From Lagos to Cape Town, are products by African startups really improving affordability in the mass market?
This blog post was inspired by a research project during the Dream VC Investor Accelerator program. It explores how startups are intertwined with the socio-economic realities of African countries and their impact on influencing social change, particularly in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. The article critically analyses the influence of income inequality and purchasing power in prominent markets on the accessibility and affordability of products and services, especially in sectors like fintech, healthcare, and cleantech. However, for a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between startups, socio-economic realities, and social change within African regions, further research including more countries would be necessary.
TL;DR
Researching across sectors in different geographies provides a useful case study and perspective for understanding the affordability and accessibility of products and services by African startups. Here’s a summary:
1. Affordability is a crucial factor connecting African startups with the socio-economic realities of the wider populace, with innovative approaches seen in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, and cleantech.
2. Income inequality is a common factor impacting the ability of individuals to afford goods and services (purchasing power), with notable disparities across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.
3. Ozow, a leading fintech company in South Africa, addresses financial inclusivity through transparent pricing, contributing to enhanced financial inclusion. However, the transition to digital payments faces hurdles, as a substantial number of transactions are still conducted in cash. This situation points to the ongoing challenges in achieving full digitalization and underscores the necessity for more effective strategies.
4. M-Kopa, operating in Kenya, employs the pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model to make clean energy solutions accessible. Its focus on flexibility and inclusivity contributes substantially to social impact.
5. Reliance Health in Nigeria utilises a bundled subscription model to make telemedicine services accessible and affordable, addressing challenges in rural-urban healthcare access.
6. Subscription-based and PAYG models emerge as driving forces for mass affordability, offering a predictable cost structure and flexibility to accommodate diverse economic capacities.
7. Currency depreciation in Africa impacts the accessibility and affordability of products and services across sectors. As local currencies lose value, the costs of imported components rise, affecting end products heavily reliant on these input resources.
8. Companies like Ozow and M-Kopa leverage tailored models to address economic challenges and capture a wider consumer base, showcasing the effectiveness of globalisation strategies.
9. Beyond pricing, innovative methods driving accessibility include user-friendly technology integration, virtual consultations in healthcare, and the strategic use of bundled service.
10. Factors impacting mass market accessibility and affordability extend beyond the economy, including technology literacy, digital adoption, regulatory frameworks, trust, security, infrastructure, cultural preferences, and an understanding of local environments.
Solving Affordability
In the pulsating heart of Africa’s tech ecosystem, the question of affordability reverberates through the corridors of startups in different regions. At its core, affordability is the key that connects the aspirations of these burgeoning startups with the socio-economic realities of African people. As startups in different sectors strive to innovate and carve their niche, ensuring accessibility becomes a potent catalyst for initiating positive social change.
Delving into the fintech sector, game-changing companies such as M-Pesa in Kenya have leveraged innovation to reshape financial services. It has introduced a mobile banking solution that has reached over 55 million. Similarly, in the healthcare domain, mPharma’s operations spanning multiple African countries aim to tackle the pressing issue of medicine affordability. By optimising the pharmaceutical supply chain, the intent is clear—to make crucial medications more accessible.
The question looms: Are these touted innovations truly succeeding in making products more affordable for the mass market? If yes, is this affordability confined to industry giants, or does it spread throughout startups at various stages and across diverse sectors?
An investigation into the affordability of products and services is necessary to ascertain the true impact and reach of startups on economic inclusivity and the tangible enhancement of living standards within the continent. Below is a deep dive that provides some answers by unravelling the intricate dynamics shaping affordability in Africa, focusing on three key African economies: Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.
Understanding the African Mass Market — from Nigeria to South Africa
Before delving into affordability, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what constitutes the mass market in Africa. It can be intricately defined by several socio-economic factors that shape consumer behaviours and market dynamics. In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with over 200 million people, the mass market is influenced by a rapidly growing population, cultural diversity, urbanization trends, and diverse income levels. According to the United Nations, Nigeria’s population is growing by 2.59% annually and is estimated to reach 400 million people by 2050. This population growth directly impacts consumer behaviour and market demands. A larger population leads to a larger consumer base, increasing the overall demand for goods and services. As a result, there may be shifts in consumer preferences and spending patterns, especially in key sectors like housing, education, healthcare, and consumer goods.
