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.

Overview
 

E-Commerce is a slow-growing sector in Haiti, constrained by limited internet infrastructure and regulation. U.S. owned company Access Haiti has been successful with wireless Internet Service Providers (ISP). Natcom, a joint venture between the Vietnamese telecoms company Viettel and the government of Haiti, provides both cellular and internet service, and continues to work to expand its services nationwide. Cellular provider Digicel also offers internet service.The government of Haiti has made minimal progress  to modernize the law that governs credit banking practices, security instruments, and laws on collateral. In early 2017, the Parliament enacted legislation making electronic signatures and electronic transactions legally binding, but no further action to improve laws governing credit banking practices have been taken since. 

Online Payment

Cash payments, checks, and bank transfers are the preferred methods of payment used in Haiti. Phone and online payments are only offered by a few companies.  

E-Commerce Intellectual Property Rights

There are currently no laws in place to regulate electronic IPR. 

Mobile E-Commerce

Mobile e-commerce is a slow growing market in Haiti. The sector is composed of the country’s two cell-phone providers, Digicel and Natcom. Under a mandate from the Haitian Central Bank, both providers are using a bank-led partnership to deliver their mobile money services to their customers. The standard services including cash in/cash out, airtime purchases, formal bill payment, international remittances, and repayment loans. 

Digital Marketing

Many companies and informal business owners are taking advantage of social media platforms to maximize their online presence and boost their brand visibility.

Social Media

Social media has expanded in Haiti. Haitians turn to social media for breaking political news and to critique the government, particularly over WhatsApp. Utilized as a mechanism for sharing information, social media can be particularly helpful during times of natural disasters.
 

 

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.