….. Program Goes live in Nigeria and Ghana Today

Lagos, Nigeria; December 12th, 2013: Global phone manufacturer, Nokia, has announced that it is extending its rewards program for developers, DVLUP, to Nigeria and Ghana. DVLUP is a rewards program for Windows Phone developers across the globe which enables them create, book and manage their own app promotions and also build better apps via exclusive App Challenges.

DVLUP which goes live today, December 12th, 2013 in Nigeria and Ghana is a first from Nokia, that allows developers control promotion of their app by introducing technologies unique to Nokia devices, and marketing opportunities afforded only by Nokia rather than depending on most app stores that rely on algorithms and storeowners to control promotional efforts.

The program, which Windows Phone developers can join for free, centers on winning badges, earning experience points, and leveling up by completing quizzes and challenges related to app development. By creating high-quality apps, developers can also earn additional points and “unlock even greater opportunities” such as promoting their work through the Windows Phone Store, App Social, in-app advertising, as well as by using print, digital, social and out-of-home media.

Head, Ecosystem Developer Experience, Nokia West Africa, Emmanuel Oluwatosin, said that the program is line with Nokia’s plan to support developers across the globe and also get more developers for its Windows OS based devices. “We are happy that this program is finally coming to Nigeria and Ghana, and we believe that this is a huge and exciting opportunity for developers in both countries to tap into. This is an opportunity for them to make the most of their talents, build more locally relevant apps and promote the apps themselves”.

He explained that DVLUP uses gamification techniques to help developers earn badges and experience points (known as “XP”) that can then be used for promotion support for their app. In addition, by building high-quality apps, developers can earn additional points and unlock even greater opportunity for exposure. This gives developers access to promotion in the Windows Phone Store and App Social, in-app advertising, print, digital, social and out-of-home media opportunities.

DVLUP was first launched in US and Canada in November 2012 as a pilot but is now available in more than 20 countries which includes; Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Poland, the UK, the US, and Vietnam, with more countries being added regularly.

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About Nokia Nokia is a global leader in mobile communications whose products have become an integral part of the lives of people around the world. Every day, more than 1.3 billion people use their Nokia to capture and share experiences, access information, find their way or simply to speak to one another. Nokia's technological and design innovations have made its brand one of the most recognized in the world. For more information, visit http://www.nokia.com/about-nokia