Drew Cogbill | Thesis Blog

WhiteAfrican on Mobile Development

1. The next generation of Africans are more mobile literate than you (or me), so when you develop something make sure you keep it open enough for them to evolve its use.
2. Develop for the common denominator - that is SMS services only. If you have the time, and see a need later, then go for the fancy Java apps.
3. Data services, like SMS are a good starting point, but don’t overlook the use and integration of voice. This is especially relevant in areas where local language dialects and literacy are an issue.
4. If you can, provide a basic service, and let the local users develop a plan for how to use it in their area.

The default device in Africa is the mobile phone.

The White African has post about his presentation at Picnic called “If It Works in Africa, It Will Work Anywhere.”  He talks specifically about a variety of mobile innovators and more generally about why this mobile innovation matters on a global scale.

The White African on mesh networks.

BarCamp Nairobi was a “unconference” held 21 June 2008, where bloggers, programmers, and other techy folk in and around Nairobi met up to “share and learn in an open environment”.

White African has a few videos from the event.

O’reilly had a survey carried out at BarCamp with the following results: