Describes how widely e-Commerce is used, the primary sectors that sell through e-commerce, and how much product/service in each sector is sold through e-commerce versus brick-and-mortar retail. Includes what a company needs to know to take advantage of e-commerce in the local market and , reputable, prominent B2B websites.
Last Published: 7/17/2017

Overview

Electronic commerce is not widely used in the Republic of Congo. The internet penetration rate is one of the lowest on the continent due to lack of reliable infrastructure and equipment. The situation is expected to improve with the completion of a fiber optic link which will connect both Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville to the West Africa Cable System.  This should pave the way for improved internet performance once distribution and administrative services are able to connect and support all of the businesses and individual customers clamoring for improved service.
 

Current Market Trends

The eCommerce market is extremely limited in the Republic of Congo, with few market trends to speak of.
 

Domestic eCommerce (B2C)

E-commerce is at an early stage in the Republic of Congo. Lack of consistent and widely used internet services is a major challenge for e-commerce.
 

Cross-Border eCommerce

Cross-border eCommerce is extremely limited. It primarily consists of advertisements posted in social media.
 

B2B eCommerce

B2B e-commerce is essentially nonexistant.
 

eCommerce Services

No information is available on eCommerce services.
 

eCommerce Intellectual Property Rights

eCommerce Intellectual Property Rights are governed by the African Organization of Intellectual Property.
 

Popular eCommerce Sites

No popular eCommerce sites are known.
 

Online Payment

Online payment is barely used in the Republic of Congo.
 

Mobile eCommerce

No information is available on mobile e-commerce.
 

Digital Marketing

Digital Marketing is at an early stage, and primarily takes place via postings to social media.


Major Buying Holidays

Major buying holidays mirror the typical American holiday season including Christmas and the New Year.


Social Media

Social media is growing in popularity in the Republic of Congo especially among young people.  The most popular social media platforms include Facebook and WhatsApp.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.