The use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp has grown exponentially on the African continent. In Mali, however, where the literacy rate is lower than average and oral tradition dominates, accessing such apps can prove difficult. To rectify this issue, Malian entrepreneur Madamou Gouro has created an oral-based platform called Lenali. He states, “Lenali is the first social network in the world that uses local languages and vocal abilities. The reason for the app is that in Mali, for instance, only 20% are accessing these social networks.” While most of the app’s 27,000 users are in Mali or are part of the Diaspora, Gouro has hope that its popularity will become far reaching in the coming years.
Click here to read more about the creation of the Lenali app.