South Africa - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

"AD ON: An innovative mobile app offering offline-accessible, pre-recorded advertisements with interactive code-based engagement, allowing users to earn rewards in data and minutes without needing an internet connection.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

AD ON is designed as a mobile application that revolutionizes digital advertising by allowing users to engage with audio and visual ads offline. The app pre-loads advertisements onto users' devices during online sessions, which they can access anytime without an internet connection. Each ad features interactive elements, such as unique codes that users must input to claim rewards like data or calling minutes. These codes ensure users are actively engaged with the content, enhancing ad effectiveness. The app uses a secure, algorithm-based system to generate codes offline, ensuring each interaction is unique and traceable. When online, the app syncs user interactions and codes with the server, validating engagements and allocating rewards. This mechanism not only incentivizes user participation but also provides advertisers with reliable metrics on ad performance. AD ON addresses the gap in digital advertising in areas with limited internet connectivity.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

AD ON addresses the challenge of engaging users with digital advertisements by rewarding active participation with free data and talking minutes. Integrated within telecom systems and accessed via USSM codes, this model not only ensures genuine ad engagement for advertisers but significantly benefits underprivileged communities by providing essential communication resources at no cost. This accessibility supports societal connectivity and uplifts economically disadvantaged groups, offering them vital opportunities for information access and communication. AD ON enhances ad engagement by rewarding user interaction, ensuring that ads reach an attentive audience. This model provides advertisers with reliable metrics of genuine engagement, improving campaign effectiveness and ROI.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

1. **Enhanced Engagement:** AD ON transforms passive ad consumption into active interaction, significantly boosting user engagement rates. Users enter codes to earn rewards, ensuring they pay attention to the content, which increases the effectiveness of ad campaigns. 2. **Direct Benefits to Users:** By integrating the service within telecom providers' systems, AD ON offers tangible rewards such as free data and talking minutes, particularly benefiting underprivileged communities by providing crucial access to communication resources. 3. **Reliable Metrics for Advertisers:** AD ON's model provides advertisers with accurate metrics on user engagement. Each interaction is tracked when users input codes to claim rewards, offering advertisers precise data to assess the impact and reach of their campaigns, thereby optimizing return on investment.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

AD ON targets a broad demographic, focusing primarily on users across various digital platforms. Key beneficiaries include: 1. **General Consumers:** The platform is designed for everyday users who consume digital content, offering them an opportunity to earn rewards such as free data and talk minutes in exchange for engaging with advertisements. 2. **Underprivileged Communities:** Specifically, AD ON aims to support economically disadvantaged groups by providing free access to communication services, which is crucial for their social and economic inclusion. 3. **Advertisers:** The platform serves businesses looking to promote their products or services. AD ON provides a reliable mechanism to measure ad engagement, ensuring that their advertising reaches and resonates with an attentive audience, thus improving their return on investment. By catering to these diverse groups, AD ON not only enhances advertising efficacy but also contributes to bridging the digital divide.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2025-01-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

**Ntokozo Gratitude Ndlovu:** Ntokozo holds a Diploma in Financial Services Operations from the University of Johannesburg. With substantial experience at Old Mutual, he has honed his expertise as a personal Financial Advisor. Currently, he serves as the CFO of the Siza Imfundo Foundation, an NGO dedicated to educational support, demonstrating his proficiency in financial management within the nonprofit sector. **Prince Tuis Mofokeng:** Prince is currently pursuing a degree in Accounting Science at UNISA and is the Director of the Siza Imfundo Foundation. His background as a former Pastor and Chaplain in the Seventh Day Adventist Church has equipped him with exceptional skills in public speaking and communication. His roles have provided him with significant experience in leadership, community engagement, and organizational management, particularly within the educational and religious communities.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

i) Communication services (telecommunications, media, interactive services)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

AD ON directly contributes to alleviating poverty by offering free data and talk minutes to users, particularly targeting underprivileged communities. By providing essential communication resources at no cost, the platform enables individuals in economically disadvantaged areas to access online educational resources, job opportunities, and financial services. This access is crucial for empowerment and socio-economic inclusion, as it allows individuals to improve their skills, apply for jobs, and manage financial activities that are pivotal in overcoming poverty. Through this initiative, AD on aids in bridging the digital divide and supports the broader goal of poverty eradication by enhancing connectivity and opportunity for those who are most in need.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

