The Problem We Were Actually Solving
We thought we were solving the problem of how to monetize music in a country where the traditional music industry was struggling to adapt to the digital age. We assumed that by using well-established global payment processors, we could tap into a vast market of music lovers across the continent. But as it turned out, our users were facing a very different reality.
What We Tried First (And Why It Failed)
We tried to use Stripe Connect, thinking that its global reach and ease of integration would make it the perfect solution. But when we started receiving error messages from users who were being asked to provide additional identification or proof of payment, we realized that we were just scratching the surface of a much deeper issue. Stripe's support team confirmed that they had problems processing payments in Nigeria, which meant that our entire platform was effectively useless to the musicians who needed it the most.
The Architecture Decision
After weeks of research and testing, we made a decision that would change the course of our platform's history. We chose to use a regional payment processor called Interswitch, which specialized in processing payments in Africa. It was a decision that would cost us more money in the short term, but it would allow us to tap into a vast market of music lovers who had been locked out of our platform until then.
What The Numbers Said After
The numbers spoke for themselves. After switching to Interswitch, our platform saw a 25% increase in sales within the first month, with users from Nigeria and other African countries making up a significant portion of our customer base. We also saw a significant reduction in the number of error messages and support requests, which meant that our support team was able to focus on more complex issues rather than just troubleshooting payment problems.
What I Would Do Differently
If I were to do it all over again, I would focus more on regional payment options from the start. I would research and test the different payment processors available in Africa, and I would make a more informed decision about which one to use. I would also invest more time and resources in building a stronger relationship with our users in Africa, who are the lifeblood of our platform. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable platform that truly benefits the musicians who rely on us to make a living.
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