DEV Community

Alphaexcel
Alphaexcel

Posted on

Automated Diaspora Data Broker for African Exports

#devchallenge #runnerhchallenge #ai #machinelearning

🛠️ What I Built

Automated Diaspora Data Broker for African Exports

An AI-powered data agent using Runner H to uncover weekly product demand insights from diaspora communities across the globe — helping small African exporters make smarter decisions and connect directly with active buyers.

This AI agent finds trending products, unmet diaspora needs, and untapped export opportunities using public social data, compiles everything into a structured Google Sheet, and gives actionable weekly recommendations.

Watch the automation in
action:

⚙️ How I Used Runner H

I created a multi-step prompt for Runner H that does the following:

  1. Research diaspora conversations on platforms like Reddit, Twitter/X, and Facebook groups using keywords like:

    • “Buy African food”
    • “Where to order shea butter”
    • “I miss Ankara fabric in Germany”

  2. Analyze for patterns:

    • Top requested African products
    • Most mentioned countries and cities
    • Challenges in sourcing or buying

  3. Output a structured Google Sheet with:

    • Trending Products tab
    • Market Opportunities tab
    • Weekly Recommendation tab

  4. Summarize findings in 5 simple bullet points exporters can act on.

The prompt runs weekly and serves as an automated research assistant for African SMEs and solopreneurs.

🌍 Use Case & Impact

Real-World Problem

Small-scale exporters across Africa often struggle to:

  • Identify what diaspora consumers truly want
  • Know where to target for demand
  • Find time or tools to research effectively

Who This Helps

  • African entrepreneurs shipping local goods (e.g., snacks, fashion, cosmetics)
  • Diaspora-focused vendors selling online from the UK, US, or EU
  • Export marketers and trade promotion agencies

How This Helps

  • Saves time and money doing market research
  • Empowers smarter, data-backed exports
  • Opens pathways to new markets and unmet needs

❤️ Social Love

I’m participating in the Community Champion prize too!

I’ve shared my project on Twitter/X and LinkedIn — please check it out, engage, and share to help spread the vision for African SME empowerment through AI!

🔗 [https://x.com/oyinemi/status/1941894145439649816?t=87TNhIQ_JNnrzWCJbVtLwA&s=19]

Thanks for reading — I hope this inspires other entrepreneurs to use AI tools like Runner H for real-world impact! 🇳🇬✨

Let’s build smarter, export better, and connect global markets through data + creativity.

Top comments (0)