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In a groundbreaking move for the African podcasting industry, SemaBOX proudly unveils WAZO, an innovative podcast distribution platform aimed at enabling Kenyan and African podcasters to directly monetize their content through plays and advertising revenue.
With its launch on July 17, 2023, WAZO, meaning “Thought” in Kiswahili, will be available free of charge to all listeners through the Wazo ONE plan, marking a significant milestone for the region’s podcasting landscape.
The platform’s monetization capabilities will initially benefit Kenyan creators, with plans to extend support to Ugandan and South African podcasters in the third quarter of 2023.
A New Era for Kenyan Podcasters
WAZO pioneers the first-of-its-kind podcast distribution platform in Kenya, offering a fresh revenue stream for content creators while providing advertisers with access to an aggregated audience of over 39 million listeners across the SemaBOX creator network.
This transformative development presents advertisers with a streamlined solution to effectively reach the vibrant Kenyan podcast audience, filling the gap left by major Western platforms that have yet to offer monetization opportunities to Kenyan creators.
Dan Aceda, Founder and CEO of SemaBOX, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “We are truly excited to bring WAZO online. Our goal has always been to empower podcasters to earn revenue, and we are confident that WAZO will be the tool that unlocks this potential. By introducing monetization from the start, we hope to inspire the rest of the podcast industry to follow suit. These talented creators are producing world-class content, and it’s high time they reap the rewards.”
Empowering Creators and Advertisers
In addition to offering a new revenue stream, WAZO will play a crucial role in aggregating data about Kenyan podcasts and podcasters.
This data-driven approach will equip podcasters with valuable insights to enhance their content and delivery, fostering their growth and success.
Simultaneously, advertisers will gain access to a wealth of information that empowers them to make more informed investment decisions, resulting in more effective campaigns and engagement with the target audience.
Grand Launch and Future Prospects
WAZO made its official debut at a creator event on July 17, 2023, capturing the excitement and aspirations of the African podcasting community.
The platform is now globally available through its web version, with iOS and Android apps set to follow shortly after.
The realization of this transformative platform has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of Baraza Media Lab and Africa No Filter, illustrating the industry’s commitment to nurturing African creativity and innovation.
With the launch of WAZO, the African podcasting landscape is poised for a revolution. Kenyan and African podcasters finally have the opportunity to monetize their craft and leverage their talent, while advertisers can tap into a vast audience of eager listeners through a comprehensive and efficient platform.
As WAZO continues to evolve and expand its reach, the future looks promising for African creators and the podcasting industry as a whole.
