Individuals in Angola, Namibia, Kenya and Botswana are more likely to access the internet, use social media and engage with advanced mobile services than other parts of Africa according to a recent report by Neilson. They are also more likely to use IM, Skype and other online services daily. Out of 15 countries surveyed, these are described as ‘Savvy Consumers’ as opposed to ‘Simple’ or ‘Selective’ ones.  Neilson also defines seven socio-economic groups and sees the key differentiator across countries surveyed as interaction with print media, mobile and online media.

The report includes case studies on three individuals, to provide a digestible overview of African consumers today. Patrick is from Nairobi in Kenya, for example and behaves just like any young, professional, consumer in Manhattan. He is passionate about gadgets, loves trying new technology and is happy to take recommendations from his extensive social media network.  He is defined as a ‘Trendy Aspirant’ in a ‘Savvy Culture’.

Patrick couldn’t differ more from Nelly, who lives in Kano, Nigeria. Her consuming habits are more like an archetypal 50s housewife, because although she discovers new products through TV and radio jingles, she is happiest taking recommendations from her friends and family. Nelly is identified as a ‘Balanced Senior’ in a ‘Selective Culture’. Finally there is 18-year-old Benjamin from Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is an ‘Evolving Junior’ in a ‘Simple Culture’ and is like an excited child who always wants to try the next fun thing on the market. At the moment he and his friends are saving for a cool new energy drink that has received an attention-grabbing advert on the radio.

Part of the reason doing business in Africa is such a challenge for many people outside the region is because the continent is so vast and disparate. There is also often a lot of ignorance on the differences between various countries from people in the West. Although this Neilson report is a trifle simplistic and based exclusively on consumers, it does help provide a cohesive overview of the marketplace as a whole. In addition to which, it rams home the point that word of mouth is extremely important in African culture. In the ‘Savvier’ areas this extends to ‘virtual word of mouth’ but recommendations are still highlighted as more key than elsewhere in the world.