Paid Global Ltd, a transformational IT startup, launched a new phone application dubbed ‘Paid App’ on June 13 to create employment opportunities for Rwandans in the informal sector. Speaking at the event in Kigali, Anthony Bentil, the founder and CEO of Paid Global Ltd, explained that the app’s aim is to bridge the gap between technology and unemployment. He further said that the objective of ‘Paid App’ is to use technology to curb the high youth unemployment in Africa, starting with Rwanda, by connecting skilled professionals with people who require any kind of service. Bentil drew attention to the fact that in Africa, 85% of employment is in the informal sector, which contributes between 36% and 60% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), depending on the country. “We decided to grow this sector to propel the African continent to the next level, as we have seen this happen to developed countries, for instance, the US, as of 2018, phone applications like Uber, and others have contributed to $200 billion of annual revenue. I also wanted to use the phone, as a tool that most people can afford to cause an impact,” he said. It is through the urge for transformation, that Bentil and his team created the Paid App, which uses Google Maps, GPS, and calendar, to connect people in the informal sector who have the skills and need an opportunity to expand their expertise, and increase their income, as part-time or full-time workers. The app will connect pros to consumers in need of diverse services, ranging from home services, personal care, errands, to gardening, and roadside assistance (examples being home cleaning, painting, furniture assembly, make-up artists, barbers, roadside help and more). Bentil also noted that the service providers will create a profile with a description of their skills, and ‘Paid App’ automatically connects consumers with these service providers within a range of 15 to 30 kilometres. “In case of an abrupt programme, that’s if one needs salon services, they can use ‘Paid App’ under the personal care category and find a hairdresser with a good rating as the prices are already set, notifying a client of how much a service costs,” Bentil explained. If one registers as a professional, they can access all features with detailed information, such as customers, or recommend people within the area, requests available, and the time of providing the services. We ensure that secure payments happen within the app, as there are options for mobile money payments, and bank card payments, the CEO added. The customer is able to rate the professional after completing the job which is helpful to new customers as they’re able to see the expertise and proficiency of a service provider and book them. “It is an easy-to-use app, it can be set up using Google or Apple ID, and emails. Each user verifies their identity and account information to ensure transparency and security. The app’s real-time messaging system encourages a two-way conversation between service providers and customers,” Bentil emphasised. He concluded by stressing that the partnership between the community and ‘Paid App’ is a win-win for Rwanda, as it will promote economic growth, employment opportunities, digital inclusion, and connections to foster economic growth, reduce poverty, craft a more equitable society, and structure a better future for Rwanda, and Africa at large. For more details about how to use the app, or any inquiries, visit http://paid-global.com/ or call 250 798 685 466.
