Mobile phones usage grew across the African continent at a very fast rate. Previously, the devices being used were mainly feature phones that gave users the ability to make voice calls and SMS text. There were not many features on these phones that would warrant them being referred to as smartphones.
However, the rate of smartphone adoption across the continent is also on the rise. More and more Africans are ditching the feature phones for smartphones, as cited by Tech Central who quoted International Data Corp (IDC) saying:
“The growth in smartphones in the Middle East and Africa region is being spurred on by Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS, with the two platforms accounting for over 95 percent of the smartphones shipped in the first quarter of 2015.”
Although there are more Android smartphones sold in Africa, than iPhones. Today we are going to highlight to the top 5 iOS apps currently popular in Africa. The list below is ranked from just how much these apps cost to download to the cost of in-app purchases made.
#1 – Pastor Chris Digital Library:
This app is the leading money making iOS app in Africa, Ranking at position one and from the Zimbabwean seller, Christ Embassy. The app is available for free download, but users will have to pay for the in-app purchases.
The app sells Pastor Chris Digital Library allowing worshippers to purchase video and audio recordings by the Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. The Pastor has made a fortune through his worship company, the Christ Embassy. Back in 2011, Forbes gave an estimation of the Pastor’s net worth to be somewhere between $30 million to $50 million. The Pastor Chris Digital Library covers topics such as health, finance, and prayer. The latest version of the app allows users to stream messages to their TVs via Chrome cast.
#2 – Muslim Pro
This app can be downloaded for free, but the in-app purchases are charged. The in-app purchases contain content designed to help a Muslim observe the traditions and rituals of Islam. It also includes a daily program showing when to do prayers, times for fasting during Ramadan, a full copy of the Koran and a compass always pointing to Mecca. The premium version removes the banner ads and also comes with an audio recording of the Koran.
#3 – SupportGirls
Available for free download, but the in-app purchases charged. It is a social networking app that connects “amazing, hot girls” with “successful, rich men.” The app describes itself as an app for women who “want to be spoiled and treated like a princess” and for men who “want to be excited with your life and have a princess next to you who will make you happy and give you an ocean of unforgettable memories and emotions.” The monthly subscription for the app is $49.99 per month.
#4 – Bakery Story
Bakery Story is a free download, but with paid in-app purchases. It gives users the virtual aspect of designing, decorating and running a bakery. Players get to select their seats, wallpaper, artwork and their menus. The bakeries that run successfully are awarded gems that can be used to purchase additional items. Real money can also be used to buy these gems. It also comes with parental control option.
#5 – Blinklist
This is an app that promises to make you smarter than you already are by ironically encouraging you to read less. It is made up of a digital library of nonfiction book that are summarized that it would take you just 15 minutes to read the books. The digital library contains mainly business and self-help types of books and some biographies as well. Users get a free three-day trial the first time they download the app and will have to subscribe afterward. The premium plan comes with audio versions.
