National consultant to lead e-commerce activities in Zambia

National consultant to lead e-commerce activities in Zambia

• Zambia
• International Trade Centre (ITC)
• 5 months ago

BACKGROUND

The International Trade Centre (ITC), headquartered in Geneva, is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN). It is the only multilateral agency fully dedicated to supporting the internationalization of micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs). ITC’s mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable growth and development through trade and international business development. ITC Headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland.

MSMEs face several constraints to achieving meaningful connectivity, including lack of affordable access, low awareness, and adaptation to digital, low availability of advisory and technical support from the business support ecosystem and a lack of digital skills among management and the workforce.

Switch ON, an initiative integral to ITC’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, prioritizes digital connectivity as a key enabler to an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous world. Switch ON aims to get more MSMEs online and engaged in digital trade and entrepreneurialism, upgrading business capabilities, and generating economic opportunities with a particular focus on the disadvantaged. Zambia was chosen in 2022 as a pilot country for this initiative.
For digital trade to be inclusive in Zambia – accessible to different regions, sectors of activity and the varied experience of businesses – appropriate local support needs to be offered, adapted to the needs of different communities. In this context, the “Switch ON” initiative proposes establishing several local facilities (“Switch ON hubs”) in Zambia – that provide a focal point for learning and support. This digital trade hubs will offer a range of services, including training and access to equipment and tools, that can help businesses transition to digital processes and solutions.

Our digital trade hub in Livingstone will lay the foundation for our vision of establishing a
comprehensive digital entrepreneurship hub in the region. Building upon our ongoing
entrepreneurship and policy initiatives in Lusaka, we aim to leverage the valuable insights gained from the Livingstone hub to expand our presence to other regions, following with Solwezi.

Get FREE Job Alerts