The Vanuatu e-commerce strategy and roadmap

May 2022

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Strategies and Action Plans

The Vanuatu e-commerce strategy and roadmap, published in May 2022, outlines a comprehensive national approach to support the growth of digital trade and electronic commerce across the country. Developed with support from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the strategy aims to foster inclusive and sustainable development by addressing structural barriers and leveraging digital technologies.

The document identifies key challenges hindering the development of e-commerce in Vanuatu, such as limited internet coverage in rural areas, low digital literacy, limited access to digital payment systems, high logistics costs, and weak regulatory frameworks. It also recognises the need to improve trust in online systems and build capacity within both the public and private sectors.

The strategy is structured around six priority policy areas:

  1. ICT infrastructure and services
  2. Logistics and trade facilitation
  3. Legal and regulatory framework
  4. E-payment solutions
  5. Skills development and support for MSMEs
  6. E-commerce strategy implementation and coordination

Each area is accompanied by specific actions, timelines, and responsible stakeholders, with an emphasis on cross-sectoral coordination. The Implementation Roadmap provides a five-year timeline (2022–2027) for achieving milestones such as modernising ICT infrastructure, establishing a legal framework for electronic transactions, promoting digital literacy, and improving delivery and payment systems for remote communities.

The strategy aligns with regional frameworks such as the Pacific Regional E-Commerce Strategy and the Vanuatu National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) 2016–2030. It also promotes public-private collaboration and engagement with development partners to mobilise technical and financial resources.

By implementing this strategy, Vanuatu aims to boost the competitiveness of its businesses, expand market access for local producers, improve government service delivery, and promote economic diversification through the digital economy.