Similarly, with a population exceeding 50 million, Kenya experiences a unique blend of urban and rural dynamics, where factors like high mobile phone penetration, rising income inequality, and a growing middle class significantly influence its mass market. Meanwhile, South Africa (ZA), with its well-established economy, grapples with an interplay of the effects of historical inequalities, post-apartheid economic shifts, and income inequality on its mass market. Evidence can be found in Statistics SA estimates, which put its income inequality as of 2022 at a Gini coefficient of 0.60, which implies severe inequality within the South African economy. Understanding these socio-economic intricacies is fundamental for startups seeking to cater to the mass market.
Africa’s Economic Reality: Income inequality and Purchasing power
In all three nations, income inequality is a common factor that has significantly impacted the socio-economic landscape and is thereby paramount in evaluating affordability. This can be broken down to include other related issues such as the cost of living, earning powers, employment dynamics, and the purchasing power of its population. The variances in income levels among individuals and socioeconomic groups directly affect their ability to make purchases. As income inequality widens, disparities in purchasing power become more pronounced, affecting not only individuals but also shaping the broader economic landscape.
Examining the impact of income disparity in South Africa emerges as a compelling case study, standing as the most unequal country globally with a consumption per capita Gini coefficient of 67 in 2018. The Gini coefficient serves as a metric for income inequality, with lower values deemed more favourable. In contrast, Nigeria demonstrates a comparatively lower income gap with a Gini index of 35.1. Kenya, with its 2021 Gini index at 38.7, falls between South Africa and Nigeria, showcasing a moderate level of income inequality. These disparities in Gini coefficients across countries illuminate the stark variations in income distribution and, consequently, the challenges individuals may face in accessing and affording goods and services within these countries. Let’s look at some case studies.
Ozow — Reshaping the digital payment landscape
South Africa, with its diverse economic landscape, presents a unique canvas for fintech ventures. Ozow, as a leading player, navigates the challenge of ensuring financial inclusivity in a nation characterised by income disparities. The company’s pricing strategies, including the “no subscription, no setup fees” model, play a crucial role in addressing the needs of a broad demographic, aiming to make electronic payments accessible to a wider audience.
According to Numbeo, the monthly income average for South Africans is reported to be R23,015. Individuals utilising Ozow products benefit from a transparent pricing structure, paying just 1.5%, or a minimum of R1, on all transactions across all banks. This affordability becomes even more evident when juxtaposed with other expenses, such as the average monthly spending of R580 on calls and R798 on internet services.
As of 2021, the company has amassed more than 47 million account holders by facilitating a significant increase in digital transactions, thereby contributing to the enhancement of financial inclusion. However, over 70% of all retail payment volumes and 89% of transactions in South Africa’s informal economy are still cash-based, despite 8 out of 10 people owning a bank account. This raises questions about the effectiveness of current initiatives and the extent to which digital products are genuinely accessed by the mass market. Financial inclusion isn’t opening bank accounts.
According to Thomas Pays, founder and CEO, Ozow remains committed to driving financial inclusion through digital products. It’s betting on its RPP (Rapid Payment Programme) to create an instant payment ecosystem that would give people the ability to make real-time payments using simple identifiers, such as mobile numbers or email addresses, thereby abandoning the cash-based alternative in the near future.
M-Kopa — Expanding energy access to off-grid households
Did you know that Kenya’s vibrant and diverse economic landscape was instrumental in M-Kopa’s groundbreaking approach to ensuring accessibility to clean energy solutions in the country? The economic intricacies within the country necessitated startups to adeptly navigate challenges stemming from the prevailing wealth gap. This led M-Kopa to champion pricing strategies such as pay-as-you-go (PAYG), which has played a pivotal role in the company’s product reaching a broader consumer base.
"Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) allows customers to build ownership of appliances over time by paying an initial deposit followed by flexible micro-payments.” — TechCrunch
This challenge is exacerbated by the fact that a considerable number of adults earn less than $5 daily, rendering a $200 solar home system or a $100 smartphone financially out of reach. As highlighted in a 2019 World Bank report, a staggering 85% of Africans survive on less than $5.50 per day. However, M-Kopa addresses this financial constraint by allowing underserved consumers to make a modest deposit, such as $35, to acquire a solar home system. By recognising the income variability in Kenya’s informal economy, the pricing model accommodates this diversity by stipulating daily payments ranging from 30 cents to $1 through mobile phones. Interestingly, calculated monthly ($19–$30), the payments for the home system are comparable to what Kenyans typically pay for calls ($13) and internet services ($35) monthly.
