Facebook Set To Take on OLX and Gumtree As It Launches Classified Marketplace In South Africa

Facebook has launched an online classified marketplace in South Africa, which aims to offer users a single hub where they can easily buy and sell goods. Marketplace makes use of the Facebook interface in an attempt to offer users an easier platform to use, and will likely take on Gumtree and OLX.

Karandeep Anand, Head of Product Management for Facebook Platform said: “Marketplace was initially built to supplement the Facebook groups which focus on buying and selling items on the platform.”

He added that within the next two weeks Facebook app users in the country will notice a new Marketplace icon, which will appear at the bottom of the app page in the centre.

Marketplace also allows users to communicate with one another on a platform based on the Facebook Messenger app, which works with or without the independent communication app.

“Across the world, we have seen Marketplace being used by people for various items. Popular items include accessories, clothing and apparel. We are very interested to see how South African Facebook users make use of the feature,” Anand said.

It is currently available in 47 countries, with more than 550 million people from around the world visiting Facebook to buy and sell goods each month, Marketplace makes it easier for people to trade with others on Facebook.