Why copying competitors won’t help African startups build category-defining products
Techpoint Africa | Delight Sunny - Jun 03, 2026

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- Arinze Onugha identifies feature parity as a major barrier to scaling products in Africa's startup ecosystem.
- His book, 'Designing for Scale,' explores why some products become category leaders while others fail to stand out.
- Onugha emphasizes that many startups focus on improving existing products instead of creating new categories.
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The emphasis on category creation rather than mere feature enhancement is crucial for the growth of African startups. By focusing on unique solutions that address local challenges, companies can differentiate themselves in a crowded market and achieve meaningful scale. This approach not only fosters innovation but also aligns with the continent's unique socio-economic landscape.
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