Egyptian consumers are showing caution toward online shopping, with trust issues continuing to slow the growth of e-commerce in the country.
A report released on August 15 by Crowd Analyzer highlights that nearly half of digital reviews reflect negative perceptions of online retail, driven primarily by concerns over product quality and return policies.
The annual E-commerce Cross-Market 2024 report, which compares trends in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, reveals that 41% of Egyptian opinions on digital platforms express a lack of confidence in the sector.
This is notably higher than in the UAE, where consumer sentiment remains predominantly positive.
Return and exchange policies appear to be a major sticking point. According to the report, 73% of conversations around returns convey dissatisfaction.
Product quality is another source of frustration: only 38% of reviews consider it satisfactory, the lowest among the three markets examined.
Other challenges weigh heavily on Egyptian consumers. Concerns over fraud, insufficient regulatory protections, and perceived weak after-sales service contribute to what analysts describe as structural mistrust. These obstacles persist despite government efforts to bolster e-commerce as a key driver of economic growth.
In contrast, Gulf neighbors like the UAE benefit from more robust regulatory frameworks, efficient logistics, and stronger consumer protections, which have fostered higher confidence in online retail.
In Egypt, a youthful population and growing internet penetration have yet to overcome persistent skepticism, leaving trust as the sector’s Achilles’ heel.
Analysts suggest that improving transparency, strengthening consumer rights, and enhancing return and delivery systems could be critical to transforming Egypt’s e-commerce landscape.
Until then, hesitation and caution continue to temper the ambitions of both local businesses and international investors seeking to tap into one of Africa’s largest online markets.
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