Jiji Africa Acquires Bikroy.com: A New Era for Bangladesh’s Digital Marketplace

In a move that redraws the map of emerging market e-commerce, Jiji Africa has formally completed its acquisition of Bikroy.com, the dominant player in Bangladesh’s digital classifieds sector. The deal, signed in Dubai on May 12, 2026, marks the African unicorn’s first major cross-continental expansion, signaling an aggressive push to export its high-growth business model to South Asia.

 

The Long Game: A Disciplined Entry

The acquisition is the culmination of a "stealth-to-scale" strategy executed by Jiji’s leadership under CEO Anton Volianskyi. Jiji’s first foray into the Bangladeshi market began in March 2025 with the launch of jiji-bd.com. Rather than pursuing an immediate buyout, the firm opted for a year-long "test-and-learn" period, operating as a direct challenger to the incumbent.

This operational period allowed Jiji to calibrate its proprietary machine-learning algorithms to local urban consumer behaviors in high-density regions like Dhaka and Chittagong. By early 2026, the successful scaling of its asset-light, mobile-first infrastructure paved the way for the total consolidation of the market.

 

Valuation and Market Fundamentals

Industry data reveals the strength of the asset Jiji has brought into its portfolio. As of December 2025, Bikroy.com reached a peak valuation of approximately $115 million. This valuation was underpinned by robust fundamentals:

• User Engagement: A consistent average of 3 million unique monthly visitors.
• Vertical Dominance: Unrivaled market share in high-ticket categories, specifically Automotive and Real Estate.
• Revenue Diversification: Strong monetization through merchant subscriptions and the "Buy Now" transactional feature.

 

Strategic Synergy: Scaling the Tech Stack

This transaction represents the second deal between Jiji and the Swedish-based Saltside Technologies, following their 2022 agreement for Ghana’s Tonaton. While the final financial terms remain under NDA, the strategic logic is clear: Jiji is buying scale while deploying its own superior technology.

The "Bikroy" brand will be retained to preserve its significant local equity, but the platform is currently being migrated to Jiji’s centralized global tech stack. This move is expected to introduce:

•     AI-Enhanced Security: Advanced anti-fraud protocols proven in the Nigerian and Kenyan markets.
•     Monetization Efficiency: A transition to a bidding-based advertising model for professional sellers.
•    Regional Resilience: A fortified position to compete with Alibaba’s Daraz, creating a formidable "Global South" marketplace entity.

 

By merging Bikroy’s deep local roots with Jiji’s battle-tested technological infrastructure, the combined group is now positioned as the primary gatekeeper for trade in two of the world's most promising emerging economic zones.

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The Rise of Dominage Steel: Decoding the Akij Resources Backdoor Listing Strategy

The industrial landscape of Bangladesh has witnessed a significant shift as Akij Resources Limited successfully executed a strategic takeover of Dominage Steel Building Systems. This acquisition represents a calculated maneuver by one of the country’s largest conglomerates to bridge the gap between private industrial operations and the public capital market.

A Strategic Entry into the Public Sphere

The cornerstone of this transaction is the acquisition of a 30.78% stake—totaling over 30 million shares—from the founding directors of Dominage Steel. For Akij Resources, spearheaded by Managing Director Sheikh Jasim Uddin and Chairman Faria Hossain, the move serves a dual purpose. Beyond expanding their industrial portfolio, it provides the group with an immediate presence on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE).

By opting for this "backdoor" entry into the public market, Akij Resources bypasses the traditional, time-consuming hurdles of an Initial Public Offering (IPO). This transition into a listed environment offers the conglomerate enhanced visibility and a streamlined path for future domestic and international fundraising.

Synergizing the Construction Value Chain

The integration of Dominage Steel into the Akij ecosystem creates a formidable force in the construction sector. Akij Resources already possesses a robust infrastructure through its logistics arm, AKIJ Successors, which manages an extensive fleet of vessels for importing raw materials.

While Akij has long been a leader in basic building materials like cement and stone, Dominage Steel adds a specialized technical layer: Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB). This synergy allows the group to offer a comprehensive "end-to-end" solution. They can now control every stage of production—from the initial import of raw materials and steel manufacturing to the final engineering and assembly of industrial structures—ensuring maximum efficiency and profit retention.

The Financial Turnaround Strategy

The acquisition comes at a critical time for Dominage Steel, which had recently struggled with operational pauses and financial volatility. The financial logic behind Akij’s intervention is rooted in scale and liquidity. Dominage’s primary challenges—high procurement costs and cash flow constraints—are mitigated by Akij’s immense balance sheet and bulk-purchasing power.

Market analysts note that the entry of a high-capital parent company often serves as a stabilizing force for distressed public assets. By injecting fresh management and linking Dominage to its existing supply chain, Akij Resources intends to revive idle production units and transform the company into a high-output engineering hub.

Future Implications

As regulatory bodies finalize the share transfer, the industry is eyeing the potential for a massive surge in manufacturing capacity. This acquisition is not just a change in ownership; it is a signal that Akij Resources is evolving into a more transparent, public-facing entity. If successful, this turnaround will serve as a blueprint for how established private conglomerates can utilize public-market vehicles to drive national industrial growth and create new employment opportunities.

