Visa has unveiled the results of its first Women SMB Digitalization Index for Oman, highlighting the growing role of women entrepreneurs in the country’s digital economy. The findings reveal that while women-owned businesses in Oman are excelling in adopting AI and new technologies, challenges remain in product innovation and customer acquisition.
The survey, which assesses businesses based on five key indicators—online presence, digital payment acceptance, payment security awareness, customer engagement, and customer retention—showed that 38% of respondents face challenges in developing innovative products and services. Meanwhile, 33% identified a need for better payment acceptance training, and 32% emphasized the importance of enhanced customer acquisition strategies.
Manish Gautam, Visa’s Country Manager for Oman, commented on the findings, stating, “Our study highlights that women-owned businesses in Oman are tech-savvy and eager to expand. However, we must address gaps in innovation and customer engagement. Visa is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, mentorship, and resources to succeed and help build a resilient digital economy in Oman.”
Key findings from the Women SMB Digitalization Index include:
- Raising Capital: Access to funding remains a critical challenge, with many women entrepreneurs relying on bank loans (38%), venture capital (37%), and angel investors (36%). They also seek assistance from friends and family (35%) and reinvest profits (29%) to grow their businesses.
- Technology Adoption: Women entrepreneurs in Oman are embracing AI to enhance their businesses. The survey found that 60% use AI for payments and billing, 57% for sales and marketing, and 55% for product development and supply chain management. Additionally, 59% of respondents are aware of cyber threats, with 54% reporting improved automation and faster payment processing due to AI integration.
- Digital Security: To secure digital transactions, 46% of women entrepreneurs prioritize advanced security measures, while 41% focus on employee awareness and training.
- Growth Priorities: Growth and skill development are key priorities, with 50% of respondents looking to enhance their business’s social or environmental impact. Additionally, 44% aim to explore new markets or industries, and 38% seek to build stronger partnerships.
Visa remains committed to supporting women entrepreneurs in Oman with resources, tools, and platforms to thrive in the digital economy.
About Visa
Visa is a global leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Visa’s mission is to connect the world through a secure, reliable, and innovative payments network, helping individuals, businesses, and economies thrive.
