Feasibility Assessment for Developing a Mobile Applications Sector in Afghanistan
Afghanistan has made significant progress in its development since 2001. Yet, these achievements remain continually fragile because of a volatile security situation and limited human capacity. In spite of these constraints, the information and...
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| Format: | Working Paper |
| Language: | English en_US |
| Published: |
Washington, DC
2014
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| Online Access: | http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/ http://hdl.handle.net/10986/20809 |
| Summary: | Afghanistan has made significant
progress in its development since 2001. Yet, these
achievements remain continually fragile because of a
volatile security situation and limited human capacity. In
spite of these constraints, the information and
communications technology (ICT) sector in the country has
witnessed remarkable growth. The study estimated that the
mobile app market will grow from its estimated $20-$33
million to $48-$60 million, at least twice the current size
in the next three years. Gaps include lack of relevant
skills and experience needed for the mobile app market (and
also absences in resources needed to provide these skills),
a deficiency in the awareness of the potential of mobile
technology, and barriers because of the use of multiple
languages and low levels of English language fluency.
Methods to access the end user of mobile products remain
nonexistent. The study notes that increased awareness,
relevant skills, and access to practical experience in the
mobile industry are a top priority. As such developers need
access to tools that are localized. Finally, an alternative
application distribution mechanism, which enables access to
a greater market and capacity to bill services, is
essential. The study underscores the importance of
leveraging the existing government initiatives: an ICT
incubator and related programs funded through the World Bank
Group, other donor driven programs providing access to
funding, and locally driven grassroots programs supporting
awareness raising. To address the problem of end-user
access, the study offers a game-changing proposal to
establish an app store that is built locally and provides
locally relevant content. The app store can raise further
awareness and build a pipeline of entrepreneurs and users to
further drive the mobile market. The report attached
provides a synopsis of the mapping of the ecosystem and a
survey of current initiatives and existing gaps.
Recommendations and a roadmap for designing future programs
targeting mobile entrepreneurs are also included in the
report. The subsequent PowerPoint offers a unique
presentation of the analysis and results for this specific study. |
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