Nigerian App, Kobo360 developed by Obi Ozor thrills experts at TICAD7
Stakeholders at the ongoing 7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), have hailed the exploits of Nigerian techprenurer, Obi Ozor for his App, Kobo360 which is currently changing the narratives of African and mainly Nigerian farmers who have adopted the technology.
According to experts, Ozor’s App as an example of digital technology has been delivering results as it offers an app that connects truckers and companies to delivery services.
In an interview, Ozor said inspiration for his venture stemmed from the lack of data on delivery services.
He said “We found that banks are not lending digitally or with data.”
Participants also heard from Rwandan Minister Ingabire who said farmers must be seen as valid stakeholders and not beneficiaries. Rwanda is touted as a proof of concept for reforms in the agriculture sector and is seen as one of Africa’s success stories. But a fast-changing industry requires regulations that respond to the changing environment, she said.
In a segment on Japanese investor interest in Africa, Atsuko Toda, Bank Director invited investors’ to begin with African countries which already offer promising investment opportunities.
In closing remarks, Bank VP Jennifer Blanke, Vice-President, Agriculture, Human, and Social Development, described the task of harnessing digital technologies for agriculture as exciting and urged participants to see agriculture is a business not “just a way of life.”“There’s a risk, yes, but there are juicy returns, now is the time for all of us to run in that direction…don’t wait too long…we all have our running shoes on,” she said.
“Africa is digitizing and offers great opportunities and potential. What an exciting place to be having this conversation in Japan,” Blanke concluded.
