RATIN

How smart devices are driving innovation market

Posted on August, 10, 2016 at 10:43 am


Whenever Jean, a resident of Kagugu, wants to go to town, he just scrolls through his smart phone for the right app, and sends a message. Moments later, a cab arrives and off he goes.
This is possible, thanks to the proliferation of a number of smart devices on the Rwanda market. Smart phone penetration has created an environment for the development of the mobile applications and mobile solutions that can run on smart phones.
A number of mobile phone solutions and applications have been developed that largely depend on the popularity of smart phones.
Among the locally-developed solutions include 250TAXI, a cab hailing app; Safemotos, a motorcycle hailing app; Jumia foods, for online food orders, and E-soko and agriculture sector related apps, M-farms that make it possible for fertilisers dealers to project supplies for the coming season, and help in bookkeeping, among others.
Experts say increased smart phone penetration is likely to see a high uptake and usage of local solutions, which will consequently see the increase of apps development in the country.
Nsenga Patrick, a local tech enthusiast, said the rising numbers of smart phones in Rwanda is largely driven by the affordability of brands on the local market.
He said competition factors have also presented players in the industry an opportunity to innovate and launch relevant solutions.

 

source:newtimes