E-SocialMint Unveils Hybrid Social Media Platform for African Users

By Agnes Ekebuike

E-SocialMint (ESM), a new hybrid social media platform aimed at connecting Africans through digital events and cultural engagements, was officially unveiled on Tuesday this week.

The unveiling event featured a keynote address by the visionary IT architect behind the platform, Fisayo Olamigoke, who spoke to the media to witness a novel approach to digital interactions.

“We are E-Social Incorporated in the U.S., but this platform is for Africa. It’s designed to meet our unique social needs and address our cultural practices,” Olamigoke said.

According to Olamigoke, E-SocialMint would enable users to attend events virtually via hologram technology, interact socially, and even participate in money-spraying customs, all while adhering to local laws against cash spraying at physical events.

At the core of E-SocialMint is the incorporation of hologram technology, which allows high-profile personalities, such as Nigerian business mogul Femi Otedola, to attend multiple events virtually without leaving their comfort zone. Through this feature, users can “appear” at events, spray celebrants, and dance with attendees, all while staying remote.

Olamigoke highlighted the practicality of holograms in reducing travel costs and facilitating seamless engagement for busy individuals, saying, “Our platform brings people together through events, even across continents.”

ESM positions itself as more than a social media application. It integrates a suite of features that cater to African social dynamics, including video and voice calling, chat functions, and event organising tools. According to Olamigoke, the platform stands out for its “hybrid” approach, as it provides utilities beyond mere image sharing an indirect nod to Western platforms like Instagram. “We have what’s called an exposé, which allows users to broadcast key moments, promote their services, and interact with others on a grander scale,” he explained.

One distinctive feature of eSM is its capability to connect event organisers with local service providers based on the event’s location. This functionality, Olamigoke noted, could be invaluable to users, whether they’re hiring caterers, security personnel, or event planners.

Beyond connecting users, E-SocialMint aims to create job opportunities for young Africans. By training “hologram engineers” who facilitate these digital presences at events, the platform is expected to generate employment in new tech based roles. “Our youth will be trained to set up and manage holograms, with each event requiring dozens of skilled individuals,” Olamigoke said. “We’re providing jobs for them and ensuring they are part of the digital future.”