We collaborated closely with Kobosquare Connect Technology Limited in the development and launch of their fintech product, Kobosquare (Kobo²). Our team worked hand-in-hand with the parent company to design and implement key features across multiple platforms, including Android and iOS applications, the Admin Management Portal, and the website.
This fintech application offers a wide range of services and features, addressing the diverse needs of its users. We’re excited to announce the successful launch of the mobile apps on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, making it accessible to a broad audience. We’re incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication that went into bringing the Kobosquare app to life.
The Kobosquare fintech project has been an exciting journey spanning over four months, characterised by meticulous design, comprehensive development, thorough testing, and detailed debugging. Our team devoted significant effort to creating an app with exceptional features and an intuitive design, all tailored to meet the diverse needs and expectations of users. Kobosquare stands out as a truly unique product, delivering a seamless and innovative user experience.
Kobosquare First Version
The parent company initial goal was to build a super application, which would have lots of features ranging from ride hailing, delivery, ecommerce, fintech, logistics, merchants, and much more. As part of our project responsibilities, we were tasked with the complete development of the project, from inception to completion. To meet the specific needs of the Nigerian market, we collected all project requirements from the parent company and incorporated elements from successful platforms such as Jiji, Uber, Grab, and Gojek. However, we aimed to differentiate the project by providing a more unique and simplified design that is tailored to be user-friendly for the Nigerian market.
The key deliverables include Users Android Application, Users iOS Application, Drivers & Riders Android Application, Drivers & Riders iOS Application, Driver Onboarding Portal, Merchant Management Portal, Logistics Company Management Portal, Admin Management Portal, and Website. We began work on the wireframe, UI/UX design and prototype, which was constantly reviewed, modifications made, and finally approved, before the mobile development began, we started working on the website, which was also reviewed and approved. with the website and UI/UX design for the mobile applications completed and approved, it was time to begin the development of the mobile applications, web application, APIs, 3rd Prty APIs, and proper documentation of the APIs for cross-team collaborations.
Building the Super App
Kobosquare (Kobo²) super app was going to be a versatile platform that provides users with a wide array of convenient services. Users can easily book rides and track them in real time, as well as arrange for the delivery of goods from one location to another. Additionally, the platform allows for the seamless payment of internet bills and subscription renewals, with the added benefit of purchasing data at affordable prices. Users can also use Kobosquare to order food from their favourite restaurants, fine dining establishments, and eateries.
The super app offered a meticulously crafted application that seamlessly merges various services including ride-hailing, logistics, e-commerce, business tools, fintech, and VTU services all within a single, user-friendly platform. This comprehensive app was to meet all user needs and desires at competitive and affordable prices. It also ensured that vendors, drivers, riders, and logistics companies are carefully curated for reliability and quality service.
When proposed users book rides or make deliveries, they have the option to pay from their wallet or with cash, providing flexibility. Booking a ride or delivery is simple: users can search for a location, choose the type of ride (standard or luxury) or delivery (lite, fragile, or heavy), and select a pre-saved address from their profile as the destination. The app then finds the nearest driver or rider to the user’s location, who accepts the request and arrives at the user’s location. This provides an end-to-end process for both ride-hailing and delivery, complete with real-time tracking until the user reaches their destination or the rider delivers the package.
After a driver or rider accepts the request, users can chat or call them. Similarly, after ordering a service or paying for a product, users can message the vendors. Users can also register as vendors and manage up to two businesses. They can upload their products or services through the merchant’s web management portal, view orders on mobile and web apps, access sales analytics, and promote their businesses. Promotion features include visibility on the featured section of their business category and on the home screen, which can lead to increased visibility and sales.
Kobosquare (Kobo²) was going to be a super app. An everything app – as it is also called by the parent company was built for users with lots of amazing features which include Book a Ride, Delivery, Buy Data, Pay Bills, KoboMart, KoboEat, Services, Shopping, KoboFuel, Short Stay, Become a Vendor, Fund Wallet, Pay, Withdrawal, Become a Driver, Become a Rider, and so much more.
The Pivot to Fintech
Building the Kobosquare application was an exciting and dynamic process, marked by numerous review and testing sessions, in-depth discussions, occasional disagreements, and, above all, consistent progress. What began as a series of ideas quickly evolved over the course of months into something much larger, and before we knew it, a year had passed. Throughout this journey, the company was committed to delivering a flawless product, providing invaluable support at every stage. Their dedication was evident in every decision, from design to development, ensuring that the product met the highest standards.
