Truecaller launches developer program in Nigeria

One of the fastest-growing consumer apps in Africa, Truecaller, on Thursday launched its developer programme and mobile identity solution – Truecaller SDK – in Nigeria. Speaking at the event in Lagos, the Director and Head of Global Developer & Startup Relations at Truecaller, Priyam Bose, said the Truecaller SDK enables third party app developers, digital […]

One of the fastest-growing consumer apps in Africa, Truecaller, on Thursday launched its developer programme and mobile identity solution – Truecaller SDK – in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event in Lagos, the Director and Head of Global Developer & Startup Relations at Truecaller, Priyam Bose, said the Truecaller SDK enables third party app developers, digital businesses and startups to verify end users quickly by utilizing their Truecaller profile with a one-touch and password free experience.

“We see Nigeria as one of the most promising eco-systems in Africa, that’s why we have decided to kick-off our tour in the market. After engaging with some of the top tech startups and digital businesses in the country, we are even more convinced that Truecaller SDK – mobile identity solution – will help solve many of their challenges when onboarding and verifying new users,” he said.

Bose said the mobile identity solution would help smartphone users in Nigeria easily and effortlessly authenticate callers, adding that it is also introducing mobile advertising on the platform which will enable businesses promote their presence online.

He said: “We are currently working on the mobile app for people to promote their businesses on the Truecaller platform locally. One of the things we’ll be doing here is the Truecaller developer’s programme in Africa including Nigeria – a mobile development focusing on internet mobile and online businesses.”

While fielding questions from participants which include journalists, developers and entrepreneurs, Truecaller’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ted Nelson, said the mobile solution relies on phone contacts to verify the user’s phone number based identity through the users’ consent.

Also speaking, Truecaller’s Director of Communications, Kim Fai Kok, added that the company plans to set up its headquarters in the region as well as scout for local talents who would be recruited and trained for its operations in Africa.

He said Nigeria is Truecaller’s third largest market globally, adding that it currently has more than 6.2 million users in Nigeria.

He further said that the mobile app is helping Nigerian users block more than 13 million calls, and 25 million spam SMS on a monthly basis.