Tech

New survey reveals Kenya leads global TikTok usage

Published

1 year ago

June 23, 2023

A recently released survey conducted by Reuters Institute Digital has shown that Kenya is leading in the usage of TikTok, overtaking the likes of USA, UK, South Africa and Thailand.

The survey showed that the eastern African country has massively embraced the popular social media platform, accounting for a “significant 54 percent of TikTok usage for any purpose, with 29 percent specifically for news consumption.”

Highlights from the report also reveal the rising influence of TikTok as a platform for news distribution, especially among younger audiences in the nation.

Kenya is closely followed by Thailand in second spot, while South Africa came in third with 50 percent general usage and 22 percent for news consumption on TikTok.

It also noted that Facebook, which has traditionally dominated the news landscape in the past 10 years, is now witnessing a decline in its popularity with TikTok’s rapid ascent is reshaping the digital news landscape and challenging the supremacy of established social media platforms.

“However, an interesting trend among TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat users means that these individuals tend to gravitate towards celebrities and social media influencers for news content, rather than relying on traditional media outlets,” the report said.

“This differs significantly from Facebook and Twitter users, who still primarily engage with and discuss news topics on these legacy platforms.

“This survey highlights that audiences are increasingly selective in their news consumption, actively avoiding stories that may induce feelings of sadness or anxiety as a means of safeguarding their mental well-being.

“In terms of growth, TikTok maintains its status as the fastest-growing social network, with an impressive 44 percent of users actively engaging with the platform as the app’s popularity is particularly prominent among the 18-24 age group, solidifying its position as a preferred choice for young users,” it added.

Click to comment

Tech

Fintech startup DigMo launched in Zambia to gamify financial planning

Published

1 hour ago

November 24, 2024

Isaac Dachen

DigMo, a gamified fintech startup which helps users to build wealth tools from low to middle-income earners, has been launched in Zambia.

CEO of the DigMo Group, Sylvia Brune, who made the announcement, says the platform which is licensed by the Bank of Zambia to operate a wallet, offers a secure, free digital money account with a special account for users to play a financial planning game which incentivises customers to get started putting money away for the future.

“By giving customers the chance to win big rewards, DigMo is encouraging sustainable habits,” said Brune.

She stated that with an initial rollout in Zambia, DigMo wallet’s first offering, Save to Win, will make putting money away regularly, easy and rewarding with no fixed costs or fees.

“DigMo Save to Win allows users to start with small amounts – from just ZMW10 (US$0.37) – for the chance to win prizes of up to ZMW500,000 (US$19,000).

“We are committed to financial planning innovation for low and middle-income earners across Africa. To achieve this meaningful impact, we approach this like a game studio – where we constantly create and test many new products until we find those with an outsized impact,” Brune said.

“If we just take existing products and make them more affordable or accessible, it is unlikely that we can dramatically change behaviours.

“To succeed, we have engaged directly with users, observing and learning from them to develop DigMo, a solution that will dramatically improve their financial well-being and meet their unique needs,” she added.

Tech

Kenya’s startup BuuPass partners with GiftPesa to launch digital travel vouchers

Published

1 day ago

November 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan digital ticketing and transportation management solutions startup, BuuPass, has entered into a partnership with fintech company, GiftPesa, to introduce digital travel vouchers ahead of the holiday season.

In a statement by BuuPass cofounder and CEO, Sonia Kabra, the move will offer a more flexible and convenient way for Kenyans to manage and gift travel arrangements during the bustling holiday period.

“We’ve noticed a growing demand for digital solutions in the travel industry, especially during peak periods like the holiday season,” said Kabra.

“This partnership with GiftPesa enhances the travel experience for our customers, offering them a convenient way to send travel tickets as gifts and have a safety net for unconfirmed travel dates.

“Unlike traditional paper vouchers that can expire or get lost, GiftPesa vouchers are valid for 12 months and can be redeemed in parts at over 3,000 outlets across the country.

“This flexibility allows recipients to use the vouchers for multiple trips or select their preferred destination, making travel more accessible,” she added.

Founded in 2016 by Kabra and Wyclife Omondi, BuuPass is a leading B2B2C mobility marketplace that enables users to search, compare, and book travel tickets via web, app, or USSD, while its SaaS platform helps bus operators manage their operations, inventory, and sales.

GiftPesa, on the other hand, is a fintech startup that provides businesses and individuals with a platform for creating digital vouchers.

The partnership between the two companies will introduce digital travel vouchers, helping users manage and gift travel arrangements during the bustling holiday period.