An accelerator program that would empower hundreds of SMEs with the right skills and platform while offering them unparalleled access to millions of customers is what the DET x Amazon Accelerator strategy is all about.
Speaking to Economy Middle East, Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President of Amazon Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye, elaborates the specific advantages of the program, especially the role it plays in helping overcome barriers, putting SMEs on the fast track to growth.
Mouchawar also touches upon the driving force behind Amazon’s expansion in the region, as well as the latest tech trends set to transform the industry.
Exited excerpts from the interview:
Given Dubai’s economic goals, particularly in the digital realm, how does the DET x Amazon Accelerator strategically align with these aspirations?
Under the framework of the Dubai Trader’s initiative, we worked closely with DET to design an accelerator program that would empower hundreds of Dubai SMEs to adopt new digital channels and tools to scale online. The ‘DET x Amazon Accelerator’ aims to equip participants with Amazon’s advanced digital tools, world-class support services, and expert guidance to support their growth online by unlocking access to millions of Amazon customers. Also, in support of the Dubai Economy Agenda (D33) priorities of promoting export growth and contributing to a sustainable, diverse and productive economy, we continue to invest and innovate on behalf of local SMEs.
What sets the DET x Amazon Accelerator apart from other SME digital transformation initiatives in the region? How do Amazon’s global expertise and resources contribute to a unique and effective program?
The ‘DET x Amazon Accelerator’ presents a huge opportunity for scaling online through unparalleled access to millions of Amazon customers across multiple geographies. The accelerator’s pillars are designed to enhance the competitiveness of participants and prepare them for the international stage. From registering and onboarding to marketing and boosting visibility, Amazon will assist participants every step of the way, providing guidance, hands-on support and financial assistance to fast-track their online journey. With support from DET and Amazon’s cutting-edge technology and mentorship, SMEs can seize new opportunities for growth and future-proof their businesses for the long run.
Could you elaborate on the specific advantages SMEs can expect to gain by participating in the DET x Amazon Accelerator?
DET x Amazon Accelerator is a dedicated program that will fast-track the onboarding, scaling and international access for hundreds of SMEs on Amazon. Participants in the accelerator program will further benefit from structured support across five core pillars:
- Digital Upskilling: Tailored workshops by Amazon UAE to equip SMEs with the knowledge to effectively utilize the company’s proprietary tools and strategies, enabling them to seamlessly establish a presence on Amazon.ae and helping them to achieve rapid success
- Tailored Expertise: Personalized guidance from Amazon UAE’s trusted service provider network, to help SMEs maximize growth by leveraging the full potential of services and tools, from account registration, listing to Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), Amazon Advertising, and Brand Registry
- Enhanced Visibility: Enhanced brand visibility through Amazon UAE’s dedicated “Shop Local” storefront, which connects millions of customers with local businesses on Amazon.ae, and encourages them to prioritize shopping from local businesses
- Marketing Support: Dedicated Amazon Ads credits provided to launch impactful marketing campaigns and reach a wider audience
- Global Reach: Unparalleled access to Amazon’s global reach, allowing SMEs to tap into new geographies and scale their operations beyond the UAE.
Read more: Dubai’s DET and Amazon UAE launch accelerator program
Many SMEs face challenges in adopting digital technologies. How does the accelerator address these barriers and provide the necessary support?
Every business is unique and is influenced by a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Many SMEs risk over-extending their resources in an attempt to execute every aspect of their business or may lack the digital know-how to unlock the online retail opportunity. Thus, the accelerator has been designed to help hundreds of SMEs gain invaluable digital skills, the expertise to rapidly launch in our store, and leverage Amazon’s scale to deliver an enhanced customer experience. For example, our global logistics network and expertise enables SMEs to offer their customers one-day and same-day delivery.
In short, the accelerator will enable small businesses to achieve big capabilities by simplifying everything from product listing, advertising and brand building, to shipping and fulfillment. I further encourage entrepreneurs and small businesses in Dubai to take full advantage of this program. It is a great opportunity to expand your business horizons and tap into the vast potential of the market.
Amazon has been expanding its footprint in the Middle East and North Africa. What are the key factors driving this growth, and how does the DET x Amazon Accelerator contribute to these expansion plans?
The UAE is one of the largest and fastest-growing ecommerce markets in the region, with the number of people shopping online weekly doubling in the past two years, according to reports by McKinsey; and the country’s internet and smartphone penetration is among the highest in the world, indicating a large customer base that can be reached online. We continue to grow to meet the needs of our customers across the UAE and the region, while supporting economic ambitions of the country.
Amazon wouldn’t be the Amazon that customers love without our selling partners who continue to enhance the customer experience with a vast selection of products. Additionally, in 2023, we pledged our commitment to host products from 100,000 businesses including local SMEs on Amazon.ae by 2026, and now our partnership with DET is a natural extension of these efforts.
Amazon is known for its innovative approach to technology. What new technologies or trends do you see as having the greatest potential to transform the retail industry in the region? How is Amazon leveraging these technologies?
Artificial Intelligence is one of the technologies that has been disrupting the retail sector for some time now—informing pricing, promotions and even supply chain management. Analysts say that 75 percent of retail companies in the GCC have adopted AI in at least one business function.
In online retail, Amazon has been using AI and machine learning for the past 25 years to power superior shopping experiences as well as to develop innovative solutions for our selling partners. In addition, our most recent innovation, Project Amelia, currently in beta version, is a new generative AI-powered personal assistant that immediately provides sellers with the answers, advice, and tools they need to succeed. Furthermore, another example is Rufus, our generative AI-powered shopping assistant launched last year, is trained to answer customer questions on shopping needs, make recommendations, and facilitate product discovery.
Moreover, we believe that generative AI capabilities are going to transform virtually every customer experience. Ultimately, we develop innovation in AI technology for one primary reason: to improve the shopping experience for every customer.
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