Minimum Viable Products Launching for Start-Ups and Vocational Training Using No-Code Tools Learning Resources

Abstract

No-code tools (NCT) for minimum viable products (MVP) creation have been popular among start-ups in recent years. This technology form allows entrepreneurs to replicate working prototypes without developing code, which can save time and money when launching a product. However, the use of these techniques requires that users be acquainted with the selected hosting interface. Such interaction has posed a challenge in the massive adoption of the use of NCT by individual start-ups. To bridge this gap, a learning platform to introduce the public to the procedures and benefits of these tools was developed, and over 1000 learners have signed up. Hence, this study presents an overview of the learning resources development, the user satisfaction rate, and challenges based on the pros and cons of employing NCT. These learning resources are in the form of three software applications, namely a medical booking app, an online learning mobile app, and a grocery e-commerce shopping app. Investigation toward this study revealed that the need for technical skills and no-code solutions’ scalability is desirable. The significance of the findings is envisaged to offer more learning support to African and developing countries’ entrepreneurs and for future research in vocational education and training.

1. Introduction

The global adoption of no-code tools (NCT) in start-ups and entrepreneurship has been on the rise in recent years. According to a report by Gartner, the no-code/low-code market is expected to grow continuously from $4.3 billion in 2017, reaching $13.8 billion within the same decade [1], indicating an anticipated significant increase in the adoption and usage of NCT. A survey conducted by Forrester found that nearly 60% of global developers have used low-code platforms, with another 25% planning to use them in the future [2]. This indicates that NCTs are becoming more popular among developers and businesses worldwide.

The benefits of NCT include rapid development and deployment of MVPs, cost-effective development, improved productivity, faster time-to-market, reduced development time, increased efficiency, simplified development process, increased agility, streamlined development process, and increased collaboration [3, 4].

Due to the several advantages of the use of NCT, it has been widely adopted globally [5]. Most particularly prevalent in North America and Western Europe, where start-ups and businesses have been quick to adopt new technologies and tools. However, emerging markets such as Asia and Africa are also starting to see an increase in the adoption of NCT in start-ups and entrepreneurship [5].

In a report by IDC, it was observed that the Asia–Pacific region (excluding Japan) is expected to have the highest growth rate in the no-code/low-code market over the next few years [6]. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for digital transformation and the rise of start-ups in the region.

In Africa, the use of NCT in start-ups and entrepreneurship is still in its early stages, but there is growing interest in these tools due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness [5]. Based on the authors’ wide experiences, NCT tools such as Bubble, Glide, Adalo, and Thunkable are some of the most used tools in Africa, and they are being utilized in various industries, including fintech, e-commerce, and health care.

The adoption of NCT in start-ups and entrepreneurship is a global trend that is expected to continue growing in the coming years. While North America and Western Europe have been quick to adopt these tools, emerging markets such as Asia and Africa are also starting to see an increase in usage [7]. As the demand for digital transformation and cost-effective solutions increases, it is expected that more start-ups and businesses may turn to NCT to launch their MVPs and streamline their operations [7]. Most African start-ups struggle to raise venture capital, and even if they do, the process can be lengthy and bureaucratic. The lack of funding and other resources often leads to a slow and uncertain product development process, which can hinder their ability to compete with established players in the market [8].

Eric Ries first introduced the concept of the minimum viable product (MVP) in his book, The Lean Start-up [9]. The MVP approach allows start-ups to test their product in the market before investing significant time and resources in its development. Launching a successful start-up is a challenging task that requires significant time and resources [4].

One solution to this problem is the use of no-code tools for fast and cost-effective minimum viable product (MVP) development [10]. These tools allow entrepreneurs to create functional prototypes without writing any code, significantly reducing the time and resources required to launch a product. The use of NCT has gained popularity in recent years in developed economies. However, their potential applications in emerging markets, such as Africa, have not been fully explored [4, 11].

This paper aims to examine the challenges and solutions while presenting the NCT development process for the fast launching of MVPs without venture capital for start-ups. Since there is hardly any literature addressing these issues, the existing literature on the use of NCT is used within the context of start-up development and vocational education, as well as their potential benefits and limitations for start-ups. The study also evaluates a key solution of using NCT to develop and launch MVP with three cases of applications developed as a learning resource intended to serve as a vocational training resource for users in developing their apps for employment in start-up businesses.

The rest of the paper is structured into the following sections, namely the introduction, definition of key concepts & terms, a comprehensive review of literature on NCT adoption, the developed learning resources with the corresponding process, user case evaluation of the learning resources, and ends with a final remark & conclusion.

