Vodacom App Store reaches milestone
Mobile operator Vodacom (VOD) said on Wednesday (February 22, 2012) that its app store has reached one million downloads in less than six months.
In September 2011, the group was the first network operator to launch a local app store.
“The express intention was to spur the development of a local app industry, creating apps relevant to the unique environment in South Africa, as well as creating jobs and income opportunities at the same time,” it said.
Speaking about the progress since last year, Prins Mhlanga, managing executive of digital media at Vodacom said: “The Vodacom App Store itself is booming and has exceeded all expectations. We’re thrilled that we’ve hit one million downloads in less than six months of launch.
“But the real challenge has been to realise the ambition of kick-starting an entirely new industry in South Africa. We had to find a way to support and nurture talent and also celebrate the success stories.”
In order to start the process of harnessing local talent, the Vodacom Developer Program commenced in October last year, and included a series of initiatives such as the App Star Challenge – which is a competition aimed at providing developers with the opportunity to develop local apps.
The winners of The App Star Challenge were announced at the awards ceremony held at Vodacom World in Tuesday.
Vodacom said it will continue to provide incentives to the local developers or Mobile App entrepreneurs through the monthly App contests which are currently running and will end on July 31, 2012.
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