Denis Opudo
Q: Is Wangu re-launching or continuing? If it is re-launching, why? What makes it different this time?
What you are witnessing is the growth of Wangu from being a web platform to being a mobile platform. This is Zimbabwe’s future of communication and business. The platform aims at giving Zimbabweans an opportunity for self-articulation in a friendly environment.
Q: Why haven’t you lost your belief in Wangu yet, since its conception in 2014?
For me giving up wasn’t an option, since social media is one of the propitious markets in Africa. Even though it is taken over by dormant players, rapid technology growth is favoring invention of culturally oriented platforms like Wangu. And now more than ever, Wangu aims at opening opportunities for Information Technology sector in Zimbabwe.
Q: What obstacles did you face or are you facing with the “Wangu Venture.”
The main obstacle is the Wangu’s imminent comparison to Facebook. Truthfully speaking, Facebook won in creating a networking space that will have no room for another Facebook. However, that aside, unique social platforms like Wangu have the potential of creating a cultural platform from a room that Facebook has paved.
The second challenge that we have faced is the stigma that Zimbabweans do not have what it takes to create a platform that is comparable to popular social platforms. From my point of view, I think it is because we have not had many inventions from Zimbabweans.
I am however confident that with more of the innovations coming up from smart Zimbabweans, the stigma will slowly wash away.
Q: We last wrote on how Wangu might be a potential Facebook Competitor, Is Wangu a direct Facebook Competitor? What is your say?
I would say Wangu is not a direct competitor of Facebook. This is why Facebook provides a great way to keep in touch with friends across the globe while Wangu provides a way to communicate to the entire Zimbabwean market in a way that Facebook does not.
Q: What makes Wangu different from other social media platforms and why should one use it?
Well, our main difference from the other social media platforms is that Wangu is purely dedicated to the Zimbabwean digital community. It is focused on bringing together Zimbabwean decent worldwide or locally through geolocation in a way and under circumstances that they would not have been able to.
For instance, if a Zimbabwean is in Manchester, in England watching a soccer game alone and with the Wangu app installed in his or her phone, then the app will be able to locate another person probably a Zimbabwean within 500m in the stadium who has the app installed in his or her phone. And by doing so, the app would have linked this two people plus their friends together.
Existing networks have focused on cultural markets that are too big to cater for, is there a better social media platform for Zimbabweans to cater for them other than one that was built by Zimbabweans?
Why should you use Wangu? If you are really yearning to share your interests with the Zimbabwean community, amazing classes of individuals from different backgrounds whether you are you are in Harare, Johannesburg or London, then joining Wangu is your only option.
Q: Where will Wangu be in the next five years?
Wangu will be providing Zimbabweans worldwide opportunities for self-articulation, community, and unique communication. Every Zimbabwean wants to feel unique and show the world how creative, versatile and extraordinary he or she is, a thing that they can do on the familiar platform.
I also project that Wangu is helping Zimbabweans brands communicate with their audiences in a familiar social setting. Wangu will be creating a custom branded experience for businesses in Zimbabwe, which will authentically connect brands to their respective markets.
This is different in relation to the global social platforms that have become too large for culturally oriented markets. With Wangu, Zimbabwean businesses will be able to advertise in real time by location and also perfectly targeting their best customers.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
What keeps me impelled is the urge to contribute to the development of the IT sector of my country, keeping in mind the many opportunities available here. Over a long period of time, I have always been feeling that innovation and talent in this country have been overwhelmed by 3rd world status hitherto. We have smart minds that are not or are the fruits of foreign education.
With that said, what keeps me heads high is the idea to build Zimbabwe a digital platform that is found worldwide for Zimbabweans. A platform that will give them access to connect and share views and ideas in an environment they wouldn’t have done so.
Q: Do you have a team?
Yes, I do have a team. I work with a vibrant team of web designers, app developers and marketing specialists who are more like addicts of technology. The team has a combined experience of over 40 years in each respective field which creates a vibrant atmosphere for ideas.
Q: How does Wangu generate revenue?
The moment we roll out our business features, Wangu will be absolutely a free platform for users and businesses. Currently and until when we shall open the business feature to the Zimbabwean business community, our revenue source revolves around strategically placed and sponsored ads that places brands before their best customers.
Businesses can advertise on the Wangu platform based on location, gender, devices, age, and language.
Q: Why is Wangu being hosted at TelOne data Centre, Why TelOne centre?
It has made a lot of sense, right? Not only that, but it was also our best move because in the past our platform resources demanded a bigger international data center. Now we are lucky, we have our very own robust Zimbabwean data centre!
As an emerging network for Zimbabweans by patriots, not only did we want to present our developing Zimbabwe to the world. We also wanted to grow our digital amenities and development that might compete with global players and bring Zimbabwean businesses, IT potential and opportunities to the world.
This last question brings us to the end of the QA session with Farai, the founder of Wangu. You can download the app here. If you have any question that you wish us to ask for the next series, don’t forget to drop it in the comment section. Thank you.
