This document discusses strategies for using mobile platforms to reach rural communities. It discusses platform thinking, how value is co-created through platforms, and examples of companies that have effectively used existing infrastructure. The document also references a 2014 GSMA report on the importance of mobile in Africa and poses questions about how rural communities access and use information via mobile devices.

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Platform thinking strategies for using mobile to
reach rural communities
Gaussian Mind Trading and Projects
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Website: www.mathsgenius.co.za
Email: edzai@mathsgenius.co.za
Presenter: Edzai Conilias Zvobwo
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#YALITechCamp Pretoria: 21- 22 October 2015
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2. MIT Platform Strategy Summit 2015:Louis von Ahn,
inventor of reCaptcha and founder of Duolingo.com
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3. What is my experience in the mobile solution space?
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4. Why mobile is important in Africa: GSMA 2014 Report
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Hi, My name is Homo Naledi
I am the coolest guy of my era.
I am a genius I discovered fire.
All I want is to be happy
Hi , my name is Edzai
I am the coolest guy of my era.
I am keeping the fire burning.
All I want is to be happy
“We started from the bottom now we are here…” – Drake (Musician)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lj498fgMt8

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Is your solution addressing fundamental human
needs?

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In pursuit of happiness

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Platform companies that took advantage of
existing infrastructure for optimal impact

10. What is Platform Thinking?
• Platform thinking is the art of conceptualising and
implementing inclusive places (physical or virtual)
where different actors can interact, communicate,
co-create and share …
• A successful platform is able to:
1. Attract users
2. Facilitate the effective exchange of
information
3. Foster co-creation of value
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11. • Value is created upstream
• Knowledge is acquired from
teachers and other
gatekeepers.
• Information is designed to
meet specifications
• Value is given by restricted
consumption
Pipes and Platforms
PIPES PLATFORMS
• Value is co-created on the
spot
• Producers and consumers
are co-creators of
knowledge
• Products emerge through
interaction
• Value is appreciated by
interaction
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12. MathsGenius Leadership Institute 2015 ©
Source: http://www.slideshare.net/Christianacharlesiyoha/use-of-mobile-phones-for-advocacy-campaigns

13. GSMA Report 2014
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14. GSMA – Connected Women Report 2014
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15. Examples: Rural mobile usage
questions
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• Do rural folks in my context have access to
quality information?
• Are rural folks using their current devices
optimally?
• Do organisations in your context generally have
inclusive approaches to information dissemination?
• Which platforms can you exploit to enrich
rural peoples’ lives in your context?

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“Maths is to the mind, what love is to
the heart” – Edzai Conilias Zvobwo