A new report by Crowd Analyzer has revealed that widespread consumer distrust is significantly slowing the growth of Egypt’s e-commerce sector. Published on August 15, the annual “E-commerce Cross-Market 2024” study highlights Egypt’s struggle to build consumer confidence compared to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
According to the findings, 41% of Egyptian online reviews reflect distrust in e-commerce, with poor product quality and inadequate return policies cited as the main causes. Sentiment analysis shows that 73% of conversations carry negative tones, the highest among the markets studied. Only 38% of reviews expressed satisfaction with product quality, underscoring deep concerns around reliability and value.
Other contributing factors include fears of fraud, weak regulatory protections, and limited after-sales service. These systemic issues persist despite government efforts to promote e-commerce as a pillar of economic growth.
By contrast, Saudi Arabia and the UAE present stronger consumer confidence, supported by strict regulations, reliable logistics, and well-developed after-sales structures, enabling their e-commerce markets to flourish.
Egypt’s situation reflects a paradox: despite its large youth population and rising internet penetration, mistrust continues to undermine the country’s digital commerce potential. Restoring consumer confidence through stronger consumer protections, improved logistics, and better quality assurance will be critical for unlocking growth in Egypt’s online retail market.
