Zoho has announced a strategic partnership with Loita Business, an online B2B enterprise marketplace that provides a modern buying experience for businesses looking for a range of B2B goods and services including IT products.
The partnership aims to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa to accelerate their digital transformation journey by providing access to enterprise-grade cloud technology solutions without cost barriers.
The alliance also aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, Zambia’s Digital Economy Strategy, and South Africa’s National Digital and Future Skills Strategy, all of which focus on a fully digitalised and innovation-driven business environment. By providing affordable and easy-to-use technology, Zoho and Loita Business aim to lower the barriers to technology adoption and equip SMEs with tools to optimise operational efficiency and quickly succeed in an increasingly competitive market.
Businesses affiliated with Loita Business get access to Zoho’s broad portfolio of business applications that cater to various needs from sales, marketing, and support to finance, HR, and workforce collaboration.
Andrew Bourne, regional head of Zoho in South Africa, says: “At Zoho, we are dedicated to empowering local businesses with world-class digital tools that foster innovation and competitiveness. Through our collaboration with Loita Business, we aim to drive the growth of SMEs in Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa contributing to the development of the region’s digital economy. This also embodies our transnational localism strategy, wherein we strive to be locally rooted in key regions by working closely with on-ground business networks while staying globally connected.”
Allan Musona, executive director af Loita Business, adds: “Our collaboration with Zoho brings a unique opportunity to Zimbabwean,Zambian, and South African SMEs. By combining our marketplace expertise with Zoho’s innovative technology, we aim to provide businesses with the tools they need to achieve operational efficiency and sustainable growth.”
Key benefits of the partnership include:
- $500 Wallet Credits: Eligible businesses – that is, businesses affiliated with Loita Business and new to Zoho (with no prior payment history) – will receive $500 worth of wallet credits. These credits can be used to explore and subscribe to Zoho’s extensive suite of over 55 business applications.
- Digital Training: Annual workshops and training sessions will be conducted to equip businesses with the skills to maximise Zoho’s applications. These sessions will guide businesses in integrating digital tools, streamlining processes, and driving growth.
- Localised Solutions: Zoho’s applications are tailored to address the specific needs of Zimbabwean, Zambian and South African businesses, including compliance with financial and government regulations, localisation features, and seamless system compatibility.