By the time the app was 95% complete, with user acceptance testing in progress and feedback being actively incorporated, it was clear that we had something truly special. The decision was made to roll out the product in phases—a strategic move that would allow the company to monitor its progress, make informed decisions, and respond swiftly to user behavior and requests. This phased launch approach also provides the flexibility to introduce features incrementally, allowing the company to fine-tune the product based on real-world usage and feedback. Over time, these iterative improvements will transform the app into a comprehensive super app, constantly evolving to meet the growing needs of users.
The company decided to initially launch the application with its core fintech features, positioning it as a fintech solution right from the start. This strategy was to accelerate customer acquisition, capture market share, and gather valuable user feedback to refine and enhance the fintech module. Additionally, by introducing the product with these key features, the company aimed to generate revenue early on, creating a solid foundation for future growth and expansion.
The pivot required a shift in our approach, resulting in two distinct versions of Kobosquare: the Super App and the Fintech Application. As part of the standard procedure, we created new GitHub repositories to manage the fintech version separately. While the fintech module had already been integrated into the Super App, the pivot now required us to transform it into a standalone product. This transition involved significant changes, including a complete overhaul of the UI/UX design, modifications to the APIs, and other technical adjustments to ensure the fintech app functioned independently.
Our key deliverables now included: a complete redesign of the website, an overhaul of the UI/UX design, development of the mobile application in alignment with the new UI/UX, the creation of an Admin Management Portal for the fintech application, and, finally, the deployment of the app to both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
What is Kobosquare (Kobo²)?
Kobosquare (Kobo²) is a versatile fintech application to offer users a wide range of convenient features, including Data Topup, Airtime Topup, Electricity Payment, Education Payment, Internet Subscription, Cable TV Subscription, Fund Wallet, Peer to Peer Transfer, Withdrawal, and so much more.
The application was meticulously with a focus on user convenience. The onboarding process is quick and straightforward, taking only about 2 minutes. Users simply need to enter their email and phone number, verify them with a one-time password (OTP), provide their first and last name, and choose a unique Kobo ID. Once these steps are completed, the account is successfully set up and ready to use.
Users are prompted to create a secure, unique account PIN, verify their Bank Verification Number (BVN), and confirm their email address. Once these steps are completed, they can fund their wallet via Monnify checkout or through virtual account numbers (Wema & Sterling). With their wallet topped up, users can easily purchase mobile data or airtime, pay utility bills, perform peer-to-peer transfers with other Kobosquare users, withdraw funds, and access a variety of other features.
With the application successfully reviewed and approved by both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, users are now downloading the app, completing onboarding, performing KYC, funding their wallets, and purchasing data, airtime, and paying bills. This achievement has not only made the parent company incredibly proud, but it also brings us great joy to see the product we worked so hard on being actively used by customers. It’s another addition to our growing list of successfully deployed applications that people rely on every day.
After Deployment, What Next?
Working alongside the parent company has been a true rollercoaster, filled with highs, lows, shared challenges, product deep dives, changes in features and modules, and even complete pivots. But now, the product is live, ready for users to experience and benefit from—marking a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. However, the work doesn’t end with the launch. There’s still a lot to be done to ensure the product scales effectively, meets the evolving needs of a growing user base, and continues to improve through customer feedback. Ongoing tasks such as bug fixes, compliance updates, audits, and further enhancements are all part of the journey to ensure long-term success.
Following the deployment of Kobosquare (Kobo²), several key steps are crucial to ensuring its ongoing success, refinement, and growth. First, we closely monitor app performance—tracking crashes, load times, response times, and other technical metrics—to ensure seamless functionality for all users. We also utilize tools to monitor server health, uptime, and security, addressing any technical issues quickly and efficiently. Additionally, we actively gather user feedback through in-app surveys, customer support interactions, reviews, and social media to identify pain points and areas for further enhancement.
Based on user feedback and internal testing, we will prioritize and address any bugs, glitches, or issues reported after launch. Regular updates are released to resolve immediate problems, address security vulnerabilities, and enhance app stability. We will also begin a phased rollout of new features, carefully testing them to ensure they perform as expected in live environments. As the app scales, we will ensure that the infrastructure can handle increased demand, which may involve scaling servers, optimising database performance, and refining backend architecture.