Scaling digital platforms through partnerships

The value of collaboration between mobile operators and digital platforms in emerging economies

Traditional business models resemble a linear value chain, with producers at one end and consumers at the other. In recent years, however, platform-based models have disrupted such value chains by enabling the exchange between two or more interdependent groups. These can help to eliminate inefficiencies and extend the reach of services to a greater number of customers.

This report identifies enablers that create a suitable environment for scaling digital platforms, explores strategies for scaling and determines the challenges faced by digital platforms trying to scale. It also provides an update to the haves/needs framework, considering how this structure can be applied to digital platforms and mobile operators in developing countries. Finally, the report offers recommendations for key stakeholders.