A Comparative Analysis of Online Crowdfunding Platforms in Africa and the Middle East

Abstract

This chapter seeks to fill a gap in the regional analysis of online crowdfunding platforms and projects by examining selected platforms in Africa and in the Middle East. The authors considered the quantity and quality of the actors: fundraisers, funders, and other stakeholders; analyzed characteristics, quality, fees, and general value for money; and evaluated the capacity of the platforms in terms of system interface, projects, and customer crowds aiming to enhance their overall capacity to become nodes of local and regional crowdfunding activities. These are connected to other district and urban centers that would serve as a springboard to organize and network with overseas centers for the growth and development of the regional centers.