The growth of e-commerce during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects on various industries, with one of the most notable shifts being the exponential growth in the e-commerce sector. As more consumers have turned to online shopping and digital transactions to meet their needs during the pandemic, it is evident that digital transactions will continue to shape consumer behavior post-COVID-19. Aida Diara, the Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for Visa Sub-Saharan Africa, sheds light on how this growth has impacted the company and the industry as a whole. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Diara discussed the accelerated adoption of digital payments, the shift towards contactless payments, and the importance of online security in the e-commerce space. She highlighted key trends in consumer preferences and emphasized the need for industry players to prioritize security and innovation to drive the continued growth of e-commerce in Africa. With a significant percentage of consumers expressing a preference for digital payments even after the pandemic, it is clear that the future of retail lies in the digital realm. As cash transactions become increasingly rare and digital payments become the norm, companies like Visa are at the forefront of driving this transformation and ensuring a seamless and secure experience for consumers and merchants alike.