As a connected financing platform for products like solar home systems, M-Kopa’s financial offerings are meticulously crafted to address the unique challenges faced by the financially excluded. Backed by the successful repayment track record of millions of satisfied customers, the company reported that it has provided solar home systems to over 1.7 million off-grid households. Following this success, M-Kopa expanded its PAYG model to include other assets such as smartphones, TVs, refrigerators, and solar lighting. Consequently, this also raised its users to over 3 million, with over $1 billion in credit disbursed to the underbanked.
M-Kopa’s co-founder and CEO, Jesse Moore attributed this success to the model’s inclusivity, as there’s no upfront scoring and consumers can get the solar system or smartphones irrespective of the market, whether in Lagos or Nairobi. This not only reflects the company’s financial inclusion efforts but also underscores its substantial social impact by bringing sustainable energy solutions to those traditionally underserved. This case study sheds light on the broader implications of cleantech startups addressing environmental challenges while simultaneously fostering economic and social progress in Africa.
"What's important to know about our model is it’s very inclusive in terms of who can qualify. As you know, most credit instruments have several restrictions in terms of screening, collateral, or a guarantor, and that’s the limiting factor for so many people when it comes to financial inclusion."
co-founder and CEO, M-Kopa, Jesse Moore
In harnessing the PAYG model, M-Kopa has pioneered an innovative approach to fostering accessibility to clean energy solutions in the region. The impressive user traction across different product lines and socio-economic groups shows it addresses some economic intricacies, particularly the challenges posed by the wealth gap, wherein pricing strategies have played a pivotal role. This not only underscores the company’s commitment to inclusivity but also highlights how strategic pricing can serve as a powerful tool for bridging socioeconomic gaps and promoting sustainable solutions for a diverse consumer base.
Reliance Health — Healthcare: not just accessible but affordable.
Reliance Health’s telemedicine services have connected thousands of individuals with healthcare professionals, outpacing competitors and showcasing a tangible impact on health outcomes. Yet, the current success of the telemedicine solution cannot solely be attributed to its product; rather, its growth likely received a significant boost from users of its existing insurance products and the insights gained from delivering earlier services. This unique vantage point allowed Reliance Health to adeptly navigate Nigeria’s economic disparities, emerging as a transformative force in the healthcare sector.
The product effectively addresses the challenges posed by limited access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural and urban areas, by offering virtual consultations. This strategic move not only breaks down geographical barriers but also significantly enhances healthcare access, marking a substantial step towards improved health outcomes in the country.
In terms of pricing strategies, hospitals are yet to develop a method that doesn’t just charge patients at the lowest possible rate. Instead, they use pricing structures that align with what the general public can comfortably afford. Reliance Health has confronted this issue by bundling an integrated suite of healthcare products (telemedicine platform, drug delivery system, and onsite clinic visit) via affordable subscription plans. This has increased access to flexible healthcare coverage for thousands of businesses, families, and individuals.
The company offers flexible healthcare plans that customers can access with monthly, quarterly, and annual payments ranging from ₦3,500 (~$7.00) to ₦148,500 (~$297.00). Crucially, this falls within the financial reach of Nigerians, especially when considering the average monthly income of ₦101,906. Remarkably, the cost of a health plan is less than 4% of the monthly earnings, underscoring its affordability in the context of the average Nigerian’s financial capacity. This affordability is further accentuated when compared with other expenditures, such as the average monthly spending of ₦5,120 on calls and ₦21,947 on internet services.
The pricing strategy therefore plays a pivotal role in reaching a broader consumer base, fostering financial inclusion in a sector where affordability is a pressing concern. Beyond economic factors, the social impact is profound, as the telemedicine solution contributes to improved healthcare equity, particularly for underserved populations. This case study underscores the vital role that health tech startups play in addressing healthcare affordability, leveraging innovative solutions to bridge gaps in access and affordability.
