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ForgetMeNot Africa's platform aims to bridge the digital divide for Africans by providing internet messaging on even the most basic mobile phone

An eTXT is a message which can be sent and received seamlessly as an SMS, an email, chat or facebook message on any carriers network via SMS. No need for downloads to the phone, internet, PC access or a change in user behaviour.

ForgetMeNot Africa activity

• Six contracts with mobile carriers in five African countries – Lesotho, Kenya, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe
• Potentially enabled social media, email and online chat services on standard mobile phones to 47.5 million Africans in east, west, central and southern Africa
• Further expansions planned across Africa

 ForgetMeNot Africa website        Videos from ForgetMeNot Africa

Introduction and an overview of ForgetMeNot Africa

"We are focused on bringing internet messaging to very basic mobile phone handsets using SMS, focused primarily on Africa"

What benefits does digital technology bring to the lives of ordinary Africans?

"It really doesn't seem fair that people who can't afford new technology can't be part of what's happening in the West...digital technology performs a role, that could be social, educational, or helping a small business" 

What can this technology offer the poorer people in African communities?

"Mobile penetration in Africa, especially basic handsets is pretty high, but obviously differs from country to country, but it is significant. Even people who don't own a mobile phone often have access to a phone. In villages you might have two or three phones owned by entrepreneurs who then rent out time on their phones to others in the village"

Do you think smartphones will become common across Africa in the coming years?

"We do see a change but our feeling is that it is going to take ten or fifteen years before the vast majority of people in Africa have access to a smartphones  "   

What social benefits can digital technology offer the poorer people in African communities?

"Mobile phone fulfill a social function, and have given people a freedom that they didn't have before. The freedom to communicate. Often families are split up, with people going to cities to look for work"