Zoho, a global technology company, recently disclosed that it experienced a 31% growth in Nigeria in 2023, emphasising its importance as a key market in Africa. With 27 years of operation and onboarding 100 million users in more than 150 countries worldwide, the company has been providing its 55+ apps in Naira to support local Nigerian businesses in avoiding fluctuating dollar rates.
According to the technology company, it has experienced impressive growth in the Nigerian market since it began operations in 2020. For the past three years, Zoho Nigeria has recorded a 43% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The technology company saw a 21% growth in its partner network in 2023, while the previous year marked a 40% increase in its local workforce in Nigeria.
The success of Zoho in Nigeria’s market space is nothing short of the widespread adaptation of its flagship products, which include, Zoho Workplace, Zoho One, Zoho Books, Zoho Desk and Zoho CRM. As the company states, these products have contributed significantly to improving customer experience, optimising business operations and enhancing efficiency.
The company further attributed its Nigerian success to key industries including IT hardware & IT related services, financial services, professional services (non-IT), retail, real estate and construction, energy, utilities and resources
Zoho also announced its partnership with Bridge International Academies to support the education of underprivileged children by establishing a meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda.
The primary aim of this collaboration is to support the education of 200 children from underserved communities by sponsoring school uniforms, fees for four terms, and other essential items for students attending Bridge International Academies.
“As we continue to grow our presence in Africa, our focus is on ensuring that our expansion positively impacts the local economy, communities, and the broader business ecosystem,” said Kehinde Ogundare, Country Head, Zoho Nigeria.
“This approach aligns with our transnational localism strategy, which emphasises being rooted in local markets while staying globally connected.
To support this, we are committed to hiring local talent, strengthening our partner network, and creating products tailored to the local market. Additionally, to serve the community, we are supporting the education of children and also undertaking sustainability initiatives.”, Ogundare remarked.
This initiative as explained by Ogundare will address the financial constraints that hinder many pupils’ access to essential school supplies. The technology company recognises the crucial role of education in societal development and is committed to breaking down these barriers by supporting Bridge International Academies pupils with necessary supplies.
In addition, Zoho aims to assist Bridge International Academies in its digitalisation efforts, offering Zoho Wallet Credits to help them use the company’s technology.
“Every child has the right to education, yet many children from underprivileged backgrounds face significant barriers to accessing quality learning opportunities. That’s why we are committed to transforming the lives of millions of children in underserved communities by delivering life-changing education.
Through strategic partnerships, we aim to bridge this gap by providing vital resources and high-quality education to the students we serve. We are thrilled and deeply grateful for our partnership with Zoho, as our shared commitment to delivering meaningful value is at the heart of what unites us,” said Foyinsola Akinjayeju, Managing Director, Bridge International Academies, Nigeria.
The technology company is also recycling the billboards of its out-of-home ads and turning them into bags. Over 500 flexes from Nigeria and 1300+ in Kenya have been recycled.
“At Zoho, we believe that our growth should go hand in hand with the success of our customers, partners, employees, and the communities we are part of. In Nigeria, we embrace this same philosophy by hiring locally, expanding our partner network, and offering affordable technology tailored to meet local needs.
For the community, we have been investing in youth upskilling initiatives and are now extending support to children’s education. We are also committed to strengthening our sustainability efforts, including expanding our recycling programmes, such as flex recycling,” said Ogundare.
Other upskilling initiatives in Africa
Nigeria
Earlier this year, Zoho revealed several upskilling partnerships across Africa. As part of the Young Creators Program, Zoho partnered with She Code Africa, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering and upskilling African women in tech.
Zoho conducted “train the trainer” sessions for SCA Academy trainers, equipping them with skills to use Zoho Creator, Zoho’s low-code app development platform.
The SCA Academy trainers will then train more students associated with SCA to develop impactful applications using low-code technology, addressing real-world business challenges.
The technology company also collaborated with Heels andTech to offer training and Mentorship on in-demand technological roles by connecting women with industry professionals.
Zoho held training sessions for Heels and Tech community members on how to solve real-world business problems using low-code technology. This is also a part of the technology company’s Young Creators Program which focuses on training students on Zoho Creator, a low-code app development platform.
Kenya
Zoho joined forces with MOMO Pencils, a leading manufacturer of eco-friendly stationery in Nairobi, for the “Hope for Literacy” program.
The program seeks to combat intergenerational poverty by improving access to quality education for children in underserved communities while promoting environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices in schools.
The technology company also partnered with J-Hub Africa, the digital innovation hub at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, to train JKUAT technology students.
This partnership will focus on teaching students how to leverage Zoho’s cloud-based business applications, enhancing their technology skills, and preparing them for diverse career opportunities in various industries.
South Africa
Zoho collaborated with BabesGotBytes to empower over 40 girls and women with digital skills through a comprehensive one-year boot camp, aimed at bridging the skills gap and increasing female representation in tech.
Additionally, the technology company partnered with CodeTelligence to support a 6-month boot camp for 36 economically disadvantaged youth, providing IT training and mentorship to enhance their employability and readiness for the workforce.
Zoho Schools of Learning
The Zoho Schools of Learning is another innovative educational approach, offering a meaningful alternative to traditional college paths.
Since its inception with 6 students in 2005, this program has flourished over 19 years, producing over 1,700 graduates.
The school’s 24-month curriculum combines one year of intensive classroom learning with a year-long internship or apprenticeship, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical workplace skills.
Perhaps most remarkably, students pay no tuition and instead receive a stipend from the technology company, removing financial educational barriers.
Upon completion, graduates are employed by Zoho at competitive salaries, creating a seamless transition from learning to earning.
The Zoho Schools of Learning encompass three specialized tracks: Technology, Design, and Business, each tailored to meet real-world industry demands.
Currently, the school has a class of 185 students, a dedicated faculty of 28 instructors plus 18 teaching assistants.
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