Lessons: Business Models and Pricing
The given examples of innovations by venture-backed African startups all show that the driving forces behind mass affordability in various sectors, such as fintech (payments), healthcare (telemedicine), and cleantech (solar systems), are subscription-based and pay-as-you-go (PAYG) business models. These models have gained prominence owing to their unique capacity to grant consumers access to products and services with minimal upfront costs. The subscription model introduces a predictable cost structure that can be fine-tuned through tiered pricing, providing different service levels at varying price points. Simultaneously, this approach enhances accessibility by tailoring pricing to accommodate the diverse economic capacities within the mass market. Subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) in the entertainment sector benefited immensely from this model, with users projected to hit 13.7 million in 2027 up from 4.89 million at the end of 2021.
Pay-as-you-go (PAYG), on the other hand, is a payment model that enables users to pay for services incrementally, presenting a flexible and adaptive approach. This strategic flexibility is designed to cater to the diverse income levels prevalent in many regions. By breaking down financial commitments into manageable increments, PAYG addresses the economic intricacies faced by a broad spectrum of users, ensuring that essential services and products, such as payment services, solar energy, and healthcare, remain accessible and affordable. According to GOGLA (2019), PAYG reached a milestone of 1 million units valued at $216.85 million in 2018. PAYG-based plug-and-play solar solutions also saw similar feats spreading at an average annual growth rate of 140% between 2013 and 2016.
Another model that has proven notably effective in propelling affordability, particularly in the telemedicine sub-sector, is the freemium services model. Freemium services operate by providing basic functionalities at no cost, while users can opt for additional features by paying a fee. This strategic approach aligns seamlessly with diverse economic capacities, creating an inclusive framework that encourages widespread adoption. A good example is the dominance of WhatsApp in Africa; its decision to get rid of its subscription fee saw it become one of the biggest messaging apps in the world. It’s not just social platforms; in Ghana, BIMA and Tigo attracted one million first-time insurance subscribers by introducing a free basic family insurance product.
Exploration of alternative financing plans, including subsidised pricing, instalment plans, micro-loans, and other micro-financing options, has become increasingly prevalent through strategic partnerships with NGOs, financial institutions, or government entities. These innovative approaches hold the potential to further enhance affordability and accessibility within the mass market. By collaborating with external stakeholders, businesses can tap into diverse financial resources and tailor their financing models to meet the unique economic constraints of their target audience.
As seen in the case studies above, companies like Ozow and M-Kopa strategically leverage these models to broaden their market reach and navigate economic intricacies. M-Kopa’s approach enables users to pay for the energy they consume, aligning with the specific needs and financial capacities of diverse consumers. On the other hand, Ozow stands out with its highly subsidised pricing model compared to competitors, making its services more financially accessible. This observation shows the effectiveness of tailored models in addressing economic challenges and capturing a wider consumer base.
One of these economic challenges worth highlighting is currency depreciation, as it remains a pervasive issue in multiple African economies today. Although the effect of models in addressing this issue hasn’t been proven, their effect on the accessibility and affordability of products and services across various sectors is well known. As local currencies lose value, the cost of imported components or technologies, such as advanced medical equipment or specialised technologies, rises. This has a pronounced effect on products or services heavily reliant on these resources.
In response to currency fluctuations and economic uncertainties, some startups opt to price their products in foreign currencies, often more ‘stable ones’ like the U.S. dollar. While this may provide a level of price stability for businesses, it can pose challenges for local consumers as they face the brunt of currency devaluation, making these products less affordable. Moreover, the accessibility of essential goods and services, especially those dependent on international markets, becomes more constrained, contributing to economic disparities within the region.
Lessons: Outside pricing and other Innovative methods for accessibility
Beyond conventional pricing strategies, companies are employing various innovative methods to enhance accessibility in their respective sectors. In the fintech sector, Ozow strategically enhances accessibility through the integration of a simplified payment process across various devices, including mobile and desktop. This initiative is designed to elevate the overall user experience, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly interface for diverse consumers.
Similarly, in the solar subsector, M-Kopa takes a proactive approach by incorporating user-friendly technology. This not only facilitates remote monitoring and troubleshooting but also ensures the longevity and reliability of their solar solutions. Here, its commitment to user-friendly technology underscores its dedication to providing accessible and sustainable energy solutions.
