Digital Ecosystem Barriers and E-Commerce Adoption among SMEs in Least Developed Countries: An Empirical Study from Sudan

Purpose: This study examines how barriers in the digital ecosystem influence e-commerce adoption among SMEs in Sudan, offering insights from a least-developed-country context Design/methodology: A qualitative methodology was utilised, involving semi-structured interviews with SME owners and managers, followed by thematic analysis of the collected data.Findings: The results demonstrate that e-commerce adoption is hindered by several interconnected barriers, including inadequate digital infrastructure, cybersecurity risks, inefficient logistics and supply chain systems, weak regulatory and legal frameworks, limited digital literacy, geopolitical instability, and challenges with online payments. Together, these factors discourage investment in e-commerce technologies. The study also finds that addressing these ecosystem-level barriers requires coordinated action from governments, financial institutions, technology providers, and SME support organisations. Originality/value:This research offers practical recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to enhance the digital ecosystem and promote SME participation in the digital economy. It also contributes to the literature on digital transformation and technology adoption in least developed countries by providing qualitative evidence on the ecosystem conditions that influence e-commerce adoption in Sudan.