BoxCommerce Launches in UAE to Revolutionise SME E-Commerce Landscape

BoxCommerce, the fast-growing global e-commerce player and partner of MasterCard Start Path, has officially touched down in the UAE, aiming to transform digital trade for small and medium-sized businesses. With an impressive track record of empowering merchants in markets as diverse as Kenya, South Africa, and Indonesia, the innovative company promises to shake things up in one of the world's most lively online ecosystems.

"The UAE represents an incredibly strategic launch for us," commented Craig Mcleod, BoxCommerce's CEO and founder. He highlighted some eyecatching statistics, pointing out that more than 70% of UAE residents now shop online, fuelling projections that the market for e-commerce could swell to around AED 48 billion by 2028. "We've specifically designed our platform to equip local businesses to grab their slice of this enormous opportunity."

What makes BoxCommerce stand out from the crowded field is its strong emphasis on localisation. UAE-based SMEs can quickly launch their online stores—no tech wizards needed—thanks to an intuitive platform packed with all the essentials, from social media marketing and payments to integrated delivery solutions.

Rahul Vaish, MENA director at BoxCommerce, added that despite hosting roughly 600,000 SMEs, the UAE still lacked easy-to-navigate e-commerce platforms tailored specifically to local businesses' needs. Vaish stressed SMEs' vital role, saying, "They are undeniably the backbone of the economy here, representing approximately 94% of all companies and employing over 86% of the private sector workforce. Our mission is straightforward: we aim to empower these businesses with user-friendly solutions, helping drive overall economic growth."

Since its founding in 2019, BoxCommerce has become something of a household name in emerging markets. Starting out in Kenya, the platform onboarded a staggering 5,400 merchants in its first year alone—16 times higher than e-commerce giant Shopify achieved locally. The company's secret sauce seems to be its spot-on understanding of local digital payment habits, such as integrating widely-used mobile wallet systems and packaging delivery options suited to each region.

Recognition has followed, with BoxCommerce subsequently invited to join high-profile initiatives like Facebook's Commerce Accelerator in 2020 and, more recently, getting involved in Mastercard's startup engagement programmes in the UAE. No doubt, these partnerships have helped boost its credibility amongst users and investors alike.

Whether this newcomer manages to replicate its past success in the UAE remains to be seen, but it's clear BoxCommerce has certainly entered the fray at exactly the right time. The Emirates' SME landscape is vibrant and hungry for genuinely user-friendly digital trading options.

The UAE might well become this innovative business' next great success story—one to watch closely, perhaps over a cup of karak tea in your favourite Dubai café.

🚀 Got exciting news to share?

If you're a startup founder, VC, or PR agency with big updates—funding rounds, product launches 📢, or company milestones 🎉 — AraGeek English wants to hear from you!

✉️ Send Us Your Story 👇

https://en.arageek.com/send-us-your-story-or-a-news-tip