Kachwanya.com team had a chat with Kseniia Sycheva, Senior Global Communications Manager -Opera on the issues ranging from their focus on innovation, their outstanding mobile browser Opera Mini to the 2 billion free data campaign that they are doing at the moment.

Give a brief description of Opera? 

Opera is a user-centric and innovative software company focused on enabling the best possible internet browsing experience across all devices. Hundreds of millions use the Opera web browsers for their unique and secure features on their mobile phones and desktop computers. Founded in 1995, and headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Opera is a public company listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol “OPRA”. 

Opera has a robust presence of over 18 years in Africa and a steadfast commitment to digital inclusion, Opera is actively bridging the digital divide. Our product portfolio includes Opera Mini, Opera For Android, Opera News, Opera Football and many more. As part of its Africa First Strategy, Opera has invested $100 million in the continent over the past three years, with an additional 2 billion KES dedicated to the free data campaign in Kenya alone.

In 2006 Opera introduced Opera Mini, a data-saving browser with over 13 million users in Kenya and an impressive 94% brand awareness in Kenya. Opera Mini stands out as a small, fast, and powerful browser, offering unique features such as Data Compression, Offline File Sharing, and a built-in ad-blocker. With a 4.3-star rating on Google Play and over 1 billion downloads, Opera Mini has become the preferred choice for millions of users over pre-installed browsers on Android mobile devices.

How has Opera’s focus on innovation helped it to grow its customer base in Kenya?

Opera’s relentless focus on innovation has been a cornerstone of our growth in Kenya. 

Addressing low digital penetration, Opera introduced Opera Mini, a highly acclaimed mobile data-saving browser. Tailored to address challenges unique to the region, particularly the soaring cost of data, Opera Mini emerged as a swift and data-efficient solution. Functioning as a practical and dependable tool, Opera Mini facilitates seamless web browsing with significant data savings, reaching over 1 billion downloads and earning its status as one of the most popular apps on the continent, thanks to our pioneering data compression technology, achieving up to 90% data savings.

The strategic evolution of Opera Mini, featuring technologies like Data Compression, Offline File Sharing, and an ad-blocker, has positioned Opera as the preferred choice for Kenyan users, which is evident in our exceptional 94% brand awareness. Our dedication to enhancing user experiences through innovation contributes to a 43% market share on mobile devices in Kenya.

What are some specific examples of innovative features and services that Opera Mini has introduced to appeal to Kenyan users?

The onset of the pandemic heightened the challenge of exorbitant data costs and restricted online access across Africa. Opera responded with strategic alliances with leading telecom companies in Sub-Saharan Africa, including partnerships with MTN and Airtel in Nigeria, Safaricom and Airtel Kenya in Kenya, and MTN South Africa. This collaborative effort resulted in offering nearly 40 million users across five African countries, including Kenya, up to 3 GB of free browsing each month. This groundbreaking initiative empowered users continent-wide, fostering business establishment, connecting with loved ones, and facilitating educational pursuits with enhanced affordability. Opera’s dedicated investment of over 2 billion KES in free data campaigns in Kenya alone over the past three years underscores our commitment. Furthermore, our ongoing expansion of free data campaigns, including the recent collaboration with Safaricom for a debut campaign in Ethiopia, reflects our unwavering dedication to bringing more individuals online.

Opera’s initiative of providing free data in Kenya stems from a dedication to fostering digital inclusion and tackling the pervasive challenge of limited internet accessibility in the region. The primary hurdle identified is the high cost of mobile data, a significant barrier to widespread internet usage. Notably, sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, faces some of the highest global data prices, as highlighted by the Worldwide Mobile Data Pricing 2021 report. In Kenya, the average cost of 1GB of data stands at around $2, contrasting sharply with lower costs in other parts of the world like Italy ($0.10) and the UK ($0.79). Opera with Opera Mini at its forefront is effectively bridging this gap allowing millions to access the internet without compromising their data.

How has Opera leveraged local partnerships and insights to inform its innovation strategy in Kenya?

Our success is deeply intertwined with local partnerships and insights. Collaborations with leading telecom providers like Safaricom and Airtel Kenya, coupled with an investment of over 2B KES in free data campaigns over three years in Kenya alone, showcase our commitment to understanding and addressing the specific needs of the Kenyan market. 

