Why Offline-First Matters
In many African markets, internet connectivity is:
Designing for online-first and adding offline as an afterthought doesn't work. You need to design for offline from the start.
Core Principles
1. Assume Offline is the Default
Don't treat offline as an error state. The app should work fully offline, with sync happening opportunistically when connectivity exists.
2. Sync, Don't Fetch
Instead of fetching data on demand, sync relevant data in the background so it's available when needed.
3. Embrace Eventual Consistency
Accept that data may be temporarily out of sync. Design your data model and UI to handle this gracefully.
4. Be Transparent with Users
Show sync status clearly. Let users know when they're working with potentially stale data.
Technical Implementation
Data Layer Architecture
We use a three-layer architecture:
Local Database (SQLite/Realm)
Sync Queue
Remote API
Conflict Resolution Strategies
When the same data is modified offline on multiple devices:
Last Write Wins
Simple but lossy. Works for settings and preferences.
Merge
Combine changes intelligently. Works for lists and sets.
User Resolution
Show conflicts and let users decide. Necessary for critical data.
Efficient Sync Protocols
We've developed sync protocols optimized for African connectivity:
Delta Sync
Only transfer what changed, not the full dataset.
Compression
Gzip all payloads. Use binary formats like Protocol Buffers.
Batching
Combine multiple operations into single requests.
Resumable Uploads
Large uploads can resume after interruption.
UI/UX Considerations
Progressive Loading
Show cached content immediately, then update when fresh data arrives.
Optimistic Updates
Apply changes locally immediately, sync in background. Roll back if sync fails.
Clear Status Indicators
Users should always know:
Graceful Degradation
When offline, some features may not work. Disable them clearly rather than showing errors.
Real-World Example: Field Data Collection
Our field data collection app is used by agricultural extension workers in rural Kenya:
The result: 100% data capture rate, compared to 70% with previous online-only systems.
Frameworks and Tools
We recommend:
Key Takeaways
Offline-first isn't just about handling disconnection—it's about building faster, more reliable apps that respect users' data constraints.