2. Definition of key concepts and terms

In this section, the definitions of key terms and concepts used in this work are presented.

• Minimum Viable Product (MVP): A product with enough features to satisfy early customers and provide feedback for future development. The MVP approach allows start-ups to test their product in the market before investing significant time and resources in its development.

• Venture Capital (VC): A type of private equity financing provided to start-ups and early-stage companies that have high growth potential. VC investors typically take an equity stake in the company in exchange for their investment, and they provide funding, mentorship, and network support to help the company grow.

• No-code Tools (NCT): Software tools that allow users to create functional prototypes and applications without writing any code, using drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built modules. No-code tools have gained popularity in recent years to reduce the time and resources required to launch a product.

• Fast Launching: The process of quickly launching a product or service in the market, typically using lean methodologies such as the MVP approach to test the product and iterate based on user feedback.

• African Start-Ups: Start-ups that are based in Africa or focused on serving African markets. African start-ups face unique challenges, such as limited resources and access to funding, which can make it difficult to develop and launch a product.

• Emerging Markets: Economies that are transitioning from developing to developed status, characterized by rapid economic growth, rising income levels, and increasing globalization. Emerging markets offer significant opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation but also face unique challenges and risks.

• Lean Start-up: A methodology for developing start-ups and launching new products characterized by iterative development, rapid prototyping, and continuous customer feedback. The lean start-up approach emphasizes the importance of testing assumptions and validating business models before investing significant time and resources.

• Product Development: The process of creating and refining a product or service from conception to launch, typically involving research, prototyping, testing, and iteration.

• Cost-effectiveness: The degree to which a product or service provides value for money, considering both the cost of production and the benefits it delivers to the user.

• Early Traction: The initial success and adoption of a product or service, typically measured by metrics such as user acquisition, revenue, and engagement. Early traction is an important indicator of the potential success of a start-up and can help attract further investment and support.

• Bootstrap: The process of starting and growing a business using personal savings or revenue generated by the business rather than external funding such as venture capital. Bootstrap start-ups typically focus on cost-effective growth strategies and lean product development methodologies.

3. No-code tools adoption

As a response to the problem of insufficient developers to fulfill the increased demand for apps, low-code development platforms were established [12, 13].

The idea of citizen developers was introduced to the application development area by low-code development platforms, which allow developers to build efficient, scalable, and rapid apps with minimal coding [14]. The application of NCT concept has been adopted and applied in different aspects, such as follows.

• Research application [15].

• Design enterprise services [16].

• Training the next generation of experts [17].

• Data pipeline for low-code development augmented with machine learning [18].

• Chatbot development framework [19].

• Smart personal assistant [20].

• Internet of things [21].

• Model-driven engineering [22].

• Mobile app development [23].

• Improving developers’ experience with low-code process modeling language [24].

• Manufacturing business process automation [25].

• Collaborative manufacturing and logistics environment [26].

• Fast launching of MVP for start-ups and for vocational training (this study).

The use of NCT for MVP development has gained popularity in recent years. NCT allows entrepreneurs to create functional prototypes without writing any code, using drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built modules [27]. However, the platform used in the tool development should be well supported [28] and should require the least experience [27], ease usability [29], and ensure a satisfying user experience [24], as well as enable proper software engineering [30]. This approach significantly reduces the time and resources required to launch a product, enabling start-ups to test their ideas quickly and iterate based on user feedback [31].

In the sub-sections below, the level of adoption of NCT in MVP development across developed countries, emerging markets, and African start-ups is discussed.

3.1 Developed economies: adoption and progress of no-code tools usage in start-up businesses

NCTs have gained significant traction in developed economies, where start-ups have been quick to adopt these tools due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

The United States and Europe are leading the adoption of no-code tools in start-ups and entrepreneurship. Start-ups in these regions are using no-code tools to launch MVPs quickly and cost-effectively, streamline their operations, and improve their customer experience. The adoption of NCT is particularly prevalent in industries such as fintech, e-commerce, health care, and education, which serve as part of the drivers of digital transformation [14].

Similarly, in Europe, NCT is gaining momentum, with a growing number of start-ups and businesses using these tools to launch their products and services.

However, start-ups in developed economies have also faced some challenges in implementing NCT. One of the main challenges is the lack of technical expertise among team members, which can lead to the development of subpar products or services. Additionally, some start-ups have struggled to integrate NCT with their existing systems and processes, leading to delays in implementation.

