Objective: To create a robust, user-friendly, and trustworthy online marketplace that connects Ethiopian businesses and consumers. This platform will address current market gaps by offering a seamless experience, from product discovery to payment and delivery.

For a comprehensive understanding of the project's vision, features, technology stack, and go-to-market strategy, please refer to the full project description document (link to be provided).

The repository is organized into the following main directories:

• backend/: Contains the Node.js with Express API.
• frontend/: Contains the React web application.
• mobile/: Contains the React Native mobile application.
• docs/: Contains project documentation, including API specs, design notes, and integration details.

Important Note: Due to limitations with the current execution environment, npm install commands could not be run automatically during the initial setup. You will need to run npm install (or yarn install) within the backend/, frontend/, and mobile/ directories respectively to install dependencies before attempting to run the applications. Also, the subdirectory structures within backend/src/, frontend/src/, and mobile/src/ (e.g., components, services, controllers) and the native mobile/android and mobile/ios folders need to be manually created as per standard project layouts or as development proceeds.

1. Navigate to the backend directory: cd backend
2. Install dependencies: npm install (if not already done)
3. Create a .env file by copying .env.example and fill in your environment variables (e.g., MongoDB URI, JWT Secret).
4. Start the development server: npm run dev
5. The API should be running on http://localhost:PORT (as specified in your .env file, defaults to 5000).

1. Navigate to the frontend directory: cd frontend
2. Install dependencies: npm install (if not already done)
3. Start the development server: npm start
4. The React app should open in your browser at http://localhost:3000.

1. Navigate to the mobile directory: cd mobile
2. Install dependencies: npm install (if not already done)
3. Ensure you have the React Native development environment set up (Node, Watchman, JDK, Android Studio/Xcode). Refer to React Native Environment Setup.
4. Crucial: The command npx react-native init YourAppName was not run. You may need to perform additional setup or adjustments to make the existing placeholder files work as a full React Native project, or initialize a new project and integrate the existing App.js and index.js. The native android/ and ios/ folders are missing.
5. To run on Android: npm run android (requires an emulator or connected device)
6. To run on iOS: npm run ios (requires macOS and Xcode)

(Guidelines for contributing to be added later)