Press release:

BoxCommerce, a leading global e-commerce platform and a MasterCard Start Path Partner, has officially launched in the UAE. Built to empower merchants of all sizes—from startups to established enterprises—BoxCommerce enables seamless online selling through a platform that is simple, powerful, and designed with local businesses in mind.

Having successfully enabled businesses across Kenya, South Africa, and Indonesia, BoxCommerce now brings its innovative approach to one of the most dynamic e-commerce landscapes in the world. With strategic partners by its side, BoxCommerce is entering the UAE market to support the country’s vast SME sector with cutting-edge, easy-to-use digital commerce tools.

“The UAE is a strategic market for BoxCommerce,” said Craig Mcleod, CEO and Founder of BoxCommerce. “With mobile commerce dominating and over 70% of the population shopping online, the country is on track to grow its e-commerce market size to AED 48 billion by 2028. Our platform is designed to help local businesses tap into this explosive growth.” 

What sets BoxCommerce apart is its localised approach and commitment to partnership. SMEs in the UAE can now launch their own online store in minutes, complete with social media marketing tools, social commerce functionality, payments, and delivery all built into one streamlined platform and without needing any technical support.

“Despite having around 600,000 SMEs in the UAE, there are still very few easy-to-use e-commerce solutions designed to help local SMEs grow and scale,” Rahul Vaish, MENA Director of BoxCommerce, added, “SMEs are the bedrock of any economy, representing 94% of the UAE’s companies and employing over 86% of the private sector workforce. Our mission at Box is to support these merchants with the right tools and solutions to grow sustainably and drive positive growth for the overall economy.”

About BoxCommerce

BoxCommerce is an e-commerce platform designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses in emerging markets. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for building online stores, managing inventory, processing payments, and handling logistics. The platform supports sales across websites, social media, and marketplaces, making it easier for merchants to reach their customers. 

Founded in 2019, BoxCommerce has grown significantly, starting strong in Kenya, where it rapidly transformed the country's e-commerce landscape. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of the local market, BoxCommerce onboarded 5,400 merchants within its first year—16 times more than Shopify. Now, BoxCommerce is active in Kenya, South Africa, and Indonesia and is newly launching its SME business in the UAE. 

The company's success is attributed to its tailored solutions that address the specific needs of merchants in emerging markets, such as integrating mobile money payment methods and offering delivery options suitable for local contexts. 

BoxCommerce has also been recognised for its innovation and impact, including participation in the Facebook Commerce Accelerator 2020 cohort and recently joining Mastercard’s startup engagement program in the UAE.