Despite these challenges, start-ups in developed economies have also derived several benefits from using NCT. These tools have allowed them to launch MVPs quickly and cost-effectively, test their products or services in the market, and get feedback from customers. NCT has also helped them streamline their operations, improve their workflows, and reduce their development costs.

The adoption of NCT in start-ups and entrepreneurship in developed economies is on the rise [5]. Start-ups in these regions are using these tools to launch their products and services quickly, streamline their operations, and improve their customer experience. While there are some challenges associated with implementing NCT, the benefits they provide are significant, making them a valuable tool for start-ups and businesses.

3.2 Emerging markets: adoption and progress of no-code tools usage in start-up businesses

NCTs have gained popularity in emerging markets due to their ease of use and cost-effectiveness. Start-ups in emerging markets are increasingly adopting these tools to develop and launch their MVPs rapidly. Table 1 highlights the adoption of NCT in start-ups in emerging markets, the challenges faced during implementation, and the benefits derived from using these tools.

NCT Adoption
Emerging Market	Adoption of NCT	Challenges during Implementation
Nigeria	High	Limited Internet connectivity and lack of technical expertise
India	High	Cultural barriers to tech adoption and lack of awareness of no-code tools
Kenya	Moderate	Limited access to funding and limited access to mentorship
Brazil	Moderate	High cost of no-code tools and limited access to the Internet
South Africa	Low	Lack of awareness of no-code tools and high cost of Internet

Table 1.

Overview of NCT adoption in emerging markets.

Source: Authors’ elaboration.

Start-ups in emerging markets are adopting NCT at a moderate to high rate. In countries like India and Nigeria, the adoption rate is high, while in countries like South Africa, the adoption rate is low.

While the adoption of NCT in emerging markets is growing, start-ups still face several challenges during implementation. One of the primary challenges is the limited Internet connectivity in some regions. Start-ups in remote areas may have difficulty accessing no-code tools due to slow Internet speeds. Another challenge is the lack of technical expertise in some regions. Start-ups may not have the necessary skills to fully utilize no-code tools, resulting in slower development times and increased costs [8, 32].

Despite the challenges, start-ups in emerging markets are benefiting from the use of NCT with support from crowdfunding toward entrepreneurship in emerging economies [33]. One of the main benefits is the rapid development and deployment of MVPs. No-code tools allow start-ups to develop and launch their products quickly, giving them a competitive advantage. Another benefit is the cost-effectiveness of no-code tools [31]. These tools are significantly cheaper than traditional software development, making them an attractive option for start-ups with limited resources [34].

3.3 African start-ups and entrepreneurship: adoption and progress of no-code tools usage in start-ups businesses

African start-ups and entrepreneurship have gained significant attention in recent years due to the increasing recognition of the continent’s potential for economic growth and innovation. The start-up ecosystem in Africa is still in its early stages, but there have been significant developments in recent years, with the number of start-ups and venture capital investments increasing steadily.

The African start-up ecosystem has made significant progress in recent years, with a growing number of start-ups and investors showing interest in the continent. According to the African Tech Start-ups Funding Report 2020, African start-ups raised a total of $1.3 billion in funding in 2019, with the fintech sector receiving the largest share of investment [35]. This represents a significant increase from the $400 million raised in 2015. There has also been significant progress in terms of government and institutional support for start-ups and entrepreneurship in Africa. Many African countries have launched initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, such as tax incentives, funding schemes, and incubator and accelerator programs.

Several successful cases of African start-ups that have used no-code tools to launch their products and achieve early traction have been documented. For example, an e-commerce platform for African fashion used NCT to develop its MVP and launch it in just 6 weeks. Another example is a Nigerian financial technology start-up which used NCT to develop its MVP and launch it in just 4 weeks.

Despite the progress made, African start-ups and entrepreneurship still face significant challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of access to funding, with many start-ups struggling to secure investment due to limited venture capital availability and a lack of angel investors. This has resulted in a funding gap, which has limited the growth and development of many start-ups. Another challenge is the lack of infrastructure, including reliable electricity, Internet connectivity, and transportation, which can make it difficult for start-ups to operate and scale their businesses. The education system in many African countries also needs improvement, with a lack of technical skills and knowledge among the workforce hindering the growth of tech start-ups. Other challenges include regulatory barriers, corruption, and political instability, which can make it difficult for start-ups to operate and attract investment. Finally, cultural attitudes toward entrepreneurship in some African countries can be negative, with many people preferring to pursue more traditional career paths.

