Ayoba is a messaging app that was designed mainly for Africans. It supports 22 significant African languages like pidgin, Yoruba, Dari, Pashto, isiZulu, and other major African languages.
With the arrival of Ayoba, instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, telegram, and even SMS just got a new rival. The app is powered by the giant telecommunication company MTN which means that you can use the app to text an MTN user who doesn’t use it, and they can reply to the text for free.
The term Ayoba was derived from a South African slang often referred to as “cool”, “okay”, or “all right”. Launched in 2019, Ayoba won the African Digital Award for best mobile application in November 2020.
Ayoba users can send and receive encrypted messages, share photos, videos, files, and voice notes. Its users can also subscribe to live channels and get localized content, which aims to entertain, educate, and empower the African community and a huge collection of games can also be accessed on the app.
Ayoba is available for Android and iPhone users and can be downloaded from the Google play Store and Apple App Store respectively. This article will cover everything you need to know about Ayoba, the WhatsApp for Africans.
How to Download the Ayoba app on Android Devices
Android users can access the app on the Google Play Store following the simple steps:
- Access the Google Playstore on your android device.
- Tap on the search tab, proceed to search for the app by entering Ayoba on the search tab.
- Select the app from the search.
- Proceed to download and install the app on your android device.
How to Download the Ayoba app on Android Devices
Similarly, iPhone Users can follow these easy steps to get the app.
- Open the App Store on your IOS device.
- Search for the app by entering Ayoba on the search tab.
- Select the app from the search result.
- Proceed to download and install the app on your IOS device.
How to Register on the Ayoba app
After downloading the Ayoba app on your android device, you might want to proceed with the setup so that you can access all the features of the Ayoba messaging app. Follow the steps below to set up the app on your android device:
- Open the Ayoba app after the installation process has been completed.
- It contains several local languages.
- Select your preferred language.
- Select your country of residence and input your mobile phone number.
- Verify your phone number via the code sent to your mobile number.
- Enter your display name (you can skip this step if you want).
- Allow the app to access your contacts.
- You can now enjoy the app.
Reasons Why You Should Use the Ayoba App
Here are some reasons why you should consider using the Ayoba app:
Free to use
The app is free to use. But a reliable internet connection is required for you to send messages and files to your contact. MTN network users will receive free data every day to access the Ayoba app.
Chat and call
You can instantly send and receive text messages, send voice notes, and make video and voice calls with any of your contacts via the app.
Secure end to end encryption
This means that messages and conversations on Ayoba are not accessible to third parties.
Quick connect
Easily connect with your contact list on the Ayoba app.
Chat with everyone
You can send messages to anyone on your contact list, whether they have the Ayoba app installed on their mobile device or not. If your friend does not have the app on their device, your message will be received by SMS, and they can also respond by SMS.
Group chat
You can easily set up a group chat to easily communicate with your friends and family. The more, the merrier!
Share media
You can share media files like videos, audio, images, and documents with the app.
Channels
Ayoba channels make it easier for users to access several entertainment and educational channels ranging from news, sports, fashion, music, education, entertainment, and more. All channels on the app are Africa-focused channels.
Free music
You can listen to and play music for free on the app. Users can access trending songs from different genres.
Control data consumption,
With the Ayoba messaging app, you can set the limit of data usage. If you set a limit of say 15MB, the app won’t download any media exceeding that limit.
Free Data
Being an MTN app, you get 600MB for downloading Ayoba. All you need to do is register with your MTN phone number and you’ll receive the 600MB instantly.
Mobile money transaction on Ayoba: How to Send and Receive Money with Ayoba
You can also send and receive money within the Ayoba app. Here is how to use it to receive and send money:
- Access the Ayoba app from your mobile device.
- Select the contact you wish to perform the transaction with, if you have chat history, simply tap their names and proceed.
- To transact with a new contact tap the (+) button which is known as the start chat button at the bottom of the app.
- Select the contact you wish to perform the transaction with.
It is worth knowing that you can send money to people who are not registered on the Ayoba platform.
- Access the attachment icon at the right-hand side of the message box and select money.
- Then, tap send money.
- Enter the amount of money you wish to send to the receiver.
- Tap the send button to complete the transaction.
- You will receive a pop notification asking for your mobile money pin, enter your pin to complete the transaction.
- Your money transaction history will be within your chat history This way, you can easily access your chat history and also your money transaction history with other contacts on the Ayoba money app.
Final Verdict
Ayoba is an efficient instant messaging app you will enjoy. It has all the features of the popular instant messaging app, WhatsApp. At the same time, there are many features it has that are not present in What’s App such as the SMS and Money Payment options. Additionally, the app is tailored to satisfy African users. You can choose any African language and also get localized content in channels. With that being said, Ayoba is more than just WhatsApp for Africans.
