Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg is looking to expand the social media site’s international footprint by launching a stripped down version of its Messenger app in developing countries.
The app is designed to work in areas with slower internet connections and on older phones.
It does not include video, voice calls or the ability to make payments via smartphones.
It does include Messenger’s core features, including being able to send text messages, photos and links.
It is initially available in Kenya, Tunisia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Venezuela. The aim is to expand to other countries in the coming months.
Zuckerberg has repeatedly said he wants to get everyone in the world connected to the internet – a necessity given that Facebook’s markets such as Europe and the United States are largely saturated.