There are growing solutions to the needs of start-ups and entrepreneurship in Africa. One solution is the increasing availability of incubator and accelerator programs, which provide support, mentorship, and funding to start-ups. Examples of such programs include the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme [36], which provides seed funding and training to African entrepreneurs, and the MEST Africa incubator, which provides training, mentorship, and funding to tech start-ups in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.

Another solution is the increasing availability of alternative funding sources, such as impact investment and crowdfunding [33, 37]. Impact investors are investors who seek to create positive social or environmental impact alongside financial returns, and they have become increasingly active in Africa in recent years. Crowdfunding platforms, such as Kiva, GoFundMe, and Seedrs, have also become more popular in Africa, providing a way for start-ups to access funding from a wider pool of investors [38].

Other solutions include government and institutional support, such as tax incentives and funding schemes, and the development of infrastructure, such as improved electricity and Internet connectivity.

The African start-up ecosystem has made significant progress in recent years, but there are still many challenges that need to be addressed to unlock the full potential of African entrepreneurship. These challenges include limited access to funding, infrastructure deficits, and cultural attitudes toward entrepreneurship. However, there are growing solutions, including government and institutional support, incubator and accelerator programs, and alternative funding sources such as impact investment and crowdfunding. With continued support and investment, African start-ups and entrepreneurship have the potential to drive economic growth and innovation on the continent. The use of NCT for the fast launching of MVPs without venture capital (VC) has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly across African start-ups.

The use of NCT could potentially address some of these challenges by enabling start-ups to develop and launch MVPs quickly and cost-effectively.

4. Development of learning resources with no-code tools

The learning resource was developed comprising three courses on building mobile and web apps without coding using FlutterFlow.

The courses created by the FlutterFlow developer tool cover the development of specific mobile applications, namely

1. A grocery shopping app

2. A medical booking app, and

3. An online learning app.

The key features and functionality of the three apps are shown in Figures 1–3 for the grocery, medical booking, and online learning apps, respectively.

Figure 1.

Feature of the grocery app. Source: Authors’ elaboration.

Figure 2.

Feature of the medical booking app. Source: Authors’ elaboration.

Figure 3.

Feature of the online learning app. Source: Authors’ elaboration.

Each course leverages FlutterFlow, a platform that enables app development without the need for traditional coding and is hosted on Udemy.com.

The hosting platform is an online learning platform that provides a marketplace for instructors to create and sell courses on a wide range of topics. It is accessible to learners globally, offering a diverse range of courses in various domains.

It allows instructors to utilize different teaching formats, such as video lectures, downloadable resources, quizzes, and discussion forums. This diverse set of tools facilitates effective and engaging learning experiences for learners. Additionally, Udemy provides a certification mechanism upon course completion, adding value to learners’ resumes or professional profiles [39].

The courses span different durations, with the grocery shopping app course being 11.5 hours long, the medical booking app course lasting 8 hours, and the online learning app course being 9.5 hours in duration. These durations indicate the depth and comprehensiveness of the content, ensuring that learners receive thorough instruction in app development using FlutterFlow.

It is noteworthy that the online learning app course is labeled as a bestseller, indicating its popularity and positive reception among Udemy users. This attests to the effectiveness of the course content and the value it provides to individuals interested in building online learning applications without coding.

Overall, the hosting platform serves as a widely accessible and user-friendly platform for hosting and disseminating educational content, enabling both instructors and learners to participate in a global learning community. Based on the authors’ experiences and the work by Inouye J & Johns R. [39], the pros, cons, and comparison of Udemy with other hosting platforms are presented in sub-sections A, B, and C, respectively.

4.1 Pros of the hosting platform

Large User Base: It boasts a massive user base, providing instructors with access to a diverse and extensive audience interested in a wide range of topics.

Diverse Course Topics: The platform covers an extensive array of subjects, allowing for the creation and consumption of courses across various domains, including technology, business, arts, and lifestyle.

User-Friendly Interface: It is known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for both instructors and learners to navigate and engage with course content.

Certification: Successful completion of Udemy courses results in certification, offering learners a tangible credential to showcase their newly acquired skills.

Lifetime Access: Once enrolled, learners often enjoy lifetime access to course materials, enabling them to revisit content and stay updated on any additional resources or updates provided by the instructor.

Promotional Tools: It offers tools for instructors to market their courses, including promotional discounts and affiliate programs, helping them reach a broader audience.

