Small and medium-sized businesses are driving Nigeria’s progress. They contribute over 50% of the country’s GDP and create jobs for millions of people, accounting for more than 80% of employment, according to a 2020 PWC survey. However, despite the significant value they provide, running a business isn’t without its fair share of challenges.
Entrepreneurs frequently-face issues such as power cuts, inflation, and having to navigate their way around complex digital systems, leaving them feeling like they are constantly in survival mode. While technology is meant to help make things easier, sometimes, it just ends up adding to the confusion instead.
Zoho’s integrated platform: Built to simplify, not overwhelm
Unlike typical business tools that create multiple new problems for each one they solve, Zoho offers businesses a single, modular system to manage all core functions – sales, finance, HR, operations, and more.
This innovative approach aims to simplify everyday work. There’s no need to juggle multiple logins or risk losing data across various applications. Additionally, these products are conceptualized to be future-proof, ensuring seamless scalability for a growing business without the need to start over when you reach your current IT infrastructural limits.
Local pricing based on local realities
Paying for software in US Dollars while earning in Naira is neither a business-friendly practice nor sustainable in the long run. Zoho addresses this issue by offering fixed local pricing for all its products. This approach eliminates the unpredictability of costs for small businesses, which would otherwise pose a significant barrier.
With a pricing plan that aligns with the local economy, business owners can plan ahead and invest in the digital tools they need without worrying about the vagaries of fluctuating exchange rates.
One system. Zero chaos.
Most Nigerian SMEs operate with an assortment of IT tools from various providers: one for emails, another for payments, a third for project management, etc. This can create a lot of confusion.
Zoho streamlines everything by bringing these functions together. Instead of relying on a collection of siloed apps made by different providers that don’t communicate with one another, teams can stay focused on their work without wasting time troubleshooting. They also benefit from a unified system that ensures business teams across functions are always in sync, further fostering collaboration.
People on the ground, not just bots in the cloud
Beyond the IT platform, Zoho has doubled down on its regional presence. The company has hired local staff in Nigeria and runs regular training sessions, offering human support for new businesses. The implications of this approach are significant: Users can engage with someone who understands their specific issue and its context rather than being directed to a generic help document.
“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. 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 undertaking sustainability initiatives,” said Kehinde Ogundare, Country Head of Zoho Nigeria.
This level of active engagement isn’t standard in the software industry. It is usually made only by companies that believe in investing in the local community as a key element of growth, a concept Zoho refers to as transnational localism.
Signs it’s working
Since launching operations in Nigeria in 2020, Zoho has experienced a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43%. This growth indicates that businesses are embracing Zoho’s business tools because they find them compelling, the pricing delivers value, and the support is dependable. Their confidence in Zoho is reinforced by the exceptional experiences their solutions provide to their customers.
The takeaway
Nigeria is brimming with innovative ideas and a strong work ethic. What it needs is a business platform that can bring these ideas to fruition by lowering barriers to business, saving time, and facilitating growth. Zoho is leading this transformation, providing SMBs with the tools to scale and succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Through its innovative solutions, Zoho is helping to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape.