In the realm of telemedicine, Reliance Health employs technology integration to facilitate virtual consultations. This not only ensures convenience but also widens accessibility, especially in regions with limited physical healthcare infrastructure. Reliance Health’s innovative use of technology breaks down geographical barriers, making healthcare services more accessible to a broader audience.
What proves mutually beneficial across these sectors is the strategic integration with mobile wallets and leveraging existing digital infrastructure. This synergy fosters widespread accessibility by easing how customers pay for goods and services, as it aligns with the evolving digital landscape and capitalises on the increasing prevalence of mobile technology.
Also, the adoption of bundled services emerges as a key strategy for offering two or more products or services at a subsidised price through strategic partnerships. This approach enhances affordability and broadens the appeal of products and services to a wider audience. The strategies exemplified by these companies explore the efficacy of making diverse approaches to making products and services more affordable and accessible to consumers.
Lessons: Beyond the Economy, other factors impacting accessibility and affordability
Across diverse sectors, common factors such as technology literacy, digital adoption, and regulatory frameworks emerge as critical determinants affecting the accessibility and affordability of products and services within the mass market. Technological literacy and digital adoption rates among the target population play pivotal roles in influencing accessibility, while the regulatory landscape, including compliance requirements, significantly impacts the ease of entry and operation. Simultaneously, supportive policies embedded in regulatory frameworks not only encourage innovation but also facilitate market penetration, underscoring the intricate relationship between regulations and market dynamics.
Certain factors, however, exhibit more pronounced effects in specific sectors. In the fintech and health tech domains, trust and security are paramount considerations influencing user adoption. Concerns related to fraud and unethical practices underscore the importance of trust, particularly when financial transactions or health-related services are involved. Infrastructure also assumes a critical role, particularly in regions grappling with limited resources. Challenges in delivering accessible services, such as telemedicine, are evident where reliable internet connectivity is crucial for virtual consultations, cutting across various tech startup sectors.
Furthermore, an understanding of the local environment and cultural preferences proves essential for tailoring products to increase user acceptance. This personalised approach acknowledges that successful market penetration hinges on aligning products with the unique needs and preferences of diverse consumer bases. As affordability increases, user education and after-sales support emerge as indispensable components to push adoption and accessibility. These elements bridge knowledge gaps, ensuring proper usage of products and services.
In unravelling the complexities of accessibility and affordability within various sectors, it becomes evident that factors extending beyond the economy play pivotal roles. Understanding some of the factors raised above paves the way for a more extensive comprehension of the challenges and opportunities within diverse sectors.
Lessons: Driving inclusion in the mass market
In the pursuit of driving inclusion within Africa’s mass market, some strategies have been reiterated by experts. One of the fundamental strategies is prioritising user education to increase awareness and adoption of products and services. This is particularly true in the telemedicine sector, where trust is paramount. The lessons learned highlight the centrality of user education in instilling confidence and acceptance of telemedicine services within diverse communities.
Also on user adoption, continuous innovation in pricing models and user experience have proven useful for long-term sustainability. Building trust through transparent pricing and reliable after-sales services enhances user confidence, fostering loyalty and sustained engagement. The success of M-Kopa’s pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model serves as a compelling illustration of aligning product affordability with the daily economic realities of the mass market.
Adapting to diverse economic landscapes and tailoring offerings to suit local contexts emerges as another key lesson. According to Carolyne Mweberi, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Qhala “Different markets have different needs, and each market has a distinct relationship with products. As you have your eyes set on different markets in Africa, you need to employ tailored positioning strategies for each market segment.” Carolyne identifies the need to understand local languages and cultural contexts for user acceptance. Successful startups in various sectors, such as M-Kopa and Ozow, exemplify the impact of aligning products with the unique values and preferences of the mass market.
Another play that fits into the adaptation strategy to enhance market reach is collaborative partnerships with local businesses and industry players. Strategic collaborations with existing distribution networks, such as mobile money agents and traditional banks, contribute significantly to market outreach. These partnerships prove crucial in breaking down distribution barriers and expanding the accessibility of products and services to a broader audience. As the market evolves, these insights collectively paint a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and lessons learned in driving inclusion and accessibility. These, in turn, become guiding principles for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of Africa’s diverse and dynamic consumer landscape.
