ACKWEST Group has announced the acquisition of mobile-first research platform Safiyo, which collects real-time consumer insights across Africa.

ACKWEST was set up a year ago by Hugh Davis and Keith Price - the founders of Greenfield Online, reInvention and Critical Mix - as a holding company for verified business intelligence specialists. The firm says its latest buy brings it a mobile-first approach to data collection, an intuitive survey authoring platform and 'deep expertise in amplifying consumer voices across underrepresented markets.'

Safiyo has bases in the UK and Africa, and is led by co-founder and CEO Stephan Eyeson (pictured), who comments: 'From the beginning, our focus has been on making local insights more accessible and actionable. Having worked across tech, data, and product roles globally, I've seen how critical it is to have context-rich insights you can trust. Joining ACKWEST gives us the platform and shared vision to advance that mission further.'

ACKWEST co-founder and Managing Partner Hugh Davis comments: 'We're thrilled to welcome Stephan Eyeson and his team to ACKWEST. His leadership across product, data and technology brings tremendous value and aligns perfectly with our vision for modern data creation.' Colin Turner-Kerr, Operating Partner at ACKWEST Group and MD of its TestSet subsidiary, comments: 'Safiyo gives our clients access to first-party data across the African continent at a time when local insights are becoming essential to growth. As businesses expand into new markets, they need faster and more direct ways to engage with real people. Safiyo's mobile platform and proprietary consumer panels, across 15+ countries in Africa including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt, make that possible.'

Web sites: www.ackwest.com and www.safiyo.ai .