Jiji, the general classifieds ads marketplace operating in Africa, has launched its online classified ads-based marketplace in Bangladesh, in a move to expand its operations across Asia and outside of Africa.
With over 12 million monthly active users in Africa, and around 200,000 business sellers on the site, Jiji aims to replicate its African success in Asia, after years operating in Africa where its a dominant player after acquiring Tonaton, OLX and Cars45.
According to Jiji Cofounder and CEO Anton Volianskyi, “With its dynamic economy, a significantly untapped e-commerce market amid rapidly growing digital adoption, and an expanding middle class, Bangladesh represents a tremendous long-term growth opportunity. We have a plan to explore further and potentially expand into two or three additional Asian markets over the next 1-2 years.”
Volianskyi said Jiji has thoroughly analysed the Bangladesh market and sees a significant growth opportunity even amidst competition.
Headquartered in Warsaw, Jiji employs over 1,000 people and has offices in Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Warsaw, Dubai, and Kyiv. The company aims to replicate its African success in Bangladesh, a rapidly growing market with a dynamic economy, increasing digital adoption, and a burgeoning middle class.
Jiji does not own inventory or manage logistics but instead connects sellers with price-sensitive buyers through its classified ads platform. The company is poised to invest millions of dollars into Bangladesh’s e-commerce market, aiming to capture significant market share and establish leadership in the classified ads segment.
“We see Bangladesh as a tremendous long-term growth opportunity with similarities to the markets we’ve successfully entered in Africa,” said Jiji Co-founder and CEO Anton Volianskyi. “We aim to offer a safe, convenient, and reliable marketplace for buying and selling goods and services.”
Jiji’s international expansion strategy includes further penetration into two or three additional Asian markets over the next 1-2 years. Despite existing competition in Bangladesh, including platforms like Bikroy, Bproperty, and ekhanei, Volianskyi believes Jiji’s unique classified marketplace model presents significant untapped potential.
In Africa, Jiji leads the market with over 7 million active ads across various categories such as vehicles and property. With 70% of Bangladesh’s population still untapped, the local e-commerce market is expected to grow to over $12 billion by 2029, driven by a young, tech-savvy population and rapid digital adoption.