4AFRI Mobile Technologies
Market Need — Mobile Information Access
Time is the one precious, productive resource that we all possess in equal amount. Yet, the poor waste more of it because they lack access to information that can boost productivity, and improve — even save — lives.
The exponential growth of mobile phone penetration in sub-Saharan Africa (now > 50% of the population) demonstrates the value placed on information access and communication. With very low access to computers (< 5% of the population) the mobile phone is the information platform of choice in Africa.
Extending access to information and transaction capability via the mobile phone represents both an exciting business opportunity and the potential for significant social benefit for low-income households.
Investment — 4AFRI Mobile Technologies
4AFRI Mobile Technologies enables businesses to create, deliver and monetize mobile content and services. In the past year, 4AFRI Mobile Technologies has secured relevant licenses and partnership agreements with leading mobile operators, corporations and government ministries, and created a mobile technology platform to provide an expanding range of services in Ethiopia, Uganda and Cameroon.
4AFRI’s current service offerings include Santéphone — a health information and complete healthcare management system in Cameroon. Santéphone includes preventive education sponsored by insurance, full emergency and mobile medical response, health insurance, medication and treatment plans. 4AFRI has also recently launched new offerings in Ethiopia including job listings/classified ads, news and event promotion, all via mobile SMS/MMS.
Impressed by the western educated African entrepreneurs who started the business and the potential to marry international technology with local delivery, SpringHill was the first external investor in 4AFRI. SpringHill has invested in subsequent financing rounds and helped to secure additional capital to maintain momentum and pursue opportunities in new markets in East, West and Central Africa.