AfDB to use text messaging platform to collect data in Africa

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced a strategic partnership with Mobile Accord, a mobile platform provider, for the process of using mobile-based surveys throughout Africa to collect data.

This was announced by the Bank’s Chief Economist, Mthuli Ncube, at its 2012 Annual Meetings recently held in Arusha, Tanzania.

In a statement, Mr. Ncube said “Through this partnership with Mobile Accord, we are able to feel the real pulse of the youth and the development impact of AfDB because we can gather more accurate information in real time.”

According to the Bank, Mobile Accord’s service, GeoPoll, the polling platform that uses text messaging to collect substantial data from mobile subscribers, is the engine of the partnership.

The project will be the first time that the concerns, hopes and aspirations of African youth will be heard on such a large scale, the AfDB said.

Mobile Accord’s operation is to provide enterprise level solutions focused on driving positive social change through the mobile phone.

By Ekow Quandzie