A Comparative Analysis of E-Commerce Legal Frameworks in Nigeria and South Africa: Shared Lessons for Sustainable Development

Abstract

The rapid expansion of e-commerce offers significant opportunities and challenges for businesses and consumers, particularly in Nigeria and South Africa, Africa's largest economies. This paper analyses the legal frameworks governing e-commerce in both countries, highlighting their evolution in response to emerging issues. However, despite Nigeria's fast-growing, tech-savvy market and South Africa's more mature e-commerce sector, both nations face the challenge of keeping legal frameworks up to date with technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviour. Adopting a doctrinal approach, the study emphasises the need for comprehensive legislation to regulate online transactions and protect data privacy. It calls for ongoing revisions to align these frameworks with global trends and consumer needs. Collaboration among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumer advocates is essential to developing regulations that support digital economy growth, protect consumer rights, and advance Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (decent work), SDG 9 (industry innovation), and SDG 12 (responsible consumption).