Mpotsa

Mpotsa is an innovative Information Management Services platform developed by Brastorne in Botswana to address the persistent problem of digital exclusion in rural Africa. Designed for users who lack smartphones and internet connectivity, the platform delivers on-demand access to vital information through simple telecommunications protocols such as USSD, SMS, and Interactive Voice Response. Its primary goal is to create an internet-like experience on basic feature phones, allowing individuals to obtain reliable guidance on employment, health, education, and legal matters without purchasing expensive devices or paying for data bundles. Users interact with Mpotsa by dialing short codes or calling dedicated numbers, after which they navigate structured menus or speak directly with a live contact center. This approach makes the service highly accessible even to people with low digital literacy or limited reading skills, especially because IVR options enable participation by illiterate users. The platform offers practical tools including job vacancy alerts with real-time SMS notifications, a Wikipedia-style search function for general inquiries, and connections to pro-bono legal aid experts.