4.2 Cons of the hosting platform

Pricing Model: It frequently offers deep discounts on courses, which may lead to lower revenue for instructors. Additionally, the pricing model might undervalue the efforts put into creating comprehensive courses.

Limited Communication: Interaction between instructors and learners can be limited, relying heavily on discussion forums. While there are ways to communicate, the platform might lack the real-time engagement found in live or interactive learning environments.

Quality Control: It has an open marketplace, meaning anyone can become an instructor. While this encourages diversity, it also raises concerns about course quality and consistency. Some courses may lack depth or accurate information.

No Ownership of Learners’ Base: Instructors do not have direct access to the contact information of their learners. This can be a limitation for instructors who want to build their own community or market future courses directly.

Competitive Environment: With a vast number of courses on similar topics, instructors face significant competition, making it challenging for new courses to gain visibility without effective marketing strategies.

Limited Customization: Instructors have limited control over the design and customization of their course pages. This may restrict branding opportunities and the ability to create a unique learning environment.

4.3 Comparison with other platforms

Udemy stands out among various online learning platforms, and when comparing it to other existing platforms, it is important to consider both its advantages (pros) and drawbacks (cons). Here is a comparative analysis:

Udacity and Coursera: These platforms often partner with universities and corporations, offering more structured, degree-oriented programs. While they provide a more formal education approach, they may lack the flexibility and variety found on Udemy.

Skillshare: Skillshare emphasizes project-based learning and a subscription model. It fosters a sense of community with learner collaboration. However, it might have fewer courses on specific technical topics compared to Udemy.

Pluralsight: Pluralsight focuses on technology-related courses and offers assessments to gauge skill levels. It is more specialized but might not cover the diverse range of topics found on Udemy.

Udemy’s strengths lie in its extensive user base, diverse course offerings, and user-friendly interface. However, the pricing model and limited instructor–learner communication may pose challenges. When choosing a platform, instructors should consider their specific goals, the nature of their content, and the level of engagement they desire with their audience. Each platform has its unique features, catering to different preferences and needs within the online learning landscape.

5. No-code tool: hosting description and procedures

In Section 4, the learning resources developed were done using FlutterFlow and Firebase, which involves a streamlined development process flow, as shown in Figure 4. Below is a description of the key steps involved in developing the grocery shopping app, medical booking app, and online learning app.

Figure 4.

Development process for the learning resources.

Planning and Ideation

• Define the purpose and features of the app.

• Identify target users and their needs.

• Sketch a basic outline of the app’s structure and functionalities.

FlutterFlow Setup

• Sign up for a FlutterFlow account.

• Create a new project for the specific app.

• Familiarizing with the FlutterFlow visual development environment.

UI/UX Design

• Use Figma or other design tools to create or customize UI/UX designs.

• Import or design app screens, incorporating elements like buttons, images, and navigation.

• Ensure a user-friendly and visually appealing interface.

Figma is a collaborative design tool that aids in creating user interfaces for mobile apps. It offers a robust platform for creating detailed, visually appealing UI designs, accelerates the design process, facilitates collaborative design, and supports interactive prototyping. However, it has a learning curve for new users, lacks dynamic functionality for app development, and requires a stable Internet connection for collaborative work. Figma’s visual design and layout are crucial for a user-friendly interface, and its ability to create interactive prototypes is beneficial for learners. The tool’s learning curve is significant, and learners may need additional resources to implement dynamic functionality. Despite these limitations, Figma remains a valuable resource for app development.

App Structure and Layout

• In FlutterFlow, visually arrange the components and elements on each screen.

• Define the layout, such as rows, columns, and containers, using the drag-and-drop interface.

Data Modeling

• Define the data structure required for the app.

• Use FlutterFlow’s visual data modeling features to set up databases and collections.

• Connect elements on screens to corresponding data sources.

Logic and Interactivity

• Implement app logic without coding using FlutterFlow’s visual programming.

• Define interactions, such as button clicks, form submissions, and navigation.

• Incorporate conditional logic and data binding to create dynamic app behavior.

Firebase Integration

• Connect the app to Firebase for backend services.

• Set up Firebase authentication for user registration and login.

• Utilize Firebase Firestore or real-time database for storing and retrieving data.

Functionality Implementation.

Implement specific functionalities based on the app type:

• For the grocery shopping app: Implement product listings, shopping cart, and checkout.

• For the medical booking app: Implement appointment scheduling, video/chat meetings, and notifications.

• For the online learning app: Implement course listings, enrollment, and payment processing through Stripe.

Testing

• Test the app’s functionalities and interactions using FlutterFlow’s preview feature.

