Morocco: 6.3 Mln E-Commerce Transactions in Q1 2022

During the first quarter, Morocco recorded a total of 6.3 million payments by bank cards (Reuters)
During the first quarter, Morocco recorded a total of 6.3 million payments by bank cards (Reuters)
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Morocco: 6.3 Mln E-Commerce Transactions in Q1 2022

During the first quarter, Morocco recorded a total of 6.3 million payments by bank cards (Reuters)
During the first quarter, Morocco recorded a total of 6.3 million payments by bank cards (Reuters)

E-commerce websites and billers' websites affiliated to the Interbank Electronic Banking Center (CMI) have carried out 6.3 million online payment transactions via Moroccan and foreign bank cards, for a total amount of 2.3 billion dirhams ($230 million) during the first quarter of 2022.

The e-commerce activity is up 34.4 percent in number and 19.3 percent in amount compared to the same period of 2021, says the CMI in its latest report on the Moroccan electronic money activity.

The online payment activity of Moroccan cards showed an increase of 34.9 percent in the number of transactions to 5.9 million in the first quarter of 2022, and 15.1 percent in the amount to 2 billion dirhams ($200 million) in Q1-2022, the same source adds.

Regarding the activity of online payments of foreign cards, it has increased by 25.8 percent in number of transactions, to 388,000 transactions and by 63.3 percent in amount, to 272.4 million dirhams, says the CMI.

It noted that the activity is still very strongly dominated by Moroccan cards to the tune of 93.8 percent in number of transactions and 88.2 percent in amount.

The report also shows that merchants and e-merchants affiliated to CMI recorded 30.9 million payment transactions, by Moroccan and foreign bank cards, for a total amount of 12.1 billion dirhams, up 27.5 percent in number of transactions and 22.1 percent in amount.

By sector of activity, payments by Moroccan and foreign bank cards (in terms of volume) were made in the retail sector (22.7 percent), followed by the clothing sector (9.5 percent), gas stations (8.6 percent), restaurants (8.1 percent), hotels (7.2 percent), health (5.5 percent), furniture & electronics (4.8 percent) and other sectors (33.6 percent).



Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
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Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)

As Saudi companies start reporting their Q2 financial results, experts are optimistic about the transport and logistics sector. They expect a 10% annual growth, with total net profits reaching around SAR 900 million ($240 million), driven by tourism and an economic corridor project.

In Q1, the seven listed transport and logistics companies in Saudi Arabia showed positive results, with combined profits increasing by 5.8% to SAR 818.7 million ($218 million) compared to the previous year.

Four companies reported profit growth, while three saw declines, including two with losses, according to Arbah Capital.

Al Rajhi Capital projects significant gains for Q2 compared to last year: Lumi Rental’s profits are expected to rise by 31% to SAR 65 million, SAL’s by 76% to SAR 192 million, and Theeb’s by 23% to SAR 37 million.

On the other hand, Aljazira Capital predicts a 13% decrease in Lumi Rental’s net profit to SAR 43 million, despite a 44% rise in revenue. This is due to higher operational costs post-IPO.

SAL’s annual profit is expected to grow by 76% to SAR 191.6 million, driven by a 29% increase in revenue and higher profit margins.

Aljazira Capital also expects a 2.8% drop in the sector’s net profit from Q1 due to lower profits for SAL and Seera, caused by reduced revenue and profit margins.

Mohammad Al Farraj, Head of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the sector’s continued profit growth is supported by seasonal factors like summer travel and higher demand for transport services.

He predicts Q2 profits will reach around SAR 900 million ($240 million), up 10% from Q1.

Al Farraj highlighted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), linking India with the GCC and Europe, is expected to boost sector growth by improving trade and transport connections.

However, he warned that companies may still face challenges, including rising costs and workforce shortages.