Mobile Technology Success in Africa
Just when you think you have an original idea…
Piloted in Nairobi, Mobile for Good an idea by OneWorld UK, was developed through a partnership with Vodafone. It connects people to news and jobs using SMS enabled mobile phones.
Besides proving that there is a market for this type of technology, they have shown that everyday Africans will pay for it. Right now it costs about 7 Kenyan Shillings ($0.10) per SMS message or request. Over 30,000 people have used the Kazi560 service for job hunting alone.
The most exciting idea, and possibly the one that will most ensure its success, is that they will be franchising Mobile for Good to interested parties. I traded emails with Shashank Kansal, OneWorld’s New Business Manager, where he let me know that a rough figure for a franchise would run GBP 50k (approx $85,000), depending on the country of course.
I’m extremely impressed, though not surprised, by the success of the pilot project. Vodafone has proven itself to be very forward-thinking in embracing the project, it spells nothing but more money for them in the future. It’s no wonder they are the #1 mobile phone provider in Africa – they have strategic vision and foresight. If I was one of their competitors I would be moving swiftly to get a horse in this race.
If you ask me, Mobile for Good is just scratching the surface for what can be done. I’ll be interested to see what is done in the coming year. Something tells me it will be a big one for technology in Africa.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
nzuri sana ~
Well, it WAS an original idea, but someone beat you to implementing. Does that mean that the dark continent is less dark now?
Kierke, I guess it does! That’s good news. I hope that the M4G group really does continue to make an impact.
[...] White African writes about ‘Mobile Technology Success in Africa’ [...]
It works and has been useful tool for the job seeker to access information on jobs anytime, whenever they need and wherever they are as long the mobile phone network covers. Currently we are sending out over 350 job vacancies per week for over 72 categories. Thanks
Kazi 560 still give alerts on jobs through the Mobile phones. during the pilot project, it dealt more on B.o.P jobs but has faced stiff competition by websites doing job advertisements. Hope Kazi560 still advertises over 70 categories since have not heard of it in the marketing campaigns.
regards,
Loise
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