In South Africa, where WhatsApp dominates as the most widely used social media platform, a Cape Town-based startup is revolutionizing data collection in underserved rural communities. Tregter, established in 2019, utilizes WhatsApp chatbots to gather data for research, providing a unique solution to the challenges of data collection in these areas.

Tregter's co-founder, Ferdinand Steenkamp, highlights the significance of chatbots in data collection, stating that they have assisted multiple vendors in building chatbots to disseminate information and collect data more efficiently. In a pro bono project with the Do More Foundation, Tregter is using WhatsApp chatbots to collect data on early childhood development across rural South Africa, enabling the foundation to scale its reach and target underserved communities.

The WhatsApp chatbot is accompanied by cloud-based analytics, allowing for the secure collection and analysis of large volumes of data. Steenkamp notes that the hybrid approach combines the accessibility of a mobile messaging platform with a cloud-based platform, providing a database for data collection and analysis. Additionally, Tregter has created a platform for analysts to inspect and visualize their data, further enhancing the research process.

This innovative approach demonstrates the potential of chatbots in facilitating essential research in areas where access is often limited. Tregter operates in a competitive space, with over 40 chatbot startups in South Africa, but its focus on using chatbots for research sets it apart. The widespread use of WhatsApp in South Africa, with approximately 40% of the population using the platform, makes it an ideal platform for reaching diverse populations, including those in rural areas.

Traditionally, data collection involved manual processes, which were time-consuming, prone to errors, and inconsistent. By automating data collection through chatbots, Tregter significantly improves data quality and reduces the time required to gather insights. Steenkamp emphasizes the importance of cloud migration and ensuring users have the necessary access for their tasks while maintaining data protection.

Beyond research, Tregter sees WhatsApp as the future of customer interaction, citing its widespread use and the reluctance of users to download numerous apps. As a startup, security and privacy are top priorities, and Tregter remains bootstrapped, focusing on proving product-market fit before seeking external funding. The company is actively working on producing its solutions, aiming to launch a SaaS platform to reach a wider audience.

As AI-powered chatbots evolve, Tregter is keenly aware of the need to adapt to the African context, bridging digital literacy gaps and delivering tangible value. With its innovative approach, Tregter is poised to make a significant impact in the data collection landscape, particularly in underserved rural communities.