The idea for the startup “Sirius,” which gave birth to AFree, originated in Kyrgyzstan a year and a half ago. Afree App is a platform designed for Africa. Its entire branding, advertising campaign, and other elements are linked to Africa.
Afree App is designed to work in areas with low internet coverage, has an intuitive interface for people with low literacy levels, and offers various features for connected youth.
Built with a capacity to function with very minimal data consumption and an ability to work with very low power supply, the AFree app is a game changer for the continent which cuts through these barriers to connect users within communities and cities. This app also offers opportunities for monetisation through a system of aggregation of social media engagements on posts.
Mr Baktibek Batyrkanov, AFree CEO, said during the launch that a group of programmers working on applications for large companies realised that existing social networks had become outdated.
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“On the one hand, they are constantly being updated, changing their design and interface, and expanding their functionality,” said Mr Batyrkanov. “On the other hand, many social networks and messaging apps have become too complex, their interfaces requiring a long and tedious learning process.”
He added that many people simply don’t utilise all the features of a single network, and the vast majority lack expensive gadgets for optimal use. AFree team collaborated with African developers to create a practical, simple, and intuitive social network.
They focused their attention on Africa to test and launch a next-generation network in this region, “a network that could function in poor mobile connectivity conditions, be simple, engaging, and easy to understand.”
As one of the first testing countries, testers in Kenya will actively contribute to the development of the application. The participation and feedback of the users will help AFree launch an improved version of the app, which will be presented in the next African country.
The name AFree – evokes associations with a free Africa, where, thanks to new technologies, communication is unlimited.
AFree combines the features of most modern messaging and social networks. AFree features instant messaging, calling, video calling, and video conferencing capabilities. At the same time, AFree offers features for short and long videos, as well as their processing.
The name AFree encapsulates the five main aims of the application. The A stands for Assist; the main mission is to help people become more independent, free and educated. The F stands for Finance; a commitment to improving the financial wellbeing of users.
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The R stands for Reward; the app rewards those who are committed to growth, learning and self-improvement but lack the means to do so. There is also the E, which stands for Empower; this means empowering people to freely express their opinions as long as they do not conflict with the law and ethical standards. While the E stands for Educate, providing access to new knowledge, skills and careers.
AFree gives African countries their own social network, free from Western influence and Western censorship, and its concept that is embodied in its advertising campaign targeting African countries with its own peculiarities.
“AFree was created to unite everyone in Africa on one platform, freeing them from total censorship and giving them a voice,” Mr Batyrkanov. “We are also helping to improve lives, business development and learning, ultimately promoting unity, equality and prosperity on the continent.”
