The Multi-national mobile ad network inMobi is set to close up its operations in Africa and Russia. InMobi claims to be the world’s largest independent mobile ad network, with operations on five continents, with offices in Bangalore, Johannesburg, London, Nairobi, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo.
In a statement released, inMobi admitted that it would be closing the offices, but said that it would continue servicing the affected markets.
“Like all successful and growing businesses, we routinely review our business to determine how to optimally serve our customers. We are changing the way we service the Africa and Russia markets. InMobi will continue to service any markets affected by these changes through centralised sales teams located in our regional centres.
InMobi has almost five years’ experience managing mobile advertising campaigns in developed and emerging markets we have confidence that there will be no noticeable change in our ability to service customers in any of these markets.
InMobi is committed to servicing the global mobile advertising industry as it has always done. We are currently meeting with all of the employees impacted by these changes to identify any potential redeployment options if at all possible.”
It is so sad to see inMobi quit Africa, and news has it that all the staff in the African office will either face retrenchment or have to move to their London office. It is rumoured however that the closures come in the wake of the company’s acquisition by a large Japanese corporate.
Though the absence of inMobi may have a negative impact on competition, but I believe this may be the breakthrough local mobile ads company has been waiting for. This is the time for local ads company (like TwinPine and Bloovue) to step up their game and take control of the African mobile ads market; they should see this as an opportunity to prove themselves and set standard for mobile advertising across the African continent.
The African market is a unique market, so in other to succeed, I will advice local ads company to think more and code less, they should look for ways to get into the heart of a typical African man and they will surely see their business skyrocketing.
Update: Bloovue has an interesting thoughts on inMobi’s departure from Africa.
[image from pboog.com]
