MTN Group, Africa’s leading telecommunications provider, is gaining attention for its venture into the software space with Chenosis, an application programming interface (API) marketplace designed to simplify access to software tools and data for developers.
Chenosis’s concept was conceived in 2020 with the goal of supporting local developers by providing easier access to essential software components. By 2023, It was operational as a startup within MTN, led by CEO Saad Syed.
In a recent development, Cape Town-based startup Botlhale AI, which utilizes Chenosis, won the technology category at the ‘Youth-owned Brand Awards’ for its large language model (LLM) API tailored for African languages, a testament to the platform’s potential and the innovative spirit of African developers.
MultiChoice Group’s DStv has integrated Botlhale’s language capabilities into its WhatsApp chatbot, enhancing customer service in multiple African languages, including Afrikaans, isiZulu, and Sesotho.
According to Maggie Matsie, executive head of group digital enablement at MultiChoice, this integration has significantly improved customer engagement by 55%, demonstrating the tangible benefits of Chenosis for businesses.
Chenosis provides a platform where various vendors, such as Botlhale, offer services ranging from KYC (know your customer) verification tools to fraud detection, payment processing, and access control.
Syed explains that developers can leverage these APIs to incorporate complex functionalities into their applications efficiently and securely.
Pricing models vary, with options for per-consumption charges or flat fees for unlimited usage over a set period.
A key objective for Chenosis is to support “long-tail” developers—those with innovative ideas but limited resources—by offering them access to high-quality APIs.
Syed emphasizes that Chenosis is deeply committed to assisting individual developers, including students, who may need more substantial financial backing, ensuring that no innovative idea is left behind due to resource constraints.
Looking ahead, Chenosis plans to enhance its offerings by introducing low- and no-code tools that enable users with minimal programming skills to create applications.
An upcoming LLM tool will be capable of interpreting natural language descriptions of app functionalities and converting them into functional code. A preliminary version of this tool is expected by the end of the year.
Syed acknowledges that while no-code platforms facilitate rapid development, they can present challenges regarding intellectual property ownership, especially as applications scale. Determining ownership of code and outcomes generated from publicly available LLMs remains a significant concern.
Chenosis operates with a flexible, multidisciplinary team, many of whom are early in their careers, which allows for rapid problem-solving and innovation.
However, Syed notes that navigating regulatory requirements poses a significant challenge, impacting the company’s path to profitability.
Despite these challenges, Chenosis benefits from MTN’s extensive reach across 18 African markets.
Syed advocates for a more standardized regulatory framework across the continent to accelerate growth and streamline operations.
“Our goal is to create a unified approach to data privacy and other regulations across Africa, which would allow us to address challenges comprehensively and efficiently,” Syed said.
