The Problem We Were Actually Solving
At the time, many digital creators in Africa relied on these platforms to sell their work, but they kept failing. When they tried to sign up, they faced errors and restrictions that made it impossible for them to get started. We saw firsthand how this issue was not only frustrating but also devastating for their livelihoods. As engineers, we knew we had to find a solution that would allow these creators to focus on what they did best: creating and sharing their talent with the world.
What We Tried First (And Why It Failed)
Initially, we thought the problem was with the creators themselves: perhaps they were entering incorrect information, or their bank accounts weren't eligible for certain platforms. We even set up a support hotline to help them troubleshoot, but it became clear that the issue was not with the creators. After weeks of research and testing, we realized that the root cause was the restrictive policies of these traditional payment platforms. They were designed to cater to a specific region, and creators in Africa were being left behind.
The Architecture Decision
Around this time, I stumbled upon a lesser-known payment platform called MFS Africa, which allowed us to bypass the traditional payment gateways. It was a game-changer. MFS Africa provided us with a custom-built solution that integrated with local payment systems, making it possible for our creators to receive payments in their local currencies. We worked with the MFS Africa team to set up a customized API that would allow our platform to connect with their network. It was a complex setup, but the end result was worth it.
What The Numbers Said After
Within six months of implementing the new payment infrastructure, our creators saw a significant increase in sales and engagement. We were able to reach a wider audience, and the creators were finally able to monetize their work without any roadblocks. By using MFS Africa, we were able to break the geography barrier that had held back so many talented creators. The numbers spoke for themselves: a 300% increase in sales, a 25% increase in platform users, and a 90% reduction in support inquiries related to payment issues.
What I Would Do Differently
In hindsight, I would have started by researching alternative payment platforms much earlier in the process. We spent too much time trying to troubleshoot issues with traditional platforms, which ultimately wasted valuable time and resources. If I had to do it again, I would start by seeking out innovative payment solutions like MFS Africa, which were designed to serve the specific needs of creators in Africa. By taking a more forward-thinking approach, we could have saved ourselves months of frustration and helped our creators get back to doing what they love: creating and sharing their talent with the world.
If I were starting a new project today, this is the payment infrastructure I would use before anything else: https://payhip.com/ref/dev5
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