The Potentials of the Internet for Import / Export Business in Ethiopia: Opportunities and Challenges
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Date
1998-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The Internet is a network of networks connecting computers globally through the
international set of standards known as Transmission Control Protocol and Internet
Protocol (RCP/IP). Internet has become a business tool instead of merely a
research network. Currently, the largest and fastest growing segment of the Internet
is business.
The growth of the Internet is of particular importance to international business. It
increases accessibility to high value markets and reduce the natural protective
barriers of time and distance.
While a fundamental change is taking place in ways of conducting business since the
advent of the Internet, many businesses in developing countries are failing to exploit
this opportunity. There are many reasons for this, such as poor telecommunications
infrastructure, government regulations, and lack of skills.
Ethiopia has been connected to the Internet since January 1997. At the end of
December 1997, there were 1,668 Internet subscribers among which 430 were
importers and exporters. However, Internet connectivity is not an end in itself. It is
important for businesses to set up their business operations such that the Internet as
an enabling tool can allow them to be more effective and efficient.
This study attempts to assess the current status of business use of the Internal in
Ethiopia, identifies the problems in its utilization, and outlines the strategic
approaches to exploit the potentials of the Internet. It also demonstrates how to put
business information on the World Wide Web by developing a Web site for the
Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce.
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Information Science