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Haiti’s Customer Engagement Revolution: A New Economic Strategy for Growth
Haiti’s economy faces challenges—political instability, low formal employment, and reliance on remittances—but customer engagement (improving how businesses interact with consumers) could be a game-changer. By leveraging digital tools, cultural insights, and local entrepreneurship, Haiti can boost commerce, tourism, and investment.
Here’s a new customer engagement strategy to revitalize Haiti’s economy:
1. Digital & Mobile-First Engagement
Why?
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Over 70% of Haitians use mobile phones, but only ~35% have internet access.
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Mobile money (like MonCash, Natcom Pay) is growing but underutilized for business.
Strategies:
✅ WhatsApp/SMS Commerce – Small businesses can take orders via low-tech platforms.
✅ Mobile Money Loyalty Programs – Discounts for repeat customers using MonCash.
✅ Voice-Based Customer Service – Many Haitians prefer oral communication (radio ads, call centers).
Example: A street vendor could use WhatsApp to take orders, then deliver via moto-taxi.
2. Hyper-Localized Marketing
Why?
Haitian consumers value trust, community, and cultural relevance.
Strategies:
✅ Kreyòl-First Content – Ads, chatbots, and social media in Haitian Creole (not just French).
✅ Influencer Partnerships – Collaborate with local “lider lide” (opinion leaders) in markets.
✅ Festival & Church Pop-Ups – Sell goods at Rara events, Carnaval, or church gatherings.
Example: A beauty brand could sponsor a Kanaval float with free samples.
3. Tourism & Diaspora Engagement
Why?
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2 million+ Haitians abroad send $3.8B/year in remittances (30% of GDP).
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Tourism is untapped (only ~1M visitors/year pre-COVID).
Strategies:
✅ Airbnb Experiences – Locals offer “Krik? Krak!” storytelling tours or cooking classes.
✅ Diaspora Shopping Portals – Let expats buy Haitian products for family back home.
✅ VIP Return Packages – Discounts for diaspora visiting Haiti (e.g., hotels, restaurants).
Example: A hotel could partner with Sakapfet to offer diaspora gift cards.
4. Informal Sector Uplift
Why?
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80% of Haitian businesses are informal (street vendors, ti machann).
Strategies:
✅ Digital Ledgers for Vendors – Teach madam sara (market women) to track sales via apps.
✅ Micro-Franchising – Help street sellers brand and scale (e.g., Pâté Haïtien food carts).
✅ Cooperative Marketplaces – Group vendors for bulk buying and online sales.
Example: A marchand fri (used-clothes seller) could join an Etsy-like platform.
5. Government & NGO Partnerships
Key Actions:
📌 Tax Breaks for businesses using digital payments.
📌 Grants for startups improving customer engagement (e.g., Haitian “Shopify” alternatives).
📌 Public Wi-Fi Zones in downtown Port-au-Prince/Cap-Haïtien.
Example: USAID could fund a “Haiti Customer Service Academy.”
Success Story: MonCash (Digicel)
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1.5M+ users sending $50M/month.
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Now used for paying bills, school fees, and small biz loans.
The Bottom Line
Haiti’s economy won’t change overnight—but by focusing on customer engagement, businesses can:
✔ Increase sales in the informal sector.
✔ Attract diaspora dollars more effectively.
✔ Boost tourism through authentic experiences.
✔ Digitize commerce without leaving anyone behind.
Next Steps?
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Train ti machann on WhatsApp sales.
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Launch a “Buy Haitian” app for the diaspora.
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Partner with influencers to promote local brands.
