The Trends community of West Africa

Mobile and digital trends in 5 African countries: a cultural interpretation

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:15:00 +0200

As part of a multi-national mobile and digital insights gathering project for mobile agency, Yonder Media, I was commissioned to gather cultural and behavioural insights in five African countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia.
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[2013 trends] Africa's dynamic markets

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:20:00 +0200

The year 2013 for most brands, especially the ones coping with saturated markets in developed countries, will be a decisive one. Incorporating Africa into their corporate brand strategy, if they haven't done so, will be the better part of valour, so to speak.
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[2013 trends] Out-of-the-box branding

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:33:00 +0200

No, the concepts of "tribalism", "gamification" and "engagement" aren't a promo for the latest computer game, but are in fact the trends that will characterise the way companies and consumers interact in 2013.
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[2013 trends] SA's youth trend-o-meter

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:30:00 +0200

Young South Africa is savvier than ever before. If you are looking for a smart and discerning prosumer, this group of kids, teens and young adults will give you more kicks than you've ever bargained for. They know just what they are looking for from any brand, and this makes them that much more satisfying to please. Here are a few trends to look out for in 2013.
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[2013 trends] Africa poised for a great future

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 12:39:00 +0200

As 2013 commences, afro-pessimism seems to cede to afro-optimism. There is a global consensus: Africa is poised for a great future. What will be the impact of Africa's growth on our industry? What will be the major trends of the year? In the business world, predicting the future is a crucial exercise.
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[2013 trends] Africa finding its own solutions using mobile tech

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:57:00 +0200

There are several key trends that will present themselves in 2013. Increasingly, we will see more and more innovative solutions to issues facing emerging countries being developed in-country and, while cost of smartphones is still hindering wide-scale usage of these handsets, the tide is turning as cheaper units enter the market. Marketers, too, are seeing their roles and responsibilities expand.
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Lagos to host Social Media Week

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:41:00 +0200

Social Media Week, powered by Nokia for a third year, will for the first time take place on the African continent in Lagos, Nigeria from 18-22 February 2013, under the theme 'Open & Connected: Principles for a Collaborative World'.
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Top Nigerian Bloggers 2013

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:00:00 +0200

Who are Nigeria's Top Bloggers for 2013? Since 2011, a list of Nigeria's top blogs/bloggers have been compliled. (Check out the list for 2011 and 2012). In the past two years, the Nigerian blog scene has grown in leaps and bounds. Part of the fascination with it is its rapid rise from relative obscurity on the continent to prominence. Check out our recent post on blogging in Nigeria - Nigeria - Africa's blogging capital.
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2013 at a glance: Five crucial consumer trends business leaders should know

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 07:55:00 +0200

LONDON, UK / JOHANNESBURG, SA: Turbulent times were predicted on the back end of 2012. The ANC Mangaung conference precipitated very little stormy seas other than an anti-climactic conclusion. The Mayan apocalypse materialised into nothing but an ordinary day. In fact with so many forecasts for change and a chasm of chaos, one may tend to be a bit sceptical with further predictions of change.
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Expanding your brand across Africa

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 09:53:00 +0200

Many companies talk about expanding into Africa. It's the next obvious frontier. However, it would be wrong to assume that a week's visit to Nigeria for example, with a population of over 160 million and 350 ethnic groups with twelve languages, will give you a true understanding of how to operate your brand in that market.
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