The influx of mobile devices has enhanced ease of access across the world – communication is more easily facilitated as practically everyone is a phone call, email or tweet away. The virtual world is one of full of opportunities which may not easily be accessible in real life. The penetration of mobile devices in Africa has been on the increase – from the use of feature phones largely; smartphones are now becoming more and more predominant. Infact, it is predicted that mobile data traffic will record a 20-fold increase by 2019.
The 50% increase in mobile use across business and leisure travelers enable businesses like Jovago.com and similar model ventures accessible across mobile platforms and browsers thus easing the process of purchase for customers across continents.
Top 5 Mobile Devices
Steve Job’s legacy lives on as the iPhone is the favorite device of Jovago’s customers across Africa. The devise registered the highest number of users. The trusty Blackberry Keyboard series is also viewed as a handy device for mobile users, with the sleek interface of the Z10 making it one of the most used Blackberry devices. The Samsung Galaxy series is also a hit.
Top 5 Mobile Browsers
Since most affordable mobile devices run the android operating system, the Chrome is the most used mobile browser in Jovago.com as 55% of our mobile users have it as their default browser! A close second is the Apple’s Safari which has a steady stream of users. Opera Mini comes in 3rd place. Internet Explorer and the Blackberry browsers are the least used browsers respectively.
Mobile Phone Penetration in Africa
Within the space of 4 years, smartphones have greatly flooded the markets! In 2011, out of the 500 million mobile phones in circulation, only 3% were smartphones. Presently, this figure is expected to more than triple by the end of 2015! It is predicted that in 2018, the percentage of smartphones used in Africa would reach 33% which would be accompanied with a decline in the use of feature phones.
Mobile Payments in Africa
As expected, many Africans find it difficult to entrust their credit card details in the hands of online businesses. More and more, mobile payments are being used in place of the stress of queuing up at a bank to make payments. Apparently Kenya with 68% mobile payment rate welcomes this phenomenon more than the other states displayed!
Most Expensive Booking
Though the tendency to spend less kicks in when we shop with mobile devices, the most expensive hotel booking made on a mobile device in Africa through Jovago.comwas made to Kenya, Mombasa for US $ 4500 Go Kenya!
