Mali: The Rise of Smartphone Usage for Online Shopping
Mali is witnessing a surge in smartphone usage, significantly impacting online shopping trends. As the eighth-largest country in Africa by land area, with a population exceeding 20 million, Mali’s digital market landscape is rapidly evolving.
By 2021, about 25% of the population engaged in online shopping via smartphones, a figure expected to climb to 35% by 2025. This growth is driven by:
- Increased availability of affordable smartphones
- Expansion of mobile networks
- Growing popularity of e-commerce
Advantages of smartphone use in online shopping include:
- Convenience and portability
- The ability to shop anytime, anywhere
- Access to a wide range of products and services
- Potential for cost savings through price comparisons
Challenges such as limited internet access and high data costs persist, yet the trend towards smartphone-based online shopping is expected to continue its upward trajectory in Mali, supported by economic growth and improvements in technology and infrastructure.