2.3 million
Number of active live commerce users
Afghanistan's growing digital infrastructure has led to increased live commerce engagement among urban youth.
USD 850 million
Social commerce transaction value
Social commerce is significantly expanding, with a substantial rise in online buying through social platforms.
45 minutes
Average monthly time spent on live commerce platforms
Consumers spend nearly an hour monthly engaging with live streams and social selling content.
4.8 million
Number of social media users engaged in commerce
Major social media platforms facilitate commerce, reaching nearly half of the population online.
18%
Percentage of e-commerce sales via live streams
Live streaming has become a key sales channel, contributing nearly a fifth of total online sales.
Afghanistan's digital commerce landscape is rapidly evolving, with live and social commerce playing pivotal roles. The increasing internet penetration and smartphone usage, especially in urban areas, have driven higher engagement levels. Small businesses and individual sellers leverage live streams to reach broader audiences, overcoming traditional retail limitations. As infrastructure improves, more consumers are adopting these new shopping methods, boosting overall online sales.
Despite challenges such as limited payment infrastructure, the growth in live commerce indicates a promising future for digital trade in Afghanistan. The surge in social media-driven sales reflects a shift toward more interactive and immediate shopping experiences. Continued investments in digital infrastructure, along with increased consumer trust, will likely sustain this upward trajectory, making Afghanistan a notable emerging market for live and social commerce in 2026.
Disclaimer: All statistics presented are 2026 estimates and projections based on industry trend analysis, historical data, and publicly available research. Individual data points may vary from actual figures.