Business
Calling all app developers! Africa wants you…
“Even in the most rural areas Kenyan people are using SMS to keep in touch with friends and family all over the world, but SMS applications add a new dimension,” says Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ForgetMeNot, Jeremy George.
“Even on a basic handset, SMS applications can provide access to healthcare, travel and education information. Industry specific apps, for example an agricultural app, could provide people with agricultural techniques, weather information, market pricing, soil cultivation, cropping activities and new product and distribution information.
“The potential for apps is massive, and we hope to see developers using the ForgetMeNot Africa Optimizer Platform to use existing tools and infrastructure in smarter and more efficient ways to help improve peoples’ lives.”
Although the company expected to have received around 50 entries for the Apps Challenge by the time application closed on 23 March, George says that it is by no means the end of the road. “This competition is about inspiring developers into action, and if their idea is good enough they’re welcome to build and submit their apps after the deadline.
“While they won’t be eligible for the competition prizes, if it’s a great idea it will be considered for launch on the Safaricom network and the developer will be able to derive an ongoing revenue stream from the application.”
Source: African Business Review
