The rise of mobile apps in developing countries

Over the last decade, the number of mobile phone users has increased rapidly and currently stands at 4 billion. This rise in mobile phone use has been particularly prominent in developing countries. According to a study by the Pew Research Centre, the number of active smartphone users in countries with developing economies rose to 37% in 2015. This has opened up a huge gap in the digital market for companies and app developers around the world.

The rise in smartphone use has been largely attributed to the growing economies of countries such as Brazil, Malaysia and Turkey. These states are transitioning into emerging countries and are offering a number of opportunities for expansion by app development companies looking to break into a new market. Malaysia and Turkey, particularly, have seen the largest spike in smartphone usage with a jump to 65% and 59% respectively.

The market for mobile apps in developing countries has been driven largely by companies and organisations specialising in humanitarian aid and educational services. NGOs and charities have been able to use apps in order to improve the lifestyle and level of care given to people living in developing countries. Educational apps are being used in areas of India and Africa to help improve the access to information that children have.

The need for simplistic and useful apps in developing countries offers a lot of opportunity to app developers. The emerging digital markets in places like Africa and Latin America are an untapped well of potential for companies looking to expand into a marketplace that isn’t as saturated as western industries.

The growing mobile app industry is a result of the large decrease in smartphone prices around the world. In developing areas of Asia and Africa it is possible to buy a smartphone for the equivalent of $30 which means that a growing amount of people around the world have access to digital marketplaces.

The benefits of promoting the advancement of mobile technology in developing countries are mutually beneficial for users and developers and have begun to generate a positive cycle of increased income. Research has shown that the average income of residents of Kenya increased by 30% among those with smartphones. This results in a consumer base with more expendable income which can fund more app-based projects and digital products.

The growth was seen in developing countries over such a short period of time paints a very positive picture for app developers. There is plenty of opportunities to be found in the developing world.