Digital Trade Readiness of Nigerian MSMEs: Barriers to E-Commerce Export Participation

This research assesses the digital trade readiness of Nigerian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and identifies the principal barriers preventing greater participation in e-commerce export channels. The proliferation of global e-commerce platforms including Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Africa-focused platforms such as Jumia and Kilimall has theoretically democratised access to international markets for small businesses. However, Nigerian MSMEs face a distinctive combination of digital infrastructure limitations, payment gateway restrictions, logistics challenges, and regulatory complexity that inhibit their ability to leverage these platforms for cross-border sales. The study employs a survey design with data collected from 100 MSMEs in Lagos, Enugu, and Abuja with prior experience or interest in e-commerce export through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis are employed to identify and rank barrier dimensions. The theoretical framework draws on the technology acceptance model, the born global firm theory, and the digital internationalisation literature. The study measures digital trade readiness across dimensions including digital skills, payment infrastructure access, product standardisation capability, international logistics access, and awareness of customs documentation requirements. Findings are expected to reveal that payment gateway restrictions related to Nigeria's country risk classification and prohibitive international shipping costs are the most significant structural barriers to MSME e-commerce export growth. Recommendations include advocacy for Nigerian fintech payment gateway liberalisation, development of MSME export logistics consortia, and government-funded digital export readiness certification programmes. Keywords: digital trade, e-commerce, MSMEs, export barriers, Nigeria