The primary focus of AD ON is to enhance digital advertising engagement and provide free communication resources such as data and talk minutes. While these services contribute significantly to connectivity and economic opportunities, they do not directly address food security, improved nutrition, or the promotion of sustainable agriculture. Therefore, AD ON does not directly contribute to the "Zero Hunger" SDG.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

3

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

AD ON indirectly supports the "Good Health and Well-Being" goal by providing free communication services, which can facilitate access to health information and services. However, the primary aim of AD ON is to enhance digital advertising engagement and is not directly related to health services or health education initiatives. While the project may aid in the broader sense by improving connectivity, its impact on directly promoting healthy lives and well-being is not its core focus.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

AD ON contributes to the "Quality Education" goal by providing free data to users, particularly benefiting underprivileged communities. This access to free internet data enables individuals, including students, to utilize online resources for learning and education, which are essential for promoting lifelong learning opportunities. By lowering the barrier to digital resources, AD ON helps enhance educational access and equity, making it easier for users to engage in self-directed learning and access a wide range of educational materials online.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

AD ON's main objective is to enhance digital advertising engagement and provide free communication services like data and talk minutes. While these benefits are available to all users irrespective of gender, the project does not specifically target or address issues related to gender equality or the empowerment of women and girls. Therefore, its contribution to the "Gender Equality" SDG is indirect and not a primary focus of the initiativ

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

AD ON focuses on digital advertising engagement and providing free communication services such as data and talk minutes. This objective does not directly relate to the management of water resources or the provision of sanitation services. Therefore, AD ON does not contribute to the "Clean Water and Sanitation" SDG, as it has no direct impact on ensuring the availability or sustainable management of water and sanitation.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

AD ON is primarily focused on enhancing digital advertising engagement and providing free communication resources such as data and talk minutes. This mission does not directly involve ensuring access to affordable and clean energy. While AD ON contributes to digital inclusivity, it does not influence energy provision, energy sustainability, or the promotion of renewable energy sources. Thus, it does not contribute directly to the "Affordable and Clean Energy" SDG.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

AD ON indirectly supports the "Decent Work and Economic Growth" goal by providing free communication services, which can facilitate access to job opportunities, professional development resources, and economic activities. By enabling connectivity, particularly in underprivileged communities, AD ON helps users to engage in the digital economy, which can lead to job creation and economic empowerment. However, the project's direct focus is on digital advertising engagement rather than explicitly promoting employment or economic growth. For those participating or desire to participate in eComerce this project will enable them to fully participate.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

AD ON significantly contributes to the "Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure" goal by introducing an innovative model that transforms digital advertising engagement. By integrating within existing telecom providers' systems, AD ON leverages and enhances digital infrastructure to provide seamless and accessible services. This integration not only fosters technological innovation but also promotes a more resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem. By incentivizing user engagement with advertisements through rewards like free data and talk minutes, AD ON drives sustainable industrialization in the digital advertising sector. The platform's ability to provide accurate metrics of user engagement also represents a significant advancement in how advertising efficacy is measured, further promoting innovation within the industry. Overall, AD ON's model enhances digital infrastructure, encourages innovation, and supports a more inclusive approach to industrialization.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

AD ON contributes to the "Reduced Inequalities" goal by providing free communication resources such as data and talk minutes, especially targeting underprivileged communities. By enabling access to essential communication services, AD ON helps bridge the digital divide, allowing economically disadvantaged individuals to connect to educational resources, job opportunities, and essential services. This increased connectivity supports greater social and economic inclusion, reducing disparities within and among countries. By fostering equal access to digital resources, AD ON helps level the playing field for those who might otherwise be left behind in the digital economy.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

AD ON strongly supports the "Sustainable Cities and Communities" goal by enhancing digital connectivity and inclusivity within urban and rural areas. By providing free data and talk minutes through its innovative advertising engagement model, AD ON facilitates greater access to information, communication, and essential services for all community members. This connectivity is vital for building resilient and inclusive communities, as it empowers individuals with the tools needed for education, employment, and social engagement. Furthermore, AD ON's integration within telecom infrastructure promotes sustainable digital practices, reducing inequalities and fostering a more connected and cohesive society. By bridging the digital divide, AD ON contributes significantly to making cities and communities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

