How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like Checkers Sixty60?

Africa’s digital ecosystem is multiplying, fueled by increased smartphone penetration, mobile internet usage, and innovative tech startups. Apps like Checkers Sixty60, a grocery delivery service that streamlines shopping for convenience-seeking urban users, have proven that the continent is ready for mobile-centric solutions. However, building an app for Africa requires addressing unique challenges such as limited connectivity, device fragmentation, and integrating localized payment systems like M-Pesa or Airtel Money.

‍

Developers must account for infrastructure limitations, varying user behaviors, and diverse cultural contexts across the continent. While these challenges might raise costs, Africa also offers opportunities to create transformative digital solutions. With rising tech hubs in countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, the continent is becoming an epicenter for innovation. This article explores how these factors impact the cost of developing an app like Checkers Sixty60 for the African market.

‍

Platform and Device Compatibility

Android Dominance and Device Fragmentation

‍

Africa’s smartphone market is overwhelmingly dominated by Android, mainly due to the affordable devices from brands like Tecno, Infinix, and Samsung. However, this poses unique challenges for custom app development. Developers must ensure compatibility with various devices, including older models with lower processing power and limited storage. Optimizing apps to function seamlessly across this fragmented ecosystem requires additional development and testing resources, directly impacting how much it costs to build an app for the African market.

‍

Optimization for Low-End Devices

‍

Many African users access entry-level smartphone apps, often with outdated Android versions and limited RAM. To cater to this audience, developers must build lightweight apps with optimized performance. A grocery delivery app like Checkers Sixty60 might include streamlining product images, compressing assets, and ensuring the app doesn’t consume excessive storage or processing power, a vital consideration for custom app development.

‍

Progressive Web Apps as an Alternative

‍

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) offer a cost-effective solution for regions with data constraints and limited device capabilities. By combining web-based functionality with offline capabilities, PWAs reduce development costs while providing a seamless user experience. For example, users could browse grocery catalogs offline and only connect to place orders, saving data and improving usability. These benefits also influence how much it costs to build an app that balances functionality and affordability in the African market.

Design and User Experience (UX/UI)

Simplicity and Speed

‍

African users prioritize apps that are simple, fast, and intuitive. Long load times or complex navigation can deter users, particularly in regions with slow internet speeds. For Checkers Sixty60, a minimalist design with straightforward navigation ensures a smoother shopping experience.

‍

Data Consumption Awareness

‍

Minimizing data usage is crucial. Developers can reduce image quality for slower connections or offer a “data saver” mode. Apps should also avoid excessive background data consumption.

‍

Localization for Diverse Audiences

‍

Africa’s linguistic and cultural diversity necessitates localized content. Translating the app into widely spoken languages like Swahili, Zulu, or Hausa can significantly increase adoption rates in specific regions.

‍

Integrations with Third-Party Services

Integrating with third-party services is critical to developing an app like Checkers Sixty60 for the African market, particularly given the region's diverse and unique financial landscape. Local payment gateways such as M-Pesa in Kenya, Airtel Money in Uganda, and Paystack in Nigeria dominate digital transactions, reflecting the widespread reliance on mobile money systems. These integrations ensure users can make seamless, secure payments directly from their devices, even in areas where traditional banking infrastructure is sparse. However, incorporating these services requires developers to navigate fragmented APIs, adapt to varying standards, and comply with regional regulations, increasing development time and costs.

‍

Additionally, in areas with limited smartphone penetration, implementing SMS-based features or USSD codes extends app accessibility. These options enable users to receive order confirmations or perform basic transactions via simple text messages or code-based systems, making apps more inclusive. However, such functionality requires additional backend development and testing to ensure compatibility and reliability. While these integrations enhance user reach and functionality, they add layers of complexity, requiring expertise in backend development and compliance. By addressing these integration challenges, apps can provide tailored, inclusive experiences for a broad spectrum of African users.

‍

Database and Backend Infrastructure

Developing an app like Checkers Sixty60 for the African market requires careful consideration of database and backend infrastructure, especially in regions with data constraints. Many African areas experience intermittent or slow internet connectivity, making it essential to design backend systems capable of functioning effectively offline. Apps must include features like local data storage, enabling users to continue browsing, adding items to their cart, or accessing previously downloaded content without an active internet connection. These systems should sync seamlessly with servers only when a stable connection is available, ensuring data integrity without overwhelming users’ bandwidth.

‍

Another critical factor is selecting affordable cloud hosting solutions. Providers like AWS Africa Region and Microsoft Azure have established localized data centers, reducing latency and improving app performance for African users. These services are often more cost-effective than global alternatives but require developers to carefully evaluate hosting options to balance performance, scalability, and budget constraints. Local hosting also aligns with regulatory compliance in regions requiring data to remain within national borders. By optimizing backend systems and leveraging localized hosting, developers can deliver a reliable, user-friendly app experience across diverse African markets while controlling costs.

