marketplaces - WORLDEF

Bangladesh Sees Positive Marketplace Shift as Jiji Acquires Bikroy

African classifieds marketplace Jiji has acquired Bikroy, Bangladesh’s largest online classifieds platform, marking the company’s first acquisition outside Africa and a major step in its international expansion strategy.

The acquisition comes just 13 months after Jiji officially entered the Bangladeshi market, where it launched operations to compete directly with established local players including Bikroy, Daraz and Ajkerdeal. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, although Jiji stated that the acquisition was completed using internal resources and shareholder support.

Founded in Nigeria, Jiji has built one of Africa’s largest digital classifieds ecosystems by following a “compete-then-buy” expansion strategy. The company previously acquired OLX Africa’s operations across several African markets in 2019 and later purchased Ghana’s Tonaton in 2022. Bikroy now becomes the third major competitor absorbed by the platform within six years.

Bikroy has been one of Bangladesh’s most recognized online marketplaces since its launch in 2012. The platform operates in both Bengali and English and has built a strong presence across categories including electronics, vehicles, property, jobs and household products.

Industry analysts view the move as a strategic effort by Jiji to replicate its African growth model in high-potential emerging markets. Bangladesh’s rapidly growing internet penetration, expanding middle class and rising online shopping adoption have made the country increasingly attractive for global e-commerce and marketplace companies.

Bangladesh Becomes a Key Digital Commerce Battleground

Bangladesh’s e-commerce sector is projected to reach between $12 billion and $13 billion within the next few years, driven by increasing smartphone usage and stronger digital payment adoption. According to industry data referenced by Jiji, nearly 79% of Bangladeshi consumers already shop online, while almost half are comfortable making payments through digital platforms.

By acquiring Bikroy instead of continuing direct competition, Jiji gains immediate access to one of the country’s largest online marketplace audiences and strengthens its position against regional competitors such as Alibaba-backed Daraz.

The acquisition also signals a broader trend in emerging-market e-commerce, where consolidation is becoming a key strategy for scaling digital marketplaces faster and reducing customer acquisition costs.

As competition intensifies across Asia and Africa, Jiji’s latest move highlights how global marketplace companies are increasingly targeting high-growth developing economies to secure long-term digital commerce leadership.

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Vinted’s 47% GMV Surge Signals Positive Boom in Europe’s Resale Economy

Europe’s second-hand fashion market is gaining serious momentum, and Vinted is at the center of this transformation. The Lithuania-based platform reported a 47% year-on-year increase in gross merchandise value (GMV), reaching €10.8 billion, marking a major milestone in the evolution of recommerce across the region.

The strong performance reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior. As inflation and rising living costs continue to pressure households, more consumers are turning to second-hand platforms to save money and generate extra income. This trend has positioned Vinted not just as an alternative shopping channel, but as a mainstream marketplace within Europe’s e-commerce ecosystem.

In parallel with GMV growth, Vinted’s revenue rose by 38% to €1.1 billion, underlining its ability to scale both transaction volume and monetization. The company has now firmly established itself as one of Europe’s leading digital marketplaces, with operations spanning more than 20 countries and a growing user base driven by affordability and sustainability.

Vinted Drives Resale Economy Growth Across Europe

A key driver behind Vinted’s growth is its continued expansion beyond traditional fashion categories. While women’s and children’s clothing remain core segments, the platform has increasingly diversified into areas such as sports equipment, collectibles, and electronics. This broader product offering is attracting new user segments and increasing transaction frequency.

At the same time, Vinted is investing heavily in infrastructure. Initiatives like Vinted Go (logistics) and Vinted Pay (payments) are designed to strengthen its ecosystem and reduce operational costs over time. The platform now provides access to hundreds of thousands of pick-up and drop-off points across Europe, improving convenience and delivery efficiency.

However, this aggressive growth strategy has come with trade-offs. Despite record GMV and revenue, profitability declined, with net profit falling to €62 million due to increased investments in expansion, logistics, and market development particularly in competitive regions like Germany.

Still, the long-term outlook remains strong. Vinted’s leadership emphasizes cost efficiency and ecosystem development as core pillars for making second-hand commerce the “first choice” for consumers. As resale continues to gain traction, the platform is well-positioned to capitalize on both economic and sustainability-driven demand.

Ultimately, the latest results highlight a fundamental shift in retail dynamics. Second-hand commerce is no longer niche – it is becoming a defining force in Europe’s digital economy, challenging traditional retail models and reshaping how consumers buy and sell goods online.

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Wildberries Enters Ethiopia in 2026 as Digital Trade Growth Surges

Wildberries has officially launched operations in Ethiopia, opening its marketplace to local sellers and enabling them to reach international customers.

The move marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy, positioning Ethiopia as one of its first major entry points into the African e-commerce landscape.

Ethiopian products reach global audiences

Through the platform, Ethiopian businesses can now offer a wide range of goods to international buyers, including coffee, textiles, leather products, and handmade items.

The integration into the marketplace is expected to strengthen export potential for small and medium-sized enterprises while increasing global visibility for locally produced goods. It also provides sellers with access to a structured digital environment that simplifies cross-border trade.

Cross-border e-commerce gains traction

The launch reflects a broader trend of growing cross-border e-commerce activity, particularly in emerging markets.

By leveraging Wildberries’ logistics and marketplace infrastructure, Ethiopian sellers are able to access international markets more efficiently, reducing traditional barriers such as distribution complexity and limited reach.

Partnership supports digital economy development

The entry into Ethiopia follows cooperation with Ethiopian Investment Holdings, aimed at supporting the country’s digital economy and e-commerce ecosystem.

Through this initiative, Wildberries is contributing to improvements in logistics capabilities, technology transfer, and the creation of new opportunities for local businesses to scale beyond domestic markets.

Two-phase marketplace rollout

In its initial phase, Ethiopian products will be made available to international consumers through Wildberries.

A second phase is expected to introduce foreign sellers to the Ethiopian market, further expanding trade flows and strengthening the country’s position within global e-commerce networks.

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