Building Scalable Event Platforms for Africa

When we set out to build Haaafla, we knew we were tackling a unique challenge: creating an event ticketing platform that could serve millions of users across Africa, where internet connectivity varies dramatically from fiber-optic speeds in urban centers to 2G networks in rural areas.

The Challenge

Event platforms need to handle massive traffic spikes when popular events go on sale. In Africa, this challenge is compounded by:

• Inconsistent network connectivity
• Limited bandwidth in many regions
• A wide range of device capabilities
• The need for offline-first functionality

Our Approach

We built Haaafla with a mobile-first, progressive web app architecture that prioritizes performance and reliability. Here are the key technical decisions that made it possible:

1. Optimistic UI Updates

Instead of waiting for server confirmation, we update the UI immediately and handle conflicts gracefully. This makes the app feel instant, even on slow connections.

2. Aggressive Caching

We cache everything we can locally using service workers and IndexedDB. Event listings, images, and user data are all available offline.

3. Smart Image Optimization

We serve different image sizes based on device capabilities and network speed, reducing data usage by up to 80% for users on slow connections.

Results

Since launching, Haaafla has processed over 500,000 ticket transactions with a 99.9% uptime. Our average page load time is under 2 seconds, even on 3G networks.

Building for Africa means thinking differently about performance and reliability. It's not just about handling scale—it's about ensuring everyone can access your platform, regardless of their connectivity or device.