• Conduct thorough testing for different scenarios and user interactions.

• Ensure the app is responsive and functions as expected.

Deployment

• Once satisfied with the app, deploy it to various platforms (iOS, Android, web).

• Follow FlutterFlow’s deployment process for exporting or publishing the app.

Monitoring and Maintenance

• Implement analytics using Firebase Analytics to track user behavior.

• Monitor app performance and user feedback.

• Address any issues and release updates as needed.

This development process flow leverages the visual development capabilities of FlutterFlow and the backend services provided by Firebase, allowing developers to create feature-rich apps without traditional coding.

6. Results: user case evaluation of the no-code tool learning resources

In this section, the evaluation of the three courses based on users’ experience over an extended hosting and training 7 months is presented. The range of users’ demography spans across the globe to validate the usefulness of the NCT.

The data was collected from the hosting platform with subscriptions from 1326 users consisting of 718, 565, and 302 users for the grocery shopping app (GESA), medical booking app (MBA), and online learning resources app (OLA), respectively. Some users had subscriptions to more than one course and an indication of interest in the applicability of NCT for multiple purposes of MVP development.

The user and overall course satisfaction rates are shown in Figures 4 and 5, respectively.

Figure 5.

Overall course satisfaction across the three learning resources.

Based on Figure 5, the users’ satisfaction is within the range of 48–56%, 16–29%, and 10–28% for 5, 4, and 3 stars, respectively, where the maximum satisfaction is at 5 stars.

Only between 3 and 5% of the users had the least satisfaction, which may have been primarily owing to the organization of the learning resources and not necessarily the usefulness of the concepts explained.

Some of the reasons for the satisfaction and dissatisfaction, as highlighted by the users, are included in Table 2.

General Reasons
Emerging Market	Satisfaction (comment)	Dissatisfaction (comment)
MBA	Very High (Good, interesting, beginner-friendly, and great value, resourceful)	Low (Technical challenges due to sound, desire for additional content beyond the course scope)
GESA	Very high (Simplified, good, interesting, beginner-friendly, and great value, comprehensive, resourceful)	Low (Technical challenges due to sound, desire for additional content beyond the course scope)
OLMA	Very High (Good, easy, and great value)	Low (Technical challenges due to video speed, desire for additional content beyond the course scope)

Table 2.

Summary of users’ feedback on satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

Source: Authors’ elaboration.

7. Final remarks and conclusion

Based on the forecasts by Gartner and Forrester, there is an expectation that low-code development platforms may soon experience widespread use for app creation. This paper has explored the use of no-code tools for the fast launching of minimum viable products (MVPs) in start-ups without venture capital (VC). We conducted a literature evaluation to gather information on the utilization of NCT and identified the adoption levels globally under three economic categories, which were developed countries, emerging markets, and developing countries.

Our discussions show that NCT can provide a cost-effective and efficient means for start-ups to fast-track their development without the need for VC funding. However, some challenges need to be addressed, such as limited access to reliable Internet and low levels of digital literacy. Despite these challenges, we found that emerging markets with some African countries are beginning to adopt NCT in their start-up ecosystems.

Furthermore, results from a 7-month hosting and training period were used to evaluate three courses. The GESSA grocery shopping app, the MBA medical booking app, and the OLA online learning resources app all had data collected from 1326 users worldwide. The percentage of satisfied users varied between 48% and 56%, with a maximum rating of 5 stars. Perhaps because of how the learning materials were organized, only 3–5% of users were the least satisfied.

In the future, there is a need for more research on the specific needs and challenges facing African start-ups and how NCT can be utilized to address them. There is also a need for research on the potential impact of NCT on the overall development of the African start-up ecosystem and how it can contribute to economic growth and job creation.

In conclusion, the utilization of NCT in the launch of MVPs can provide a valuable solution for start-ups to overcome the challenges they face. As the adoption of no-code tools continues to grow globally, there is a need for more research and investment in the development of tailored solutions for start-ups in each economic category. By leveraging the benefits of NCT, start-ups can be better positioned for success and contribute to the growth and development of the economy of that nation.

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the support from the Durban University of Technology, South Africa, and the Figma community for the UI/UX design templates.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Credit authorship statement

The first author developed the learning resources and currently teaches them via the platform (https://www.udemy.com/user/david-orok-2/). Both the first and second authors conceptualized the paper. The writing was done by the first and second authors, with the methodology developed by the second author. The third author handled the review of the paper. Consent for the publication has been given and agreed upon by all the authors.