This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, online communication has become more crucial than ever. With many companies implementing work-from-home measures and educational institutions relying on online classes, the demand for video conferencing platforms has skyrocketed. According to The Guardian, Zoom's market valuation has reached approximately US$42 billion, making it a highly competitive space.
Enter Gumzo, a video conference platform made by Africans for Africans. Founded to cater to the unique needs of the African market, Gumzo offers a range of features that set it apart from its competitors. For starters, all chat channels on the platform are entirely private, with a strict system in place to ensure users' personal information and contact details remain secure.
One of the key benefits of Gumzo is its commitment to hosting its platform in Africa. This means that users can connect with confidence, knowing that their calls aren't being routed through servers in Silicon Valley or China. As a result, Gumzo's calls boast top-quality audio and video, thanks to the reduced latency and improved signal quality.
Another significant advantage of Gumzo is its pricing. While Zoom offers a free version for group calls that are less than 40 minutes, followed by a monthly subscription of $14.99 (Kes 1,603) for small teams, Gumzo offers unlimited conference calls with any number of participants for a mere Kes 100 a week.
