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

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

Classifieds platforms in other emerging markets

Classifieds platforms in Africa

Jiji’s early history

Jiji’s product & monetization strategy

Jiji’s competitive positioning & potential exit options

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 [email protected]

Founders looking for funding: If you're a B2B founder working on Education, Health, Finance or food, please contact me for funding at [email protected]

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 [email protected] to share feedback or propose topics you’d like to hear.

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