By Shruti Menon Seeboo
Zoho Corporation, a leading global technology company and sponsor of the 4th India-Africa Entrepreneurship & Investment Summit (IAEF), recently partnered with Mauritius Telecom to support local businesses and empower them through digital transformation. This strategic move underscores Zoho’s unwavering commitment to fostering international business collaborations, building upon their established track record of partnering with government entities and business clusters across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
“Zoho’s sponsorship of the IAEF, coupled with our recent partnership with Mauritius Telecom, exemplifies our dedication to breaking down barriers to enterprise technology adoption,” explains Prem Anand Velumani, Associate Director, Strategic Growth, MEA, at Zoho Corporation. “In Mauritius, we actively seek partnerships with organisations dedicated to supporting local businesses. Our philosophