Application and content developers in the country can now tap into Africa’s burgeoning mobile Value Added Service (VAS) market expected to generate revenues of over $11.5 billion by 2014. Rancard, a software company, focused on delivering brands to relevant mobile audiences across Africa, weekend opened up its platform to local content developers with lofty plans to unlock the opportunities here-in by assisting them Monetise their offerings. The company says it could also assist operators’ drive up non-voice revenues through cloud-based technologies. Industry analysts told BusinessDay, weekend that over the years there has been increased demand for VAS, but the ecosystem has remained a secondary focus for most operators. Considering the steady decline in telcos ARPUs (Average Revenue per User) with voice services accounting for the bulk of telecoms revenues, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are increasingly looking for feasible ways increase data revenues by delivering targeted content to their teeming subscribers. Rancard, backed by Intel Capital and Adlevo Capital Managers, LLC, a private equity fund manager focused on investments into technology-enabled businesses in sub-Saharan Africa, said it is poised to benefit from the growth in mobile data services. Intel Capital and Adlevo Capital had recently completed an expansion investment into the company, further positioning it to bridge the gap between content owners and mobile operators. Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, weekend, Kofi Dadzie, chief executive officer of Rancard noted that the VAS Company had since 2001 established itself as a trusted provider of cloud-based mobile software and services which Africa’s mobile operators are increasingly turning to. “As voice-based average revenue per user declines, telecoms companies are increasingly using our content discovery platform to profitably increase data revenues by delivering targeted content to their subscribers. We have developed a cloud-based social recommendations engine called ‘Rendezvous’, which maps connections among mobile users and ultimately uses this mapping of shared interests as a basis for recommending content to consumers.” Dadzie disclosed that Rancard intends to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s cashless economy drive. “As a software company, we have built a platform that would enable content creators and owners of merchandise who are targeting mobile networks and mobile users to be able to talk to them regardless of which mobile wallet or m-payment solution they are using. Our software helps users connect to different licensed mobile wallets. In the same vein, Ehizogie Binitie, chief product officer, Rancard, pointed out that there exists huge opportunity for Nigerian innovation beyond the borders of Nigeria. “We are basically creating a conducive environment where the barriers for really smart Nigerians who are creating value everyday is significantly reduced.” He stated that the firm is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between content owners and mobile operators and is poised to benefit from the growth in mobile data services. Giving some insight into why Intel Capital is investing in Rancard, Christian Morales, general manager, Europe, Middle East, Africa of Intel Corporation noted that the company provides a wide range of services that are well placed to meet consumers’ rapidly shifting demands, particularly as the market for cloud based mobile content grows. “The company provides a platform for mobile operators to connect with relevant audiences. Rancard is a company that has a promising future and as such we feel it could benefit not just from access to our capital, but also from our global network and technological expertise.” According to him, Rancard was indeed a perfect example of African entrepreneurs bringing world-class technology solutions to market.
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