The ‘ekShop,’ an innovative initiative by Aspire to Innovate (a2i), has been honored with the United Nations ‘SDG Digital GameChangers Award’ for its remarkable contribution to bridging the gap between rural and urban areas in Bangladesh through e-commerce services.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) jointly presented the award to ‘ekShop’ in the ‘Game Changer for Prosperity’ category. The accolade was received by a2i representatives at the UN Headquarters in New York during the dedicated SDG Action Weekend.
The SDG Digital GameChangers Award recognizes individuals and organizations that leverage digital solutions to accelerate progress towards global goals, spanning categories such as People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Pioneer.
The ‘ekShop’ initiative, Bangladesh’s pioneering rural-assisted e-commerce platform, empowers small and medium-sized businesses, refugees, and individuals facing digital disparities, particularly in less-developed regions. It serves as a digital public good, significantly contributing to bridging the digital divide.
This achievement not only showcases Bangladesh’s success but also serves as an inspiration for the development of sustainable economic systems aligned with the SDGs worldwide.
The ‘ekShop’ connects over 12,000 rural artisans with customers, facilitating the delivery of essential products to doorsteps. To date, it has successfully delivered more than 8 million products across the country via cash on delivery.
Sellers interested in using the platform can easily join ‘ekShop’ and display their products for sale on associated e-commerce sites. Additionally, the platform offers a delivery management system, which has become especially vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling e-commerce organizations and entrepreneurs to efficiently deliver products to customers.
The ‘ekShop’ initiative aims to reduce digital disparities not only within Bangladesh but also in underdeveloped countries. Its model is being replicated in South Sudan, Yemen, Turkey, Somalia, and the Philippines, with the support of the United Nations.
‘a2i,’ a government program implemented by the ICT Division and Cabinet Division with the support of UNDP Bangladesh, plays a pivotal role in promoting citizen-friendly public service innovations and advancing the government’s efforts to integrate new approaches to achieve the SDGs.
