entrepreneurs evaluate paid and free options for online advertising.

“Through the participation of banks and telecoms providers, the course also showcased available online payment solutions.

“In addition, participants learned about managing customers’ experience, before and after the purchase,” he stated.

“The course also provided an overview of the legal framework for E-commerce. Finally, participants learned about how to deliver products to customers locally and internationally.”

Biasi shared that there is an opportunity for a grant of US$5,000 and free coaching for E-commerce projects, two grants will be awarded in each country; to be eligible to apply, the business must be based in Vanuatu, Samoa, Tuvalu and Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

He said that in each country, successful applicants to the grants will be supported by a business coach on the ground, who will help grant recipients develop their E-commerce business needs.

The grant disbursement comprises 60% upon award and 40% after one month, subject to the business’s progress in their E-commerce project and effective collaboration with their business coach, Biasi said.

While no new E-commerce workshops are planned, course materials and video lessons will be available on the PIFS E-commerce Portal at www.pacificecommerce.org for entrepreneurs who couldn’t attend.

He added that, the grant is open to all businesses, including those who didn’t participate in the workshop, catering to both established businesses and start-ups.

With the participants from Vanuatu, most of the participants have existing businesses, while some participants were still developing their business idea Biasi said.

He added that entrepreneurs can find Business Toolkits that are step-by-step guides on how to start selling online, and have been developed for specific industries such as kava producers, guesthouse owners, and business service provides on the E-commerce portal (www.pacificecommerce.org/toolkit-library).

A total of 66 Pacific entrepreneurs took part of this E-Commerce workshop. For Vanuatu participants, the workshop was held on January 16, 17 and 18 at Yumiwork, Lolam House.

The PIFS reported that the 66 entrepreneurs took the opportunity to discuss their visions for digital business in the Pacific, sharing insights and addressing misconceptions.

Dalida Borlasa from Yumi Up, a Vanuatu startup focussing on recycling services, said, “I found the E-commerce workshop very valuable because it taught me to create good relationships with customers who interact with my business online. I believe that the course will help me move forward with my business goals”.

Conducted simultaneously in Samoa, Vanuatu, and Tuvalu, the course leveraged technology for cross-border engagement. Live demonstrations by Pacific service providers, including Vodafone or Maua App, also enhanced the practical learning experience.

Reflecting on the workshop’s success, Marc Gerard, E-commerce trainer in Vanuatu, commented, “Most of the Pacific Islands are barely starting their digital transformation. Business opportunities are massive. Being an entrepreneur today in this context is exciting indeed, despite facing issues such as limited connectivity or payment solutions.”

Zarak Khan, PIFS Director of Programmes and Initiatives, says the rising demand for e-commerce training is demonstrating the growth of this sector across the region.

“The Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy aims to elevate our entrepreneurs, and this workshop is one of the practical initiatives to achieve that goal.”

Regional support, though, does not end here.

The training programs have led to the creation of an online Community of Practice providing Pacific entrepreneurs with access to training material, resources, information, direct support from mentors and network support.