Safaricom has announced the launch of Bonga, a new social networking platform linked to mobile money service M-Pesa.
Not to be confused with Bonga Points, Bonga which was partially rolled out this week is described by Safaricom as a 'conversational and transactional social network'.
It allows users to chat as well as send, receive and request money from a single screen.
Developed by Safaricom's Alpha innovation wing, Bonga seeks to unlock several possibilities by integrating M-Pesa with a social platform used on a daily basis for everyday activities.
“It’s focused on pay, play, and purpose…as the three main things our research found people do on our payment and mobile network,” Alpha's Head of Products Shikoh Gitau told TechCrunch.
[caption caption="A snapshot of the Bonga beta website"]
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Initially, it will only be available to select users before it is officially unveiled.
The launch will have 3 phases with each phase meant to capture a specific market.
Bonga Sasa will allow users to engage in converations as well as send, receive and request money.
Bonga Baraza to be launched in mid-2018 will facilitate collection of funds for purpose driven events such as Harambees (fundraisers).
Finally, Bonga Biashara will capitalize on the network's features to leverage it for e-commerce with users able to create business profiles and sell their products.
[caption caption="A snapshot of Bonga"]
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