Beetroot

The statement “Africa’s entrepreneurs need to build more apps, more action” is a compelling counterpoint to the idea that there are already too many digital solutions and not enough physical infrastructure. It argues that apps are not just “band-aids” but essential tools for building the infrastructure and driving the action needed to solve Africa’s most pressing challenges.

Here’s a breakdown of why this perspective holds weight:

1. Apps as a Catalyst for Digital and Physical Infrastructure:

• Leapfrogging: Africa’s development has often “leapfrogged” traditional stages. Instead of building landline networks, it went straight to mobile phones. Apps continue this trend by providing solutions that don’t require pre-existing, expensive physical infrastructure. A ride-hailing app, for example, can create a transport network without a single bus, while a fintech app can provide banking services to millions of people without a single physical bank branch.
• Creating a New Kind of Infrastructure: Many successful African apps are not just products; they are building the fundamental digital infrastructure that the continent needs. Companies like Flutterwave and Paystack aren’t just payment apps; they are the payment rails that other businesses use. Kobo360 isn’t just a logistics app; it’s a platform that optimizes the entire supply chain. These are the building blocks of a new, more efficient economy.

2. Apps as a Solution to Market Fragmentation and Access:

• Connecting the Unconnected: With increasing internet penetration and mobile phone usage, apps are the most effective way to reach Africa’s young and digitally-savvy population. They break down geographical barriers, allowing entrepreneurs in rural areas to reach customers in urban centers and even international markets.
• Formalizing the Informal Economy: The vast majority of Africa’s economy is informal. Apps can help formalize these businesses by providing them with a digital storefront, a way to track inventory, and access to digital payments. This not only increases their productivity and profitability but also makes them more integrated into the larger economy.
• Empowering Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs): Apps provide SMBs with affordable, user-friendly tools that would otherwise be out of their reach. From accounting and inventory management to marketing and customer relationship management, apps can level the playing field, allowing small businesses to compete with larger, more established companies.

3. Apps as a Driver of Innovation and Economic Growth:

• Addressing Local Challenges: The most successful apps in Africa are those that are “built by Africans, for Africans.” They address specific, local challenges that traditional businesses and governments have failed to solve. Examples include healthtech apps that help users check if medicine is counterfeit (like mPedigree), or agritech apps that give farmers real-time information on their crops (like iCow).
• Democratizing Access to Capital and Knowledge: Apps have also opened up new avenues for funding and learning. Crowdfunding platforms allow entrepreneurs to raise capital from a broad audience, while e-learning platforms provide affordable skill-development opportunities. This democratization of resources is essential for a continent with a young population hungry for opportunities.
• Fostering an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: The rise of app development has created a thriving ecosystem of tech hubs, incubators, and accelerators across the continent. These environments provide a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and networking, all of which are critical for the growth of new businesses.

To conclude, the argument for “more apps, more action” is a recognition that apps are a powerful and necessary tool for building a more prosperous and inclusive Africa. They are not a replacement for physical infrastructure but a vital complement, providing the digital rails, market access, and innovative solutions that are essential for the continent’s entrepreneurs to drive real, tangible change.

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