Have you noticed how shopping is slowly changing in Nepal? These days, many people are buying things like clothes, gadgets, and even groceries online right from their phones. The revolution of online shopping is called e-commerce.
It has been growing around the world for years. In Nepal, it’s still fairly new, but it’s starting to grow fast. Thanks to better internet access and more people using smartphones, online businesses are becoming more common. Digital wallets like eSewa and Khalti have also made it easier for people to pay online without using cash.
E-commerce is opening up new chances for small businesses, local sellers, and even people in remote areas to connect with customers across the country. As Nepal continues to move toward digital tools and services, e-commerce could play an important role in building a stronger and more modern economy.
So let us guide on how e-commerce is developing in Nepal, and why it matters for the country’s future, and how we can use technology services to bring your e-commerce dream to reality.
Growth Trends and Market Size of Ecommerce in Nepal
E-commerce in Nepal has grown quickly in recent years. This is because more people have internet access, are using smartphones, and their shopping habits are changing. In 2023, the market size was expected to reach about $603.1 million, making Nepal the 93rd largest e-commerce market in the world.
By 2025, this number could grow to US$1.32 billion, and it may reach US$1.86 billion by 2029, with an average annual growth rate of 9.01%.
Nepal has around 10,000 e-commerce businesses, and this number is expected to keep growing by about 5.4% every year until at least 2028.
The COVID-19 pandemic also helped speed up online shopping. During lockdowns, people started using online platforms more to buy daily essentials and other goods.
Even though e-commerce only makes up about 1% of Nepal’s total trade, it is growing steadily. This growth is supported by a young, tech-savvy population and better digital infrastructure.
Key Players and Platforms
Nepal has many online shopping platforms:
- Daraz is the biggest player, offering over 600,000 products and delivering 200,000+ packages a month.
- SastoDeal has partnered with Flipkart to expand its reach.
- Thulo.com, OkDam, and Gyapu are growing steadily, offering a wide range of products.
- Other popular sites include HamroBazar, UG Bazaar, Foodmandu, SmartDoko, and Socheko.
Government and Rules
The government passed the E-commerce Act, 2025, which asks most online businesses to register, run their own websites, and show proper business details. It also aims to improve digital payments and delivery services.
Still, cash on delivery is the most used method, making up around 80% of payments. But online payments are slowly increasing.
Opportunities and Growth Potential
- Growing Youth Population and Mobile-First Consumers: A large number of young people primarily use smartphones, driving online shopping growth.
- Expansion of Digital Wallets and Banking Systems: Improved digital payment options are making transactions easier and more secure.
- Untapped Rural Markets: Rural areas present new opportunities as internet access improves and e-commerce awareness grows.
- Rising Demand for Niche and Local Products: Consumers are increasingly interested in unique, locally-made items, creating space for specialized sellers.
Building a Successful E-Commerce Platform in Nepal
Creating a successful e-commerce platform in Nepal requires careful planning and attention to several important factors.
Entrepreneurs and developers must focus on understanding the market, designing user-friendly websites, ensuring secure payments, building strong technical systems, and managing reliable deliveries. Below are key steps to guide the process.
Market Research
Before launching, it’s important to study your target customers and competitors. Find out what products people want, how they like to shop online, and what problems they face. This helps you build a platform that fits their needs and stands out from others.
UX/UI Design and Mobile Optimization
Most Nepali shoppers use smartphones, so your platform should work well on mobile devices. The website or app must be easy to navigate, load quickly, and look clean and attractive. A good design encourages users to stay longer and complete their purchases.
Secure Payment Integration
Customers want to feel safe when paying online. Offer trusted payment options such as digital wallets like eSewa and Khalti, bank cards, and cash on delivery. Protect users’ information with security measures to build their trust and encourage more online payments.
Scalable Backend
Your platform should be built to grow. It needs strong technical support to handle more visitors and orders as your business expands. Using modern technology and cloud services can help keep your site fast and reliable, even during busy times.
Reliable Logistics
Timely delivery is very important for customer satisfaction. Partner with dependable delivery companies that can reach customers in cities and remote areas. Keep buyers informed about their orders and offer easy return options to build confidence.
Conclusion
E-commerce in Nepal is evolving rapidly, opening doors for businesses to reach more customers than ever before. By understanding market needs, creating seamless user experiences, securing payments, building scalable platforms, and ensuring reliable delivery, you can build an online store that stands out and succeeds in this growing digital marketplace.
Ready to transform your business and tap into Nepal’s booming e-commerce potential? Infinity Digital Agency is your trusted partner to guide you every step of the way.
With expert insights and cutting-edge solutions tailored for the local market, we’ll help you create a powerful, user-friendly platform that drives growth and builds lasting customer trust.
Take the first step today, connect with Infinity Digital Agency and turn your e-commerce vision into reality!