The digital landscape in Africa is evolving at a rapid pace, with mobile internet coverage increasing across the continent. In Ghana, Anita Akpeere whips up delicious fried rice in her kitchen while managing a stream of notifications for restaurant orders on her smartphone. However, despite the advancements in technology, only 25% of adults in sub-Saharan Africa have access to the internet, primarily due to the high costs associated with smartphones and data plans.
Uniti Networks, a pioneering company in Ghana, is addressing this issue by providing financing options to make smartphones more affordable for the masses. By offering coaching sessions to help users navigate various apps and platforms, Uniti is bridging the digital divide and empowering individuals to harness the full potential of mobile technology. Through innovative strategies like paying a deposit for a smartphone and paying the remaining balance in installments, more Ghanaians are gaining access to the digital world.
While the expansion of mobile phone usage in Africa holds immense potential, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Despite the proliferation of health and agriculture apps, there is limited evidence to suggest that these tools are significantly benefiting the local population. Aker, a scholar, highlights the need for more impactful and user-friendly apps that cater to the specific needs of African communities, especially in sectors like agriculture where small-scale farmers could greatly benefit from technological interventions.
Capo-Chichi from CERCO Group emphasizes the importance of providing valuable and relevant content through mobile apps to encourage more people in Africa to invest in smartphones. By offering apps that address real-life challenges faced by individuals, such as financial planning for cocoa farmers in Ghana, companies can increase user engagement and drive the adoption of digital solutions. However, user-friendly interfaces and adequate training are crucial to ensure that these apps are effectively utilized by the target audience.
Uniti Networks’ innovative approach to making smartphones accessible to a wider audience in Ghana is a step in the right direction towards digital inclusion. By focusing on both affordability and user education, the company is empowering individuals like Mawufemor Vitor, a church secretary in Hohoe, who benefits from a health app that helps her track her menstrual cycle. As Uniti Networks aims to expand its reach to 100,000 users in the next five years, the potential for transformative change through mobile technology in Africa is within reach.
By
