ARED Group: Strategic Deployment Partner Guide (2025)
Executive Summary
ARED Group is a deeptech company solving Africa’s infrastructure gap through AI-powered Edge-as-a-Service technology. We provide edge infrastructure that combines compute, storage, and Wi-Fi in a single gateway device — built to deliver digital services both offline and online. Our platform empowers local partners to unlock recurring revenue through application deployment, AI tools, and public Wi-Fi monetization, particularly in underserved markets. With successful deployments in Rwanda and Nigeria, ARED is now scaling through a network of strategic in-country partners.
1. About ARED
ARED offers a unique edge-based digital infrastructure solution tailored for emerging markets. Our edge gateway enables localized delivery of applications without relying on centralized cloud data centers, reducing costs and improving service availability.
ARED Delivers:
Fully managed edge gateway (hardware, OS, and cloud monitoring)
Suite of business applications (POS, inventory, surveys, queueing)
AI-powered features (camera analytics, NLP assistant)
Public Wi-Fi with ad monetization and user feedback tools
Developer marketplace for third-party and localized apps
2. Partner Program Overview
We are seeking qualified partners to license or jointly deploy ARED infrastructure in their local markets. Partners act as in-country operators — investing in hardware, deploying and maintaining devices, onboarding clients, and driving monetization.
Ideal Partners:
ISPs and telecom resellers
Managed service providers (MSPs)
Systems integrators and ICT consultants
Property managers and transport operators
Tech-forward distributors with access to SMEs, estates, and government clients
3. Key Use Cases and Applications
| Sector | Applications | Monetization Potential |
|---|---|---|
| SMEs | POS, feedback, queueing, loyalty | App subscriptions ($10–30/site) |
| Public Wi-Fi | Ads, surveys, content | Ad revenue ($20–50/site) |
| Government | eServices, feedback, hosting | Contracts, analytics tools |
| Education | LMS, chatbots, surveys | Licensing, offline access |
| Health | Queueing, reporting, feedback | SaaS + reporting dashboards |
| Transport | Onboard Wi-Fi, analytics | Ads, passenger data, AI |
| Real Estate | Wi-Fi + intercom + cameras | Bundled monthly fees |
| IoT Networks | Sensor data processing | Dashboard subscriptions |
4. Partner Journey: From Onboarding to Deployment
We’ve streamlined the engagement process into a clear Partner Journey — from initial interest to full-scale deployment — ensuring alignment, technical readiness, and business sustainability.
🔹 Phase 1: Onboarding & Readiness
| Milestone | Description |
| Intro Call & Qualification | We assess strategic fit, market access, and partner capacity. |
| Test Unit Purchase | The partner purchases one edge device to test performance in real-world conditions. |
| Team Setup | Partner confirms availability of: • 1+ technical staff (Linux/Wi-Fi config)• Sales/BD team for outreach |
| Funding Alignment | Partner must fund test unit and POC rollout (5–10 units). We recommend assessing a $5K–$10K startup buffer. |
| POC Strategy | Define pilot sectors (e.g., SMEs, transport, estates) and use cases to trial monetization. |
🔹 Phase 2: Proof of Concept (POC)
| Step | Description |
| Deploy 5–10 Units | Conduct pilot deployments in selected locations and sectors. |
| Activate Applications | Choose from business apps, Wi-Fi services, AI tools, or third-party marketplace apps. |
| Measure Monetization | Track revenue across each service: POS, ads, AI, or subscriptions. |
| Technical Feedback | Evaluate edge gateway performance and request remote support as needed. |
🔹 Phase 3: Strategic Planning & Agreement
| Step | Description |
| Market Sizing | Partner conducts local research to estimate how many sites/sectors can absorb the edge solution. |
| Business Case Development | Joint review of revenue potential, pricing models, and scaling plan. |
| Select Partnership Model | Choose between Technology Licensing (independent operation) or Joint Venture (JV) (shared risk/reward). |
| Sign Agreement | Define rollout timeline, responsibilities, and support requirements. |
🔹 Phase 4: Scale & Monetize
| Step | Description |
| Bulk Purchase Plan | Partner forecasts hardware needs and begins phased purchasing. |
| Field Support | Partner expands team as needed to support 10+, 50+, or 100+ deployments. |
| Service Packaging | Offer application bundles or enterprise pricing based on customer tiers. |
| Partner Growth Reviews | Quarterly check-ins with ARED to troubleshoot, optimize, and co-create new services. |
5. ARED’s Commitments to Partners
Edge OS management and cloud-based monitoring
Application updates and developer marketplace access
AI model deployment and updates
Remote training, manuals, and onboarding tools
Optional co-development of vertical-specific applications
6. Financial Model for Partners
Partners invest in hardware but earn high-margin recurring revenue.
📦 Hardware Options and ROI
| Edge Gateway | Cost | Monthly Revenue Potential | Payback Period |
| Standard Unit | $600 | $100+ (apps + ads) | 6–9 months |
| Advanced Unit | $1,200 | $200+ (AI + advanced apps) | 4–6 months |
7. Monthly Monetization Options
Partners have full flexibility in how they generate revenue from each edge gateway. ARED’s platform allows partners to choose and activate different applications based on customer needs:
Core Business Applications: Survey tools, queue management, table and order systems, loyalty programs
Wi-Fi Management System: Captive portals, ad campaigns, token-based access
AI-Powered Camera Analytics: People counting, security alerts, heatmaps
Voice-enabled AI Assistant: For education, feedback, and low-literacy users
Third-Party Marketplace Apps: Extend service offerings with new vertical apps
Partner-Owned Apps: Host proprietary or custom applications
Enterprise Pricing Tier: For bulk customers requiring custom bundles
Each service has a recurring monthly fee; bundling increases per-unit value.
8. Competitive Advantage
| Feature | ARED Edge | Cloud Only | Traditional Wi-Fi |
| Offline Capability | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Built-in AI Tools | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Monetizable App Store | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Low Latency & Local Access | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Partner Ownership of Infra | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
9. Risk Mitigation for Partners
Begin with one low-cost test unit
Structured POC (5–10 units) to validate local demand
Continuous training and tech support from ARED
OS and app updates handled remotely by ARED
Low technical burden — partner focuses on site-level ops
10. Expressing Interest
If your organization aligns with our goals and has the capacity to scale edge infrastructure, we invite you to submit your interest.
✅ Minimum Requirements Checklist
Please ensure your organization meets the following:
✔ Able to purchase and test one edge gateway
✔ Can fund a 5–10 unit POC within 60 days
✔ Have at least 1 technical team member (Linux/networking)
✔ Have active sales/business development capacity
✔ Serve at least one relevant sector: SMEs, government, transport, estates, health, or education
✔ Able to support deployments across multiple locations
📩 Email Submission Details
Send an email to partner@aredgroup.com with the subject line: Expression of Interest – [Your Company Name] and include the following:
Company Name & Website
Years in Operation
Geographic Focus
Current Clients or Sectors Served
Team Capabilities (Technical + Sales)
Ability to Fund Initial Deployment (Test Unit + POC)
Preferred Model (Technology License or Joint Venture)
Brief Summary: Why ARED’s solution fits your local market
Self-Assessment Checklist: Confirm each item above is ✔ Yes / ✘ No
Short Answer Questions (2–3 sentences each):
What market gap are you solving with ARED?
How do you plan to generate recurring revenue from the edge?
What’s your plan for scaling deployment if the POC is successful?
Shortlisted partners will be contacted for an introductory call.
ARED is shaping Africa’s next-generation digital economy through distributed infrastructure. Join us to build and own a piece of that future.