It has never been easier to start a business or startup than it is now. You can even start an enterprise that operates wholly online – excluding the need for any physical premises. One of the things that are a blessing nowadays is the number of people online. You can reach almost anyone in the world by using the internet and social media. Yes, I know setting up your accounts or platforms can be demanding. That is why you can take advantage of online marketplaces. These are places where loads of people visit so all you need is to market your products and services there. Here are examples of Zimbabwean online marketplaces to shop from or advertise on.

Online Classifieds

Online Classifieds is part of several services offered by Webdev. They offer free or paid advertising space on 3 diversified platforms namely Classifieds (visited by over 20 000 people daily) and Yellow Pages (with comprehensive lists made available in print also). The third space is Property (more than 3 000 daily visitors). Classifieds is undoubtedly the most visited online marketplace in Zimbabwe. There are over 30 000 ads on it and over 500 000 visitors per month.

Online Musika

Online Musika is one of Zimbabwe’s biggest online marketplaces which allow both businesses and entrepreneurs to open their very own online shop and sell nationwide ensuring quality delivery through the Online Musika Delivery Team. Online Musika facilitates consumer-to-consumer (C2C) retail by providing a platform for small businesses and individual entrepreneurs to open online stores that mainly cater to consumers in Zimbabwe and abroad.

Ownai

Ownai is one of Zimbabwe’s leading free online marketplaces. From the latest mobile phones, to dream cars, jobs, and homes, amongst others, virtually anything can be found on Ownai. You can also sell to interested local buyers; it takes less than a minute to post a free ad. Ownai is zero-rated for Econet subscribers when using their Econet line. The name Ownai is derived from two words onai (Shona word which means to see) and buying to own.

Car Musika

This is the first-ever vehicle classifieds website in Zimbabwe. Car Musika is part of Africar Group, a leading automotive classifieds platform in Africa. You can find cars, bikes, trucks, spare parts, loans, and insurance via the website. You can easily find brand-new or used cars or sell a vehicle using the platform. There are thousands of vehicle options to choose from. The vehicles available are listed on the website indicating the price and location as well. The same goes for vehicle spare parts. If you are a car dealer, you can list all your vehicles on the platform and for free.

Pamusika

Pamusika is an online Zimbabwe Classifieds marketplace for buying and selling goods and services. Examples are vehicles, fashion and beauty, electronics, farming and industrial, and furniture, amongst others. You can filter your searches to return results by province. You can choose to use the web app or the mobile apps both available for Android and iOS users. Payment options are VISA, MasterCard, and mobile money (EcoCash, One Money, and TeleCash).

Zimexapp

This is a platform that provides free space for small businesses to connect with prospective customers. As a business, you can freely register and have an account there to start showcasing your brand. You can market your electronics, vehicles, furniture, clothes, property, books, and electronics, amongst others. Even if you’re a sole trader you can freely market your goods or services on the platform. You even have the room to create a free customizable online store once you register on the site. One of the cool features of the site is that it allows pricing in Rands, USD and RTGS$.

ZimTrade Online Marketplace

ZimTrade, the national trade development and promotion organization, is a unique joint venture partnership between the Private Sector and the Government of Zimbabwe. It was established in 1991. It aims to energize Zimbabwe’s export growth. Part of its website is an online marketplace. This is in the form of a database that you can search to find information about products and services that are currently available for sale. You can check it out here.

Market Square Zimbabwe

This is a unique addition to this list in that it is a dedicated Facebook group with more than 35 000 members. It is a B2B online marketplace connecting buyers with suppliers all over the world including Zimbabwe, China, Korea, the United States of America, India, South Africa, and more. Suppliers, manufacturers, or exporters can post and promote their products. Buyers or importers can search and contact suppliers easily by B2B categories and keywords. Buyers can also post their buying leads to get quotes or offers from manufacturers.

Homeland Marketplace Zimbabwe

This is an online marketplace that either shops or is a vendor. Here you can find items under various categories namely, appliances, baby wear, utensils, bags, beauty and personal care, books, carpets and rugs, chemicals, construction materials, education, electricals and lighting, entertainment, fashion and wear, fitness and wellness, fruits, furniture, gadgets and accessories, grains, grocery, home décor, medical and pharmaceuticals, amongst several others. The product or service list on the platform is quite comprehensive as you will see.

These are some of the notable online marketplaces in Zimbabwe. We still need more online marketplaces in Zimbabwe. I have noticed several industries do not have dedicated online marketplaces. Such gaps are business opportunities for those passionate about eCommerce.