Second part of MEF three-country African Growth Market Study released

Confidence in a growing African mobile industry

Business confidence in mobile content and commerce revenue growth is high in all markets surveyed with over two-thirds respondents in Kenya (70%) and South Africa (68%) and almost all in Nigeria (93%) stating their optimism. M-commerce, mobile money and social networks were identified as the areas most likely to drive revenue growth. In the short term, the pan-regional respondents suggested products and services focused on social empowerment such as m-health and agriculture were not expected to result in high revenues, however, m-education was cited as a key opportunity for future business along with banking (more so in Kenya) and entertainment (South Africa and Nigeria).

Regional confidence in mobile supports the findings of MEF's Global Consumer Survey released in Q4 2013 which found that globally from the 13 countries studied, Kenya was the number one country in terms of mobile content and commerce activity. 97% of Kenyans engage in this with South African and Nigerian consumers not far behind at 94% and 90% respectively, compared to a global average of 86%.

Bullish growth forecasts

In terms of current end-user revenues, mobile money leads the pack in Kenya with mobile advertising and infotainment services key in South Africa and Nigeria respectively. Predicted end-user mobile revenue growth continues with 59% of Kenyan and 66% Nigerian respondents expecting growth in excess of 15% next year. South Africa's growth forecast, although more conservative, is still impressive with 40% expecting growth of more than 15%.

Pan-African expansion

Mobile leaders are keen to grow their businesses within sub-Saharan Africa with current operations and headquarters for most respondents primarily based in the countries studied. Furthermore, the survey found that other African growth markets such as Ghana are more important for business growth than non-African countries, indicating a home-grown focus on pan-African expansion strategies.

Challenges: Operator practices and consumer trust

The business leaders cited that the main market challenges faced include high operator charges as well as network capacity and coverage issues. Providing a clear call to action to the industry, over half of respondents in all three markets also recommended more should be done to educate and reassure consumers on security and privacy.

Issues around consumer trust and understanding were stated as especially salient with regards to growth of mobile money uptake with 93% of Nigerian and 72% of South African respondents stating this as a key challenge. Kenyan respondents appeared less concerned about trust and education with regards to mobile money with only 35% of respondents stating it as a key challenge. These results complement the findings that Kenya has the highest rates of mobile content and commerce activity, with particular confidence and engagement in mobile financial services.

Rimma Perelmuter, MEF CEO says: "The views of Africa's mobile business leaders reflect the findings in MEF's Global Consumer Survey that show that sub-Saharan Africa is a highly engaged mobile content and commerce market and a crucible for entrepreneurial innovation. As MEF enters its second year in Africa, we continue to work with members to connect the industry across the continent providing a platform for mobile innovators and disruptors - big or small - to help overcome the challenges highlighted in the reports and realise the full potential of these exciting markets."

For more, go to www.mefmobile.org.