Most of the tech companies in Africa are embracing Zoho, which is an Indian SaaS (Software as a Service) firm, shifting away from platforms like Google Workspace. Zoho’s suite of enterprise products comes at comparatively cheaper price tags and this allows the companies to maximize value while cutting the costs.
One standout feature of the Indian Zoho product is its acceptance of regional currencies. This has eliminated the hurdles of dollar-based payments. The flexibility has contributed to higher adoption rates among African businesses.
Zoho’s co-founder and CEO Sridhar Vembu emphasized the importance of accepting local currencies in the international market including Africa and Latin America. It reflects a global approach to business inclusivity.
The presence of Zoho in Africa has grown significantly in recent time. The company is even strategically hiring local people to strengthen its foothold. Seven startups in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa have opted for the products in the past one year. It signals a trend towards digital transformation and business efficiency through technology.
The company started with just two salespersons in 2019 in Africa. The two were positioned in only South Africa and Nigeria. Today, Zoho has a team of 60 employees across the continent and it demonstrates the company’s commitment to local engagement and market penetration.
Zoho’s vice president of marketing and customer experience, Praval Singh, highlighted the growing adoption of digital solutions in African businesses and this indicates a broader trend towards leveraging technology for operational enhancements.
The growth of Zoho is also being witnessed in the Middle East and the region is contributing nearly 10% of its global revenue. The company has plans to intensify further expansion in these regions.
The company is simultaneously also expanding into smaller cities and rural areas in India. It has established R&D facilities in towns like Kottarakara (Kerala) and Tenkasi (Tamil Nadu).