Embracing the promising future of Africa, Opera embraced its Africa First strategy in 2020. This approach places the African consumer at the forefront of our mobile product and service development, reflecting our commitment to bring more people online and provide them with the fastest and most reliable internet connection. Collaborating with local, regional, and global industry leaders is integral to our Africa First strategy, ensuring we deliver an unparalleled online experience. This strategic vision was actualized through a substantial $100 million investment in the African continent.

What are some of the challenges that Opera has faced in innovating for the Kenyan market, and how has the organization overcome them?

Opera has faced challenges in navigating the high data costs, poor connectivity and  in Kenya. However, our proactive approach, including the installation of local servers and strategic partnerships, has enabled us to overcome these obstacles. 

For example, recognizing the pivotal issue of data costs in Africa, Opera proactively addressed this concern upon entering the market. Our commitment materialized in products like Opera Mini, complemented by the establishment of new local servers, including one in Nairobi. These servers revolutionized online browsing, accelerating connections up to four times faster than before. This technological stride significantly impacted popular Opera applications like Opera Mini and Opera News, enhancing user experiences across Kenya.

How has Opera’s commitment to innovation helped it to stay ahead of the competition in Kenya?

Opera’s commitment to innovation and user satisfaction has positioned us as a market leader in Kenya. With a 94% brand awareness and a 4.3-star rating for Opera Mini on Google Play, we continue to surpass competitors. Our focus on building superior products and understanding local needs has been key to staying ahead in the dynamic Kenyan market.

Apart from its innovative technologies, Opera’s Africa First strategy and free data campaigns also focus on campaigns that promote digital literacy and skills development among Kenyans by providing free access to online educational resources and tools. Users gain entry to e-learning platforms, educational websites, and enriching digital content designed to augment their knowledge and expertise. We are actively exploring additional opportunities to bolster Kenyans in their endeavor to embrace the online realm. The commitment to those initiatives makes Opera stand out from its competitors. 

What are Opera’s plans for future innovation in Kenya?

Opera’s Africa First Strategy, backed by a substantial $100 million investment, signifies our unwavering commitment to shaping the digital landscape of the continent. Our future plans revolve around expanding innovative solutions, engaging users through initiatives like Shake & Win, and making substantial contributions to the digitalization of the African economy. This forward-looking approach firmly establishes Opera as a pivotal influence in steering the trajectory of Kenya’s digital evolution.

Looking forward, Opera’s dedication to digital inclusion in Kenya involves expanding the reach of free data campaigns, continuously developing products tailored to local needs, collaborating with local stakeholders, and actively promoting digital literacy and awareness regarding online resources. These concerted efforts aim to bridge the digital divide, making internet access more accessible and affordable to a broader population in the region.

Opera Mini’s data compression technology: How has this helped to reduce data costs and make Opera Mini more accessible to Kenyan users?

Opera Mini’s innovative data compression technology has been fundamentally transforming the landscape of data costs and accessibility for Kenyan users. With a staggering global achievement of over 1 billion downloads, this technology has played a pivotal role in propelling Opera Mini to the forefront of popularity and widespread adoption in Kenya.

The benefits of free data for Opera Mini users are both diverse and impactful. Primarily, users experience substantial savings on their data expenses, fostering increased accessibility to the internet for a broader user base. Free data not only facilitates access to online education, e-learning platforms, and digital libraries but also empowers users to enrich their knowledge and skills. Beyond educational realms, users can explore job opportunities, access valuable information, stay connected with loved ones, and even embark on entrepreneurial ventures. This technological innovation ensures affordability and seamless internet access, contributing significantly to Opera Mini’s standing as a preferred browser in the region.

Opera Mini’s offline mode: How has this helped Kenyan users to stay connected even when they don’t have internet access?

Opera Mini’s offline mode ensures continuous connectivity for Kenyan users, even in the absence of internet access. This feature aligns with the connectivity challenges in Kenya, providing users with a reliable browsing experience regardless of their online status.

Opera Mini’s investment in AI and machine learning: How is Opera Mini using AI and machine learning to improve the user experience and provide more personalized services?

While Opera Mini does not currently feature AI, Opera’s broader investment in AI and machine learning, seen in products like Opera for Android and Opera for iOS, showcases our commitment to enhancing the user experience and providing personalized services. Opera’s own AI solution, Aria, is providing up-to-date results from the web and available for users on desktop and mobile devices.