Businesses are working to appeal to a larger audience of smartphone users in Africa, despite potential risks.

In Ghana, the rise of mobile internet usage is changing lives and opening up new opportunities for people like Anita Akpeere, a chef who relies on her phone to receive orders for her signature dish. Despite the potential benefits, access to smartphones remains a challenge for many in sub-Saharan Africa due to high costs and limited literacy rates.

However, companies like Uniti Networks are working to bridge the digital divide by offering affordable smartphones and coaching users on how to navigate useful apps. For farmers like Cyril Fianyo, this technology has the potential to revolutionize their practices, providing access to weather forecasts and farming techniques that can increase yields.

While there are concerns about the impact of paid health and agriculture apps in Africa, Uniti Networks is focused on providing services that align with their mission of making a positive impact in areas like health, education, finance, and agriculture. The company tracks user data to provide incentives and feedback to app developers, but also takes steps to protect users’ privacy.

Despite the risks, experts believe that mobile phones have the potential to transform education and insurance in Africa, providing solutions to challenges like illiteracy and lack of access to financial protection. As more people like Fianyo embrace this technology, the possibilities for positive change in the region are endless.