A new web platform unique to Zimbabwe is poised to make a significant impact on the country’s digital front and open doors for many upcoming information technology startups locally and the region.
Wangu (translates to “Mine” in the local Shona) is a social chat application that connects Zimbabweans in the country and millions of compatriots in the Diaspora.
Farai Mundangepfupfu is the creator and co-founder initiated the platform in 2014 with a vision to “establish an African benchmark in creating a Zimbabwean digital community with a mission to connect Zimbabweans who have similar interests and produce opportunities that benefit Zimbabweans.”
Founded in Harare, Wangu boasts a state-of-the art data centre powered by government-owned TelOne.
It has also teamed up with one of Zimbabwe’s telecommunications powerhouses, NetOne, to deliver its impact.
“Not only is Wangu focused on connecting Zimbabweans locally and internationally, Wangu ensures Zimbabwean brands reach Zimbabwean audiences in a familiar social environment,” Mundangepfupfu, who is the chief technology officer (CTO), said.
“Wangu also creates custom branded experiences for businesses in Zimbabwe, authentically connecting their brands with their markets, unlike global social media platforms that have become too big to effectively accommodate culturally unique markets,” he added.
Businesses in Zimbabwe will be able to advertise their brands directly to Zimbabweans in real time, by location, allowing them to market and promote their brands effectively to their best customers.
Wangu is available in the Android version and available for download on the Google Play Store and will soon be available in the iOS version.
Supa Mandiwanzira, the Minister of Information Communication Technology and Cyber Security, lauded innovative Zimbabweans for unveiling groundbreaking ICT innovations.
“The Wangu instant messaging app will allow users to freely chat back and forth with individuals and in groups,” the minister said.
Source: http://www.biztechafrica.com/article/wangu-mobile-chat-app-opens-opportunities-zimbabwe/13194/