As people everywhere ramp up their usage of instant messaging and more and more are choosing Ayoba, MTN Group said it is proud to partner with this unique instant messaging platform localised for the needs of consumers across Africa.
Launched in 2019 to improve access to affordable communications, Ayoba is active in 17 MTN markets and is also available to download onto Android smartphones in numerous other markets from Google Play and via the Ayoba website www.ayoba.me as an over-the-top (OTT) offering.
Ayoba is focused on protecting users’ privacy and security: it is not possible for messages in the app to be read by anyone else or to be shared with any third parties, including MTN.
The app features peer-to-peer private messaging which is end-to-end encrypted; Ayoba treats data with the utmost care and respect in line with its privacy policy.
All the content available on Ayoba channels is curated and reviewed to ensure that it’s 100% family-friendly and safe for younger users.
A team of editors checks every post on Ayoba content channels before it goes live across over 100 content channels and 120 games.
Ayoba has also recently launched an in-app assistant, Aya, to guide new users on how to use the instant messaging app.
Aya appears automatically in the app and can run a variety of interactive tutorials for key features within Ayoba.
Ayoba users can send and receive encrypted messages, share photos, videos, files, voice notes and even their location, and can also subscribe to live channels.
Localised content is available through these channels that aim to entertain, educate and empower communities.
Since 2020, as COVID-19 spread across the world, Ayoba’s daily lifeline data allocations on MTN’s networks in most markets allowed users free connections with family and provided them with zero-rated access to credible information through special COVID-19 channels.
The app supports over 20 local languages spoken across MTN’s markets, including isiZulu, isiXhosa, Pidgin, Yoruba, Swahili, Hausa, French, Arabic, Portuguese, and English.
At the end of June 2020, Ayoba had two million active users.
In November 2020, Ayoba was named the ‘Best Mobile App of the Year’ at the Africa Digital Awards 2020, acknowledging Africa’s first super-app, which offers users free instant messaging, mobile commerce and interactive entertainment.
Ayoba is a free instant messaging (IM) application developed and owned by SIMFY AFRICA, based in Cape Town, South Africa.
Although Africa is one continent, it is also the home to hundreds of unique cultures. Ayoba celebrates the diversity of Africa by providing a world-class messaging platform that reflects local needs and aspirations.
Ayoba’s inclusive approach to technology means that its users will be able to communicate with anyone with a mobile device, even if they don’t have the Ayoba app.
During an initial promotional period, this communication is made available at no cost, across selected mobile network operators.
Ayoba launched its first strategic partnership with MTN in Cameroon on the 4 May 2019.