Inside the Lion Kallol Limited Partnership: Manufacturing, FDI, and Growth

The partnership between Japan’s Lion Corporation and Bangladesh’s Kallol Group has reached a pivotal milestone with the launch of their advanced manufacturing plant in the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ). This joint venture, Lion Kallol Limited, represents a strategic fusion of Japanese innovation and local market expertise.

Established with a 75% stake from Lion Corporation and 25% from Kallol Group, the collaboration combines over a century of Japanese R&D with one of Bangladesh’s most robust distribution networks. The newly inaugurated facility in Araihazar spans 3.3 hectares, utilizing cutting-edge automation to bring international production standards to the local market.

The venture serves as a major boost for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with an initial investment exceeding BDT 3,000 million. Beyond the financial injection, the project facilitates a critical technology transfer, creating high-skilled jobs and reducing the nation’s reliance on imported household goods. By producing locally, the group is strengthening the "Made in Bangladesh" brand while stabilizing supply chains.

Lion Kallol Limited is currently focusing on high-growth hygiene and personal care categories. Key offerings include:

Mama Lemon: High-efficiency dishwashing solutions.

Systema: Advanced oral care and toothbrush technology.

Kodomo & Shokubutsu: Trusted baby care and skin health brands.

This collaboration is more than a business expansion; it is a commitment to improving daily hygiene standards. With plans to broaden the portfolio into laundry detergents and healthcare products, Lion Kallol Limited is positioned to become a dominant force in the regional FMCG landscape, driven by the philosophy of healthy living and industrial excellence.

Top 10 Affordable Marathon Shoes in Bangladesh: Best Value for Road and Trail Running

The distance running community is growing at an unprecedented pace, and with it, the demand for specialized gear that can handle both the heat and the hard pavement. Whether you are a seasoned athlete aiming for a personal best or a beginner preparing for your first 10K, choosing the right footwear is the most critical decision you will make.

Below is a breakdown of the top 10 shoes currently leading the pack, categorized by their strengths in comfort, terrain, and value.

 

1. The Reliable Daily Trainer: Nike Pegasus 42

Known as "the shoe for every runner," this model is celebrated for its versatility. It features a balanced cushioning system that provides a responsive feel on asphalt. It is durable enough for months of training and comfortable enough for a half-marathon.

Best for: Half Marathons and daily road sessions.

 

2. The Performance Hybrid: Adidas Adizero Boston 13

This shoe bridges the gap between a daily trainer and a professional racing flat. By incorporating high-energy foam and stiffened rods, it gives runners a boost in speed without the extreme price tag of elite carbon models.

Best for: Full Marathons and tempo runs.

 

3. The Maximum Comfort King: ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

If your priority is joint protection, this is the gold standard. Designed with a focus on impact absorption, it features a plush interior and soft midsole that make long miles feel significantly easier on the knees and ankles.

Best for: Recovery runs and Full Marathons.

 

4. The Budget Breakthrough: Apex Sprint (Performance Line)

Proving that you don't need to spend a fortune to start running, these locally available shoes offer modern breathable mesh and standard foam technology. They are an excellent entry point for recreational runners looking for comfort without high import costs.

Best for: Beginners and 10K races.

 

5. The Responsive All-Rounder: Puma Velocity Nitro 3

Utilizing nitrogen-injected foam, this shoe provides a lightweight and "bouncy" experience. It is highly regarded for its grip and its ability to maintain its structure even in high humidity and heat.

Best for: Daily training and Half Marathons.

 

6. The Trail Master: Hoka Speedgoat 6

For those who leave the road for the hills, this shoe offers unparalleled traction. Its wide base provides stability on uneven rocks, while its famous "maximalist" cushioning protects the foot from sharp debris.

Best for: Trail marathons and mountain running.

 

7. The Hybrid Adventurer: New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Many runners face a mix of gravel, mud, and road. This model is designed for versatility, offering a soft ride on hard surfaces and enough lug depth to handle slippery trails safely.

Best for: Mixed-terrain races.

 

8. The Elite Speedster: Nike Vaporfly 3

This is the choice for competitive racers. It features a full-length carbon fiber plate that acts as a spring, significantly increasing energy return. While it has a shorter lifespan than trainers, its speed benefits are world-class.

Best for: Competitive Full Marathons and PR attempts.

 

9. The Smooth Operator: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

Using a nylon plate instead of carbon, this shoe offers a "snappy" feel that is easier on the feet for long distances. It is a favorite for runners who want to go fast but prefer a more natural foot flex.

Best for: Half Marathon racing.

 

10. The Value Racer: Decathlon Kiprun KD900

Designed for high-level performance at a mid-range price, this shoe uses professional-grade Pebax foam. It is a lightweight, stripped-back racer that provides everything a marathoner needs and nothing they don’t.

Best for: Budget-conscious competitive runners.

 

Final Selection Advice

When selecting your pair, always prioritize fit over fashion. Marathon running causes the feet to expand, so it is often recommended to choose a size slightly larger than your casual shoes. For the hard roads of city running, prioritize cushioning; for the wilder paths of the hills, prioritize grip.