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Why ‘Going Mobile’ is the mantra for the Digital Economy

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Zahedul Amin
November 19, 2015
Why ‘Going Mobile’ is the mantra for the Digital Economy

Bangladesh’s growth story can be explained in a number of ways. With steady and consistent growth (+5% GDP Growth) over the last decade, the economy has slowly graduated to the lower-middle-income level ring crossing the threshold of USD 1,000 per capita. If the economy can maintain momentum, it will be easy to attain the middle-income threshold within a decade.
So, what intrinsic and extrinsic factors are contributing to this Growth?  Why are international investors bullish about the economy’s growth prospects?

Why Bangladesh?

The country is strategically located between India and China, two rising economic powerhouses of the region. With over 920 million middle-class people across this region, Bangladesh can be a perfect launching ground for capturing this market. Bangladesh is already enjoying fruits in the apparel sector as low-value orders shift from China to Bangladesh. Alongside, regional investors are inquiring about the possibility of making FDIs prompting the government to announce the formation of new EPZs for foreign investors.

going-mobile-mantra-gdp-per-capita

Another phenomenon will have a major impact on the country’s economic fabric. Over the last decade, the country has experienced growth in the Middle and Affluent Class (MAC) segment. According to the latest report by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a reputed strategy consulting firm, the size of the MAC population (minimum annual income of USD 5,000 and above) stands at 7% of the population. These 11 million people have growing disposable income and needs which can be served profitably.
According to BCG, the MAC population will keep on rising to constitute 27 M people within 2025. Within the next decade, economic activities will spread across the country, as opposed to concentration in Dhaka and Chittagong region.

Why Now?

Some fundamental factors will have major impacts on Bangladesh’s transformation into a digital economy. Bangladesh is the 8th largest country in the world (in terms of population) and the 5th most densely populated country in the world.  With an average population of only 23.4 years and 70% of the population below the age of 35 years, the country has the potential of experiencing demographic dividends.
Alongside, telecom and internet penetration has been increasing over the last 15 years mainly spearheaded by competing telecom companies. Most of the +50 million internet users are mostly using mobile as the primary medium for using the internet.

going-mobile-mantra-demography-breakdown

The advent of the young population, rising income and growth of the MAC population, internet penetration, and availability of cheap smartphones will make the digital space more attractive. According to the BCG report, the MAC population is more open to adopting technological tools for engaging in online transactions. The rise in usage of popular social media platforms (10 M Facebook users) and popular e-commerce purchases are testaments to the prospect of companies in the digital space.

Tools for augmenting the Digital economy

Bangladesh telecom companies have made significant progress in connecting the country. Currently, almost 99% of the country is covered by mobile networks. Due to a decrease in SIM price and talk time, mobile phones have become ubiquitous among the majority of the population. Mobile data usage has also increased as Telecom operators have consciously encouraged mobile data usage to augment ARPU.

going-mobile-mantra-internet-penetration

Source: GSMA

Internet usage has proliferated due to the slump in the price of smartphones. The entry of local players e.g. Symphony, Walton, Elite, and Aamra, and cheap Chinese alternatives have made smartphones affordable and accessible to the mass. Although feature phones still retain 80% of the market, the smartphone market is growing at a significant pace. Sales of smartphones have almost tripled in the 2Q of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

going-mobile-mantra-mobile-phone-sales

Source: CM Research & LightCastle Primary

How should the Government Help?
Although the government has earmarked Digital Bangladesh as the pillar of the growth strategy, its responsibility doesn’t end there. Concrete steps are imperative for turning Bangladesh into a truly digital economy. Responsibility starts with fixing infrastructure, regulations and making digital gadgets accessible to all at affordable prices.

  • Internet bandwidth price needs to be further decreased ensuring trickle-down benefits for end-users. Since most users access the internet using mobile data, the government needs to regulate pricing further. Existing mobile data charges are beyond the reach of the majority and telecom operators need to understand the importance of broadening the user base as opposed to solely focusing on maintaining ARPU.
  • The government needs to encourage the manufacture of smartphones and gadgets by offering tax breaks and rebates to local manufacturers. International smartphone manufacturers should be encouraged to set up Semi-knocked Down (SKD) and Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly plants within Bangladesh.
  • Government should provide free wifi-access at different hubs of the top 30 cities in the country. Corporate houses can also be involved as sponsors in lieu of marketing leverage.

Conclusion
Although Bangladesh has made significant progress in the digital space, success remains limited compared to its neighbors and peers. Concrete steps, follow-up from responsible policymakers and stakeholders are imperative to provide infrastructural and regulatory support.

This article was primarily published here at The Financial Express.


Profile
WRITTEN BY: Zahedul Amin

Zahedul Amin is an entrepreneur and consultant with 14 years of experience working for development agencies, private enterprises and government entities. He co-founded LightCastle Partners—a consulting firm looking to foster inclusive economic growth for Bangladesh and beyond. He has extensive research experience and loves to solve development challenges adopting a systemic approach. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from IBA (Institute of Business Administration), University of Dhaka. Zahed has extensive experience in private sector development, landscape studies, impact assessment, financial assessments, market entry studies, banking, non-profit, and private & development sector consulting across 20+ sectors in Bangladesh including the Apparel Sector. He has successfully led 120+ projects while working with top-tier clients like The Gates Foundation, WFP, IFC, H&M Foundation, The World Bank, UN Agencies, EKN, BRAC, SNV, Ashoka, WaterAid, among others. Zahed is an International Visitors' Leadership Program (IVLP) alum, an entrepreneurship Fellow at the State University of New York (SUNY) and an Acumen Fellow.

For further clarifications, contact here: [email protected]

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