"Talk and Sell": Lenali, a digital vocal business opportunity for BoP entrepreneurs

The populations at the bottom of the pyramid (BoP), characterized by high illiteracy rates and very low purchasing power, are excluded from digital activities, while online commerce (e-commerce and/or m-commerce, for mobile commerce) is a major asset for developing countries like Mali. The question is: how can these illiterate populations participate in this digital transformation and become major actors in online commerce? Mamadou Sidibé, an entrepreneur with a PhD in Computer Science, has created Lenali, the first inclusive social network that "speaks in local languages". Consisting of a 100% voice platform and application, Lenali is THE unique gateway to the Internet. Rooted in African culture, it is at once a facilitator of conversational commerce, a hub for an inclusive marketplace, a channel for connecting communities, and a place of orality (where communities gather in the "village square" to discuss and share personal and professional experiences).

- Discover and understand the difficulties of setting up a business in a context of illiteracy and low income
- Learn and analyse a complex situation (often unfamiliar to people in developed countries) that requires specific strategic decisions, such as an in-depth understanding of BoP's real needs
- Understand how BoP entrepreneurs, acculturated to digital technology, can become a lever for future entrepreneurial success in Mali
- Work in collaborative mode: critical discussion and collective decision-making
- Stimulate participants' thinking around the "dialogy" between the entrepreneur, the company and the constraints of the environment, where uses and the creation of meaning are privileged at the expense of technologies and financial profits

Inclusive BM, social network, social entrepreneurship, voice technology, empowerment

Students of bachelor's and master's degrees from Business Schools, and/or students on a double degree in Engineering-Management
All audiences, whether in training or in the form of a seminar, who are interested in setting up a business in emerging markets, which are currently very dynamic and where the BoP populations represent a high potential for profitability, if the products and services offered are in line with their real needs.

Application software publishing

"Red thread" case
Case accompanied by a workbook in Word format to be completed by students and a correction to be projected

Année de la problématique : 2023

Livraison : Livraison par lien de téléchargement

Nombre de pages : 20 avec 5 page(s) annexe(s)

Temps d'utilisation : plus de 3 heures (3h to 4h30)

Code du secteur d'activité : 72 - Activités informatiques