Why USSD Still Matters for African Digital Services
Reach, reliability, and inclusion beyond smartphones.
USSD provides a low-bandwidth, device-agnostic channel that works on feature phones and in areas with intermittent connectivity. For banks, telcos, and public services, USSD remains the most reliable way to reach millions of users quickly and securely.
Where USSD Shines
- Balance checks, transfers, and airtime top-ups
- Raffle entries and campaign participation without data
- Public services: registrations, reporting, and information access
Designing Robust USSD Flows
- Keep menus short and clear; avoid deep nesting
- Use session state carefully; provide recoverable steps
- Integrate with payments (mobile money), CRM, and analytics
ASOTECH implements USSD gateways, integrates payment providers, and pairs USSD with web/mobile to deliver inclusive experiences across devices and networks.