AGI ‘Trust Seal’ to boost e-commerce space

By Ernest Bako WUBONTO

The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), in partnership with the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), has introduced a ‘Trust Seal’ – an electronic badge aimed at enhancing trust and security in online transactions.

AGI elaborated that the rise of e-commerce has been accompanied by growing concerns about fraud, phishing and product authenticity. To address these issues, AGI’s Trust Seal provides a verifiable stamp of approval for businesses that meet rigorous security and authenticity standards

With over 80 percent of online buyers still preferring to pay for goods only on delivery basis, the AGI believes a system that provides some level of trust is very vital – hence introduction of the Trust Seal platform and accreditation system.

The digital platform is being hosted by NITA’s Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and boasts a robust accreditation system to boost trust in the country’s e-commerce.

AGI Executive Member Dr. Stephane Nwolley, speaking at the AGI Trust Seal launch during the third E-Commerce Fair and Exhibition, highlighted that key benefits of the accredited badge include enhancement of trust and confidence for online shoppers, reduced risk of fraud and phishing, increased credibility for e-commerce establishments and verification against transparent criteria.

“The Trust Seal is a critical step toward promoting a secure and thriving e-commerce ecosystem. By displaying the Trust Seal on their e-commerce platform, businesses demonstrate commitment to protecting customers and upholding the highest standards.

“It will be an electronic badge that’s granted by AGI for businesses to display on their websites. It will be issued after due diligence has been carried out on the said business to authenticate its existence and security-consciousness,” he said.

Additionally, it will offer e-commerce establishments and sellers an opportunity to be repeatedly verified by AGI against a range of transparent criteria; subsequently reducing the lack of trust by businesses and households located inside and outside of the country in purchasing goods and services at e-commerce marketplaces.

Head-Research, Planning & Development, NITA, Haruna Mohammed mentioned that his outfit – as the statutory agency mandated to promote standards of efficiency in the provision of quality information communications technology – is committed to collaborating with other digital services stakeholders to sanitise the space for safe transactions.

He emphasised that the e-commerce establishment adheres to national e-transaction laws, data protection privacy laws, cybercrime laws and consumer protection laws.

On his part, Component Manager-GIZ, Emmanuel Mumuni, reiterated that e-commerce thrives on trust – therefore the notion of ‘what you buy against what you get,’ when you buy online is a major setback to digitalisation of trade… and ecosystem players must continue working together to  build the desired trust.

He said the German government through GIZ is glad to support the industry’s various stakeholders to build trust and enhance online business growth.

“The AGI Trust Seal badge empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, fostering a safer and more reliable online shopping environment – and GIZ is excited to support the achievement of this initiative,” he said.

In a video documentary, AGI narrated that to qualify for the Trust Seal, businesses must undergo a thorough due diligence process: ensuring authentication of business existence; security consciousness and best practices; and compliance with transparency criteria.

The platform is now active and businesses can visit the website dedicated for it at www.agitrustseal.com to register for the seal.

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