#51: Jiji - How the Classifieds platform became the largest marketplace in West & East Africa

Afrobility: Africa Tech and Business

Overview: Today, we’re going to talk about Jiji - the African classifieds platform. We’ll explore the Jiji story across 6 areas:

1. Classifieds platforms in other emerging markets
2. Classifieds platforms in Africa
3. Jiji’s early history
4. Jiji’s product & monetization strategy
5. Jiji’s competitive positioning & potential exit options
6. overall outlook.

This episode was recorded on May 15 2022.

Companies discussed: Jiji, Genesis Group, Naspers, OLX, Craigslist, Avito.ru, Adevinta, Jumia, Konga, Cars45, Cheki.ng, Autochek, Tonaton, Saltside Technologies, Bikroy, Dubizzle, Kalahari, Autotrader & Property24

Business concepts discussed: Classifieds platforms, classifieds monetization, M&A strategy, e-commerce, social commerce, agency banking & marketplace

Conversation highlights:

• (01:36) - Why we’re talking about GG today
• (09:51) - Classifieds platforms in other emerging markets
• (23:15) - Africa classifieds context
• (27:12) - OLX in Africa
• (36:48) - Jiji founding and early history
• (45:33) - Fundraising and Growth
• (1:03:09) - Product and monetization strategy
• (1:09:33) - Competition and options for exit
• (1:30:06) - Olumide’s overall thoughts and outlook
• (1:32:13) - Bankole’s overall thoughts and outlook
• (1:38:55) - Recommendations and small wins

Olumide’s recommendations & small wins:

• Recommendation: Re-watched Amelie - Great movie
• Small win: Setup 2nd whiteboard in my room. Fun times ahead
• Interested in investing in Africa Tech with Olumide: Read about Adamantium fund & contact me at [e-mail]
• Founders looking for funding: If you're a B2B founder working on Education, Health, Finance or food, please contact me for funding at [e-mail]

Bankole’s recommendations & small wins:

• Recommendation: Last Last - Burna Boy & Business Breakdowns Podcast - DigitalBridge
• Small win: Planting season in Seattle :)
• Other content: Tweet about Twilio stock-based compensation & History of the United States in 5 crashes

Investors, Operators, Entrepreneurs - We’d love to hear from you. Please email [e-mail] to share feedback or propose topics you’d like to hear.

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