Using existing infrastructure, standard telco networks, Brastorne’s technology has turned the continents ubiquitous feature phones into internet portals for less than US$0.05 per day
Brastorne is dedicated to connecting the 760 million Africans who currently lack meaningful access to the digital world
For these feature phone users, Brastorne's solutions provide an experience similar to that of a smartphone mobile app. This is accomplished through a suite of technology solutions including USSD, IVR, or Voice to promote digital inclusion through Brastorne’s applications Mpotsa, mAgri and Vuka.
Mpotsa, which translates to 'ask me how?' in English, is a two-way telephone-based question/answer platform that aims to provide users with information on almost anything. It provides information to users by acting as a Google-like service that uses the user-friendly technology of Voice/IVR. Farmers use mAgri to access advisory services, wikipedia, weather/pest alerts, crop prices, and financial services, as well as trade, chat, and email in their native language. These solutions empower numerous communities that rely on feature phones by giving them access to essential information such as employment opportunities, health advice, and legal services.
The Impact
Brastorne has brought the power of the internet to millions of people, improving their lives. Brastorne users also realised 85% monthly savings in costs of information and communication access compared to alternatives (data bundles, physical travel costs etc), which can cost US$15+/month. Brastorne users in total have realised US$3.4mn total annual savings across all 60,000 subscribers in 2021. These savings can now be put to use to improve their farm, feed their families, or buy much-needed personal items.
Brastorne’s information access service Mpotsa has brought the power of the internet to new users, giving them increased access to information, medical treatment, COVID vaccinations, and access to jobs. The service is a literal lifeline with an estimated 60% of Mpotsa subscribers who cannot otherwise afford digital information. In 2021, Mpotsa connected 25,231 total youth, over 15,000 of whom would otherwise have remained unconnected. This resulted in US$60,554 total information access cost savings.
The Future
With its mission of connecting 760 million Africans who lack meaningful access to today's digital world, Brastorne plans to expand its solutions to 19 different African countries. Brastorne is currently operational in Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and most recently Cameroon, having launched in October through partnerships with mobile network providers such as Orange. It plans to address the realities of Africa's lack of connectivity by enabling digital inclusion and its dividends through mAgri and Vuka.
