A new e-commerce platform, believed to be backed by Econet Wireless founder Strive Masiyiwa, has gone live in Zimbabwe today and will allow buyers and sellers of goods to trade on an online market.

The platform, www.tengai.co.zw, offers free classifieds adverts for buyers and sellers of goods and gadgets such as cellphones and vehicles among others.

Tengai means buy in Zimbabwe's Shona vernacular.

The company is partnering with Econet Wireless to offer zero rated access to the site for Econet subscribers, which is said to number approximately 9 million.

"It's a free online market. It will also encompass a jobs corner, but it's pretty difficult because there are not too many jobs in Zim at the moment," said James Gibson, the head of Tengai.

Users intending to advertise products on the website are able to post up to five photos of items up for sale. There is also a premium segment that will feature advertised goods on prominent positions on the website.

Developers have brought out a desktop version of the website and also claim that ads can be easily integrated and shared on social media.

"It's a safe and secure online market with stringent ad review within 30 minutes and a sophisticated fraud detection technology and expert advice on online trading," Gibson added.