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E-commerce Increases Across West Africa as COVID-19 Sweeps the World

Stacey Knott

   ACCRA - As COVID-19 sweeps the globe, more and more people are relying
   on e-commerce to get what they need so they canpracticesocial
   distancing. Businesses across West Africa are also seeing a boost in
   their online sales, though as experts say due to the digital divide,
   not everyone will have access.

   Founder of BigSampsMarket in Ghana,ElselundEwudzie-Sampson has seen a
   drastic increase in demand since the pandemic. Her business does market
   shopping and delivery. However, she says she might soon have to stop
   her services.

   "I think with the virus or the pandemic, people are getting scared to
   go to themarket,so they are actually running to us, they are trusting
   us to provide the service to them. However, we are also thinking of
   going on a break because of that," she said.

   Stopping services would be bad for business, but she says she also
   needs to consider the health of her staff.

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