A recent study by Mastercard, the multinational financial services corporation, has revealed a rapid growth in online shopping in the region during the ongoing pandemic period. Nearly three out of four (73%) consumers in the Middle East and Africa were found to be shopping more online than they did before the pandemic.
The study provides significant insights into how shoppers are rapidly moving away from cash and opting for contact-free and digital payment experiences. These insights are helping e-tailers and businesses across the region to leverage the shift towards online shopping and to deliver fast, convenient and secure transactions.
According to the survey, data top ups, apparel, groceries, banking and healthcare were found to have the highest surge in online activity. More than 70 percent of consumers in the Middle East and Africa said they had shopped more online for data top ups, 63 percent for clothing, and over 52 percent said they had purchased groceries online.
And, as e-commerce increasingly becomes a part of everyday life, consumers are moving other aspects of their financial management to digital, with 66 percent of respondents having started banking online, and 56 percent managing their healthcare needs online.
Mastercard has been working with businesses, financial institutions and other stakeholders to advance digital payments in Kuwait, and the pandemic has reinforced the necessity to continue evolving the safe and secure consumer payment experience. From a simplified online checkout experience to an in-store tap on a contactless terminal, it is evident that being able to respond to the rapidly evolving consumer expectations is a critical priority.
“In Kuwait, as with the rest of the region, shoppers are increasingly going online for their day to day needs including groceries, banking, managing their healthcare and much more. We are committed to transforming the digital commerce experience in Kuwait to be consumer-centric, thus ensuring the online shopping experience is simple, safe and convenient” said Mohamed Debbagh, Director, Country Business Development – Kuwait, Mastercard.