10 lessons (Africans are learning) from that $16 billion Facebook just gave WhatsApp

So now that we’ve wiped our jaws on the floor, and (kind of) come to terms with the sheer hugeness of the huge buy that Facebook just confirmed for the hugely successful WhatsApp, we’ve scanned through the African – and especially Nigerian – ecosystem reactions, and we’ve got 10 simple lessons people are sharing.

One sentence for each. #NoTime – some people are counting their billions already.

1. Don’t. You. Ever. Stop. Moving. The dramatic difference five years has made in the life of Brian Acton is enough to give pause.

Facebook turned me down. It was a great opportunity to connect with some fantastic people. Looking forward to life’s next adventure.

— Brian Acton (@brianacton) August 3, 2009

Got denied by Twitter HQ. That’s ok. Would have been a long commute.

— Brian Acton (@brianacton) May 23, 2009

2. WhatsApp focused on building its user base – headed for a billions users.

3. Mobile Only versus Mobile First. We’re on the right path, Africa.

4. High Risk, High Returns – Sequioa – $60mn and only investor getting $3bn.

5. Engagement is key – Zuck admits WhatsApp did more engagement than Facebook. He obviously couldn’t sleep on this.

6. Align with the future – Zuck got 1 billion users with Facebook and plans to get next 1 billion with mobile and WhatsApp was already on track.

7. Build a kick ass product – WhatsApp is nothing but kick ass. Simple. Cross platform. Awesome UX, UI, and innovative.

8. Patient dog. Fattest bone. Instagram – $1bn, Snapchat – $3bn(offered), WhatsApp – $16bn.

9. Mark Zuckerberg now owns half the world. He is the AntiChrist.

10. [Insert your local proverb here]

 
Over to you, motivational speakers and pastors!

 
[Photo Credit: Compflight, TechCrunch, Google Images]