Umuntu Media takes Africa by storm
At the recent ‘Open Innovation Africa Summit’ held in Nairobi, Kenya, technology companies from across Africa came together to show case what this beautiful continent has to offer.
Umuntu Media, a South African based media company, launched the Mimiboard which left many with mouths open and eyes popped out! The Mimiboard creates hyper-local content that serves everyday needs, be they business or personal.
Johan Nel, CEO of Umuntu Media, said he had identified a need in the market for African news: for Africans, created by Africans. And so the ‘Ifamily’ portals were born – IZambia, IRwanda, IBotswana, to name but a few. Each of these news portals gives Africans news relevant to their respective countries.
The Mimiboard is a creation that aims to further localize news and conversations for Africans, by Africans. In essence, it is a virtual notice board where the online community can leave notes for one another. Mimi meaning “I” in Swahili is just the virtual 3.0 version of an actual, traditional, notice board, but one that anyone can create or add categories too! This easy to use, intuitive piece of technology enables communities on hyper-local level to communicate with one another on a variety of topics at the touch of a button (or two).
That is: A fishmonger in Mombasa creates a Mimiboard called: Mombasa Fish Market. He tells all the fishermen to update their catch via SMS, Android, J2ME while they are on the water. He then sits at the market and looks at the latest catch on Mimiboard (some even include photos).
A Taxi driver printed a sticker on the side of his taxi with his Mimiboard ID. A tourist in the area opens Mimiboard on her phone and looks for Taxi’s in the area. She posts a note on the Taxi available board. "Please pick me up at Kibera and take me to the airport. Jane 01282992929".
Nel walked away with a Nokia LUMIA 800 after winning in the app demo competition.
Umuntu Media, a true definition of PROUDLY AFRICAN is taking African, and indeed worldwide, technology to greater heights!
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