MTN unveils API marketplace for developers

Telecoms giant MTN is launching a pan-African API marketplace for developers, called Chenosis, which it plans to make the largest library of open APIs published on the continent.

MTN said in a statement that Chenosis will enable developers to tap into a broad spectrum of API products and services from across the continent, ranging from telecommunications to e-health, e-government, IoT, fintech, e-commerce, identity and authentication, payments and collections.

"Chenosis is a separate brand and entity, and will have an arms-length relationship with MTN so that it remains open to all mobile network operators, fintech startups, payment service providers, mobile wallet operators, financial service providers, and more," said MTN Group CTIO Charles Molapisi about the launch.

The marketplace is due to open to the public on August 10, but the website is already active for developers to explore.

MTN Group CTIO Charles Molapisi. (Source: MTN)

Chenosis will allow local developers to publish their APIs so that other developers can discover and consume them. The marketplace also provides the tools for publishers to monetize and promote their APIs, by creating subscription plans and product bundles that developers and businesses can purchase.

Startups will be able to create mashup APIs which will connect cross-industry APIs and facilitate innovation and the ability to build new services and business models.

"We have exciting pan-African and international partnerships lined up to publish and monetize their APIs in the marketplace over the coming months," said Molapisi. "These partnerships will enable Chenosis to become the largest and most diverse developer ecosystem on the African continent."

MTN explained that the name Chenosis is derived from the ancient Greek word "Henosis," which means "oneness," "union" or "unity."

— The Staff, Connecting Africa