APIs: A bridge between mobile operators and start-ups in emerging markets

In 2006, fewer than 400 public APIs were available globally. Ten years later there are around 15,000 APIs, with 40 new ones created every week. Salesforce already generates 50% of its revenues via APIs, eBay generates 60%, and Expedia 90%. Welcome to the new API economy.

This paper from the GSMA looks at how in emerging markets, APIs (Application Programming Interface) are bridges between mobile operators and start-ups that launch mobile services. These bridges, if open to developers and easy to walk over, can benefit both sides. They may also have a positive socio-economic impact on the four billion unique mobile end users of these services in emerging markets.