‍

Ongoing Maintenance and Updates

Maintaining and updating an app like Checkers Sixty60 for the African market presents unique challenges due to infrastructure limitations and user diversity. One of the critical concerns is addressing infrastructure challenges, such as frequent power outages and inconsistent internet connectivity in certain regions. These disruptions can prevent users from accessing essential app functionalities, creating the need for robust error-handling mechanisms. Developers must frequently release updates to address bugs, improve performance, and adapt to the evolving needs of users, especially in regions where infrastructure challenges can impact user retention. Regular monitoring and quick responses to connectivity-related issues are crucial for ensuring smooth app functionality across diverse environments.

‍

Supporting urban and rural users adds another layer of complexity. Metropolitan areas like Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg generally have better infrastructure and faster internet speeds, making it easier to roll out advanced features. However, most of the African population resides in rural areas where internet access is limited or expensive. Developers often create feature-limited versions or lightweight app alternatives optimized for offline use or low-bandwidth conditions to cater to this audience. These versions prioritize essential features while minimizing data consumption, allowing rural users to engage with the app effectively. Balancing the needs of urban and rural users ensures broader accessibility but requires ongoing investment in development, testing, and infrastructure monitoring to maintain a consistent user experience across regions.

‍

Team Expertise and Location

When developing an app like Checkers Sixty60 for the African market, choosing the right team is crucial to balancing quality, cultural relevance, and cost efficiency. Africa’s growing tech hubs, such as Lagos (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya), and Cape Town (South Africa), have become home to highly skilled developers who are familiar with the continent's unique challenges. These local developers bring invaluable insight into the needs and behaviors of African users, such as the importance of low-data consumption, offline functionality, and integration with local payment systems like M-Pesa or Airtel Money. Additionally, their understanding of regional languages and cultures helps ensure the app’s design and features resonate with users, enhancing adoption rates. Working with local talent is often more cost-effective than hiring teams from international markets, as local developers typically offer competitive pricing without compromising quality.

‍

Outsourcing to global experts may be necessary for more complex or specialized features, such as real-time delivery tracking or sophisticated backend systems. Global teams often have experience with cutting-edge technologies and advanced features that require niche expertise. However, blending local and international expertise can significantly impact overall app development costs, as cross-team collaboration may require more project management and coordination. This approach ensures the best of both worlds: culturally attuned design and world-class technical sophistication. By strategically combining local talent with global resources, businesses can build apps that meet African users' needs and compete effectively in the worldwide app market.

‍

Hidden Costs and Miscellaneous Factors

Developing an app like Checkers Sixty60 for the African market involves several hidden costs and challenges, many of which stem from the continent’s unique infrastructure and regulatory landscape. One of the most significant hurdles is connectivity and data issues. Africa’s internet infrastructure varies significantly across regions, with urban areas like Nairobi or Lagos enjoying relatively stable connections, while rural areas often suffer from unreliable or slow internet access. This inconsistency means that apps must be designed to function effectively under suboptimal conditions. Features like offline access, intelligent caching, and data compression are essential but require additional development time, testing, and investment. Developers must also conduct extensive testing across different devices, networks, and regions to ensure consistent functionality, which increases both time and cost.

‍

In addition to connectivity challenges, compliance with local regulations introduces further costs. African governments are increasingly implementing strict data protection laws, such as South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and Kenya’s Data Protection Act, to safeguard user privacy. Compliance is non-negotiable for an app like Checkers Sixty60, which collects sensitive data such as payment details and delivery addresses. This involves implementing secure encryption, data storage policies, and robust user consent mechanisms. Legal consultation and adherence to these frameworks can be time-consuming and costly but are critical to avoiding fines and maintaining user trust.

‍

By accounting for these hidden factors early in the development process, businesses can better manage budgets and ensure their apps meet users' and regulators' expectations.

‍

Why Grocery Delivery Apps Are Unique in Africa

Grocery delivery apps like Checkers Sixty60 face unique challenges and opportunities in Africa due to the continent's distinctive digital and economic landscape. Unlike Western markets, where high-speed internet is widely accessible, African apps must prioritize low-bandwidth operations to accommodate users' connectivity limitations. Data consumption is critical, as mobile data prices remain relatively high globally. As a result, features such as offline browsing, progressive data downloads, and data-light interfaces are not just nice-to-haves—they are essential for ensuring accessibility and usability. By enabling users to browse product catalogs offline or operate on minimal data, apps can expand their reach to regions with inconsistent or costly internet access.

‍

Another defining factor for grocery delivery apps in Africa is the reliance on mobile wallets. Systems like M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and Flutterwave dominate the payment landscape, reflecting the limited penetration of traditional banking services in many areas. For apps like Checkers Sixty60, integrating these payment systems is critical to success, as they are often the only means of digital payment available to users. While challenging due to fragmented APIs and regional variations, this integration allows apps to meet the needs of a largely unbanked population, making them indispensable for users and highly competitive in the market.

‍

Want to bring a scalable, mobile-first app to the African market? 

At Scrums.com, we specialize in custom app development tailored to Africa’s unique challenges. Let’s build an app that delivers—contact us today for a consultation!