Ranjana Foogooa’s journey from international corporate environments to founding Sphere Media Technologies in Mauritius encapsulates a commitment to harnessing global expertise for local market innovation. Since 2012, her leadership has propelled the company to the forefront of digital marketing, blending strategic brand management with technological solutions. Platform Africa caught up with Ranjana to learn about her vision for Sphere Media Technologies, her approach to digital marketing in Mauritius, and her dedication to fostering female entrepreneurship, highlighted by her insights from the recent WTO-ITC event in Abu Dhabi.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? How would you describe your journey to date?
A long-held ambition to become an entrepreneur finally materialised in 2012, following my return to Mauritius in 2009. Leveraging my experience honed in dynamic corporate environments like eBay and Tradedoubler, and working alongside industry giants like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and iTunes, I saw an exciting opportunity to bring strategic brand management and digital marketing expertise to the Mauritian market. My unique perspective, combining global exposure with local market understanding, fuelled the foundation of my agency. Twelve years later, the passion for this venture remains strong. I truly live and breathe the world of marketing and find immense satisfaction in collaborating with diverse clients across sectors and markets. This dynamic environment fuels continuous innovation and keeps our creative spark ignited, ensuring we deliver ever-evolving solutions for our clients.
Can you tell us about your company Sphere Media Technologies Co Ltd?
Sphere Media Technologies is a Brand Management and Digital Marketing agency. We propose 3 service pillars: Brand Communication Strategy, Content Creation and Technology Solutions.
- Brand Communication Strategy: We craft a clear brand identity for you, define your target audience, and select the most effective communication channels. This includes everything from logos and brand voice to social media management, website development, and targeted advertising (SEO, SEM, PPC). We believe in data-driven marketing, so we meticulously track key performance indicators (KPIs) to optimize your campaigns and messaging for maximum impact.
- Content Creation: Content is king! We create engaging content across various formats to attract new customers, build brand loyalty, and set you apart from the competition. Our services include 2D & 3D animation, graphic design, social media content, video production (corporate, events, TikTok), photography (various styles), and more.
- Technology Solutions: Whether you need a user-friendly website (informative or e-commerce) built with a focus on customer experience (UX/UI), a mobile app for iOS or Android, or internal process automation solutions (reporting dashboards, CRMs), we’ve got you covered. We do not restrict ourselves to local brands and clients. When you are a digital marketing agency, there are no barriers to propose your services within market regulations and data protection laws in any market outside of Mauritius.
How do you see the opportunities and challenges in your sector? Are you interested in expanding into other markets?
The digital marketing and brand management landscape in Mauritius is brimming with potential. With growing internet penetration and a rising focus on e-commerce, businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of a strong online presence. This presents a significant opportunity for Sphere Media Technologies to help businesses establish themselves and thrive in the digital space. I do wish to add that this is not a new trend, we’ve seen it happen since the past 3 years. However, challenges also exist. A highly competitive market necessitates constant innovation and differentiation. Additionally, staying abreast of ever-evolving technologies and consumer behaviours is crucial to success. At Sphere Media Technologies, we embrace these challenges as opportunities to learn and adapt. We continuously invest in upskilling our team and exploring new technologies to ensure we deliver cutting-edge solutions. As for expansion, we are always open to exploring new markets. Our experience in Mauritius, coupled with the global exposure gained from working with international brands, positions us well to replicate our success in other regions. We wish to solidify our position as the leading digital marketing and brand management agency in Mauritius. We have been providing our services outside of Mauritius for the past few years through partnerships with other international agencies.
You were recently part of the Mauritian delegation of women entrepreneurs to the WTO-ITC High Level Event on Women in Trade in Abu Dhabi. What were your key takeaways from this event?
The event fostered a strong sense of community among women in trade. Networking with successful female entrepreneurs from all over the world highlighted the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing. This reinforces the value of building a strong network in our own region as well. The launch of the WTO-ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund was particularly exciting. Access to funding is a major hurdle for many women-led businesses. This initiative has the potential to empower women entrepreneurs by boosting their digital capabilities and unlocking new markets. The event emphasised the critical role of digitalisation in empowering women in trade. A common thread throughout the conversation was the focus on e-commerce, seeking business growth, and reaching new markets via a solid online strategy. This resonated deeply with Sphere Media Technologies’ mission, and it was incredibly validating to see these trends shaping global discussions. This experience not only reinforced my decision to focus on digital marketing and brand management in Mauritius, but it also opened doors to exciting collaboration opportunities. It created a valuable pipeline for connecting with other women entrepreneurs outside of Mauritius, potentially allowing us to propose Sphere Media Technologies’ services to a wider audience.
As we celebrate International Women’s Month, what would be your advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs?
I want to emphasise two key things for aspiring women entrepreneurs: passion and persistence. Believe in your idea and the value it brings. The journey will have challenges, but perseverance, coupled with a willingness to learn and adapt, is crucial for success. Above everything, believe in yourself and equip yourselves with the skills and knowledge to thrive.
About Sphere Media
Founded in 2012, Sphere Media Technologies is recognized as a leader in Digital Marketing and Brand Management in Mauritius, driving profitable growth by crafting and managing online presences to ensure precise market penetration. Their team of dedicated professionals creates tailored digital marketing strategies that establish a strong online brand identity for clients, aiming to boost revenue through customer acquisition and brand visibility. They emphasize the importance of digital marketing and invite businesses to explore the vast opportunities available for digital growth. Learn more on their website: https://spheremedia.mu
