In a recent exclusive interview with UWA’s CEO, Gasper Bizjak, and Executive Director, Fred Uduma, the creators of the UWA Social App delved into the app’s inception and its profound significance in diverse African cultures. Here are the key takeaways:
Inspiration Behind UWA
The UWA Social App emerged from a void in the social media landscape. While countries like the U.S.A, Europe, Russia, and China had their own social media platforms, Africa lacked a prominent presence. The creators saw this as an opportunity to develop a Pan-African platform, giving Africa a distinct voice in the global digital arena.
Fostering Unity and Connectivity
One of UWA’s core objectives is to foster a sense of unity and community among Africans, both on the continent and in the diaspora. The app provides a space where people with similar interests can connect, grow, and thrive, promoting a sense of belonging and togetherness.
Unique Features Setting UWA Apart
UWA differentiates itself with several unique features, including minimal data consumption, direct in-app music streaming, unconventional Umojis and stickers, and a user-friendly interface. This simplicity enhances user experience and accessibility.
Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity
To ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all users, UWA allows communication in native languages, including Pidgin-English. Users can express themselves through text, video, or pictures, respecting the linguistic and cultural diversity of the African continent.
Positive Impact and Success Stories
UWA’s positive impact is already evident, with examples like the recent culture competition that saw entries and votes pouring in from across Africa. This initiative successfully promoted African cultures and engaged users from various countries.
Community Building and User Engagement
UWA employs a range of strategies to build a strong sense of community and engagement. Content challenges, contests, virtual events, and Q&A sessions are just a few of the methods used to connect users and promote active participation.
Data Privacy and Security
UWA prioritizes data security, employing encryption for both data in transit and at rest. The platform also ensures user privacy by hiding personal interests from corporations and providing encrypted private chats.
Personalized User Experience
UWA caters to the diverse needs and preferences of different African tribes and regions by integrating major languages and allowing users to communicate in their native or official languages.
Global Expansion with an African Identity
While UWA has expanded beyond Africa, its primary focus remains on the African continent, particularly Nigeria, as it seeks to maintain its African identity while gradually venturing into the global market.
Long-term Vision for UWA
UWA’s long-term vision is to become a household name throughout Africa and beyond. It aims to empower individuals from various backgrounds, including journalists, artists, musicians, developers, and bloggers, by providing a platform to showcase their talents, hobbies, and way of life.
UWA represents a movement that is poised to redefine social media, placing the power of “social” back in the hands of the people and celebrating Africa’s rich diversity and uniqueness. Stay tuned for more developments from this groundbreaking platform!