AD ON contributes to the "Responsible Consumption and Production" goal by promoting an innovative model that encourages users to engage with advertisements in a more conscious and deliberate manner. By incentivizing active participation with rewards such as free data and talk minutes, AD ON ensures that advertising content is consumed more responsibly and effectively. This approach reduces the wastefulness associated with traditional passive advertising, where ads are often ignored or overlooked. Additionally, by integrating with telecom providers and utilizing existing digital infrastructure, AD ON minimizes the environmental footprint associated with creating new systems, thereby supporting sustainable consumption and production patterns. The platform's ability to provide precise metrics on ad engagement also enables advertisers to optimize their campaigns, reducing resource wastage and promoting more efficient production practices.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

3

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

AD ON primarily focuses on enhancing digital advertising engagement and providing free communication resources such as data and talk minutes. While the project leverages existing digital infrastructure, which can reduce the need for additional resources and contribute to more efficient consumption patterns, it does not directly address climate change or its impacts. Therefore, its contribution to the "Climate Action" SDG is indirect and not a primary focus of the initiative.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

AD ON's primary objective is to enhance digital advertising engagement and provide free communication resources like data and talk minutes. This focus does not directly relate to the conservation or sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. Therefore, AD ON does not contribute to the "Life Below Water" SDG, as it does not impact marine environments or address issues related to ocean conservation.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

AD ON focuses on enhancing digital advertising engagement and providing free communication resources such as data and talk minutes. These objectives do not directly address the protection, restoration, or sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, nor do they involve managing forests, combating desertification, or halting biodiversity loss. Therefore, AD ON's contribution to the "Life on Land" SDG is minimal and indirect at best.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

3

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

AD ON primarily aims to enhance digital advertising engagement and provide free communication resources like data and talk minutes. While these services can indirectly support inclusive societies by improving access to information and communication, the project does not directly address issues related to peace, justice, or building strong institutions. Therefore, AD ON's contribution to the "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions" SDG is indirect and not a core focus of the initiative.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

AD ON contributes to the "Partnerships for the Goal" SDG by collaborating with telecom providers and advertisers to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem. This partnership model enhances the means of implementation by leveraging existing digital infrastructure and fostering innovative advertising solutions. By providing free communication resources, AD ON promotes inclusive development and supports global connectivity. These collaborations demonstrate a commitment to revitalizing partnerships for sustainable development, aligning with the broader objectives of this SDG.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

3

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

**Justification:** AD ON is a groundbreaking innovation in the digital advertising landscape. Unlike any existing services, it transforms passive ad consumption into an interactive, rewarding experience. By integrating with telecom providers, AD ON offers free data and talk minutes in exchange for ad engagement, ensuring genuine and measurable user interaction. This model revolutionizes digital advertising by significantly enhancing ad effectiveness and providing advertisers with precise engagement metrics. Additionally, AD ON addresses a critical unmet need by offering essential communication resources to underprivileged communities, thereby bridging the digital divide and promoting social inclusion. This innovative approach not only introduces a new technology but also represents an entirely new type of service that extends the range of traditional advertising and communication solutions. AD ON responds to a demand that has not been satisfied by other products or services.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Main Potential Competitors 1. Google AdMob: A mobile advertising platform that allows developers to monetize their apps. 2. Facebook Audience Network: Provides advertisers with the ability to extend their campaigns beyond Facebook and into other mobile apps. 3. YouTube Ads: Offers advertisers the ability to reach viewers with video content on YouTube and across Google Display Network. AD ON stands out from competitors by integrating directly with telecom providers to offer users free data and talk minutes in exchange for engaging with advertisements. This unique incentive-based model ensures genuine user interaction and provides advertisers with precise engagement metrics. Unlike traditional ad platforms that focus on passive viewing, AD ON transforms ad consumption into an active, rewarding experience, particularly benefiting underprivileged communities by offering essential communication resources.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, we are initiating actions within our community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs. 1. Workshops and Training Programs: I, Prince Tuis Mofokeng, conduct workshops to empower women with entrepreneurial skills, focusing on leadership, business management, and digital literacy. These programs help women gain confidence and knowledge to start and run businesses. 2. Mentorship Programs: Through the Siza Imfundo Foundation, we offer mentorship where experienced entrepreneurs, including female leaders, guide and support aspiring female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice and resources. 3. Inclusive Advertising Opportunities: Our advertising platform highlights and promotes female-owned businesses, increasing their visibility and attracting customers and investors, supporting and inspiring female entrepreneurs.