Future Prospects — Craving the Next Revolution
In 1993, the vast majority of Africa’s population—70 per cent or more—had never heard a telephone ring. Today, more than 70 per cent of Africans own a phone. This change, according to Strive Masiyiwa, founder of Econet, is a revolution. It shows just how much technology-driven inclusion can change the economic landscape. As African startups continue to grow, their trajectory in terms of accessibility and affordability holds immense implications for how the continent evolves. Predicting the future trajectory requires a nuanced understanding of emerging trends and potential disruptors in each sector.
In the fintech sector, the future promises a new era of financial inclusion. African startups are leveraging mobile technology to reach the unbanked and underserved populations. In 2014, the Global Findex survey showed that 12 per cent of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa had a mobile money account, while 2 per cent did globally. Today, Sub-Saharan Africa remains the global leader in the use of mobile money, with more than 21 per cent of adults in the region having accounts. Research from the World Bank opines that “the future of fintech lies in seamless and affordable financial services accessible to everyone, irrespective of their economic background.” Mobile wallets, digital lending, and innovative payment solutions are expected to dominate, fostering greater financial literacy and inclusion.
Cleantech startups are spearheading sustainable solutions with a keen eye on accessibility for underserved communities. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, African startups in cleantech are positioning themselves as key players in providing affordable and eco-friendly alternatives. For example, solar solutions, pioneered by companies like M-Kopa, are becoming more affordable and accessible. The future holds prospects for scalable renewable energy solutions, decentralized power grids, and innovative waste management systems. These endeavours align with the global shift towards sustainability while ensuring accessibility to clean energy for all.
In health technology, the trajectory points towards enhanced telemedicine solutions catering to regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. Virtual consultations bolstered by robust digital platforms, wearables for remote patient monitoring, AI-driven diagnostics, and personalised treatment plans are set to redefine how healthcare services are delivered. African Digital Health Initiative by Health Builders and ADN emphasises that the future of health technology in Africa lies in leveraging technology to bridge the healthcare gap, ensuring that quality medical services are not a luxury but a necessity for all. Reliance Health’s integration of technology for virtual consultations showcases the potential of leveraging innovation for widespread healthcare access.
Amidst these promising trajectories, potential disruptors may arise from geopolitical challenges, evolving consumer behaviours, and advancements in global technology. Regulatory landscapes, though evolving, can act as both enablers and impediments. The challenge lies in creating regulatory frameworks that foster innovation while safeguarding consumer interests.
As African ventures continue to shape the future, their commitment to accessibility will be a catalyst for inclusive economic development across the continent. Stakeholders should prioritise regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while safeguarding consumer interests. Public-private partnerships can also play a pivotal role in scaling impactful solutions. Additionally, a focus on digital literacy and education is paramount to ensuring the sustainable adoption of innovative products and services.
Reflection: Fostering inclusivity and improving overall quality of life
Whether African startups across different stages offer products and services that are affordable is open to debate, but what cannot be denied is that significant progress has been made in improving affordability in the mass market. African countries, such as South Africa, have faced challenges associated with high income inequality which is a critical factor influencing affordability. Comparable situations can be found in certain regions of Latin America, emphasising the importance of addressing economic disparities for inclusive growth.
The author hopes that the case studies of Ozow, M-Kopa, and Reliance Health provide insights into the strategies these startups employ to address economic intricacies and promote accessibility. The discoveries emphasise the role of subscription-based and PAYG models in driving mass affordability. This article also explores the impact of freemium services and alternative financing plans, such as subsidised pricing and micro-loans, on enhancing accessibility.
In conclusion, for startups to offer affordable and accessible products, emphasis must be drawn to strategies prioritising user education, continuous innovation in pricing models, and adaptation to diverse economic landscapes for long-term sustainability and inclusive growth. Stakeholders are also encouraged to focus on regulatory frameworks that foster innovation while safeguarding consumer interests.
I would like to thank all the stakeholders whose valuable contributions made this article possible. Thomas Pays, Jesse Moore, Carolyne Mweberi, and Strive Masiyiwa—your comments, insights, and expertise have enriched the content, elevating it to new heights. Special thanks to Mark Kleyner, whose thoughtful feedback, edits, and comments greatly enhanced the depth of my research.
