Internet and its implications for business in Yemen

Abstract

This study examines the use of Internet for business purposes in Yemen. The main sectors observed are banking and private trade organizations. It was assumed that security is a main concern in e-commerce. A survey of the banking industry and private business organizations in Yemen is conducted. Through the survey and interviews a thorough study is performed about the: Internet facilities available in Yemen (the infrastructure, the service providers), the literacy and use of ICT in the above two sectors, the level of e-commerce adopted, the main hurdles in the adoption of e-commerce, and measure required to increase the adoption of e-commerce. The study has concluded that in general the above two sectors realize the importance of ecommerce for their business and they are willing to proceed further with the ecommerce. The main causes in the delay of e-commerce adoption are the discrepancies in the infrastructure (technology, service providers and human resources), high costing of the Internet facilities, bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining the facilities, and the non availability of a secure environment. In spite of the fact that they have a high concern about the Internet security, their awareness about the security hazards and the protection measures is 1t minimum. It is also observed that the public awareness of the ICT in general is very low. In light of the data collected, the study has come up with certain recommendations for the authorities interested to improve the e-commerce in Yemen.