Orange last week launched Africa's first mobile crowdfunding platform, the Orange Collecte, in Côte d’Ivoire, leveraging the Operator's Mobile Money electronic wallet. The USSD-based platform which was developed in partnership with HelloAsso will allow individuals and charities to raise funds for their personal (weddings, birthdays, etc.) and charitable projects (fundraising, events, projects, etc.). Contributors will be able to make their donations using their Orange Money electronic wallet.
Orange Money customers create their fund on Orange Collecte by dialling #144*8# on a mobile phone or by visiting their website, collecte.orange.com. A charity that wants to start a fundraising campaign must have created an Orange Money account dedicated to the charity because it is able to receive funds. As for contributors, they choose a campaign, indicate how much they want to pledge and then confirm it. In turn, they can invite their contacts to also take part in the collection.