Kenyan mobile directory service Africa 118, one of five startups to be awarded a Microsoft4Afrika innovation grant in 2014, has announced its expansion into Uganda.
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There it has launched a localised version of its offering, called ‘InfoMoby’. The service is designed to sort business information categorically and by location, making it easier for users to find business information, hours of operation, websites and physical addresses. At launch, the directory reportedly covers thousands of businesses in Jinja, Kampala, Entebbe and other significant areas in Uganda.
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The database also allows users can directly call business communities, favourite a page for future reference or share page links with friends through social media.
According to the Africa 118 founder and Chief Executive Ezana Raswork, the move was made to address the frustration of finding contact information on local businesses. To get the database started, InfoMoby’s team walked door-to-door, collecting business information using Windows phones.
“We want to ensure Ugandans have access to the most complete and accurate local information. Every day, our team contacts hundreds of businesses and local services to collect, correct or enhance their information in our database,” he said.
While Africa 118’s business directory is not the first to emerge in East Africa, it is entering a space which was left somewhat vacant by the shuttering of Naspers-owned Mocality.
In addition to financial grant provided to Africa 118 by Microsoft4Afrika, the startup has also received technical support and mentorship from the Redmond-based technology giant.
