Social commerce is transforming retail in Papua New Guinea, connecting buyers and sellers through innovative digital platforms. In 2026, these platforms are set to dominate the market with significant user engagement and sales growth.
With over 3.2 million active users in 2026, Facebook Marketplace remains the top social commerce platform, accounting for 45% of online sales in Papua New Guinea.
Utilized by 2.5 million small businesses, WhatsApp Business generated 28% of social commerce transactions, making it essential for local entrepreneurs.
Instagram Shops saw a 60% increase in user engagement in 2026, with 1.8 million active buyers purchasing through integrated storefronts.
TikTok Shopping's rapid growth resulted in 1.4 million active shoppers, contributing to 15% of social commerce sales in the country.
Lazada's dedicated Papua New Guinea platform experienced a 70% sales increase, with 1.2 million users engaging in social-driven purchases.
Shopee's local operations grew by 65%, with 1 million active buyers, and introduced live shopping features that boosted sales by 55%.
Twitter Shops gained popularity among 600,000 users, capturing 4% of the social commerce market, especially for niche and trending products.
Targeting business buyers and professionals, LinkedIn Marketplace engaged 400,000 users, facilitating B2B transactions worth over 150 million PGK.
Snapchat's AR shopping features attracted 350,000 users, accounting for 2.5% of total social commerce activity, especially among youth.
YouTube Shopping expanded its reach to 500,000 viewers, enabling influencer-driven sales that contributed to 3% of the total social commerce revenue.
Social commerce platforms in Papua New Guinea are experiencing unprecedented growth in 2026, transforming how consumers shop and how businesses operate. Staying ahead in this digital landscape is vital for success in the evolving market.
A: Facebook Marketplace remains the leading platform, commanding the largest share of online sales and user engagement.
A: Small businesses are leveraging platforms like WhatsApp Business and Shopee to reach wider audiences, increasing sales and brand visibility.
A: AR shopping, live streaming, and integrated storefronts are driving consumer engagement and sales growth across various platforms.