13 Oct 2024

Mr Again Oabile, a 31-year-old Motswana entrepreneur with a background in Telecommunications Engineering, found himself in need of a quick solution. 

His yard needed clearing, but without the proper tools and time to do the job himself, he struggled to find a reliable service provider nearby. The frustration ignited in him an idea to start Kopo App, a platform designed to connect customers with skilled service providers at the touch of a button.

"I realised how much convenience a digital platform could bring to many Batswana who face similar challenges," explained Mr Oabile.

Kopo App, he explained, was created to bridge the gap between service providers and customers in Botswana, offering a seamless digital solution to what was once a cumbersome process.

Mr Oabile does not consider himself an app developer, but a product owner who saw an opportunity and worked with international developers to bring his idea to life.

His vision, he mentioned, was clear from the start, to make it easier for people with skills, ranging from electricians to gardeners, to connect with prospective clients who needed their services.

"The convenience of geo-location technology allows customers to quickly find skilled service providers in their area, making the whole process efficient," Mr Oabile shared.

Shedding more light on the app, he said it functioned similar to ride-hailing platforms such as InDrive, ensuring that the closest provider was available to respond to requests, be it a plumbing job or a home renovation.

Since its inception, he said that Kopo app had stood out for its diverse services. While other local apps offer similar on-demand features, Mr Oabile stated that Kopo had emerged as a leader due to its wide range of service categories and sub-categories, which continued to expand based on market demand.

This adaptability has allowed the app to grow steadily, despite hiccups experienced along the way, the biggest hurdle so far being financing.

※Self-funding the development of Kopo has cost me P200 000. To scale the app further and conduct more marketing and public education, particularly for service providers, an additional P500 000 is required, said Mr Oabile.

He nonetheless, said he had already achieved key milestones, including attracting the attention of Jamal Trading, a reputable company, and gaining private and government media support.

One of Kopo APP main goals, he revealed, was to drive job creation in Botswana and offer the  convenience of a digital platform for skilled service providers.

But how does it function? Service providers can register for free on the app and start receiving job requests after a vetting process, explained Mr Oabile.

"We want to give skilled workers an aggregated pool of customers, and through this, we hope to create income opportunities for them," he said.

In future, Mr Oabile plans to integrate card payments into the app and expand its reach beyond Botswana, the SADC region being the next target. "In a few years, I envision Kopo becoming a household name, much like InDrive," he said. 

The app, which is currently available on Google Play and Apple Store, is set to evolve into a web-based platform as well, catering for users who may be hesitant to download apps.

For young Batswana aspiring to enter the tech world, Mr Oabile offers simple yet powerful advice, Start where you are with what you have. Build teams, respond to market needs and above all, have patience.

His journey is a testament to the power of taking the initiative and finding innovative solutions to everyday problems.

Botswana's tech ecosystem, while still developing, has potential, with increasing support from institutions like Botswana Innovation Hub. However, Mr Oabile acknowledges the slow pace at which Batswana adopt to new apps. This has pushed him to think beyond borders, aiming for regional impact while still rooted in Botswana.

As Kopo continues to grow, Mr Oabile believes that the future of app development in the country is bright, fuelled by the demand for digital solutions. 

We live in a digital era, and those who create or support tech will undoubtedly benefit from this wave of digital commerce, said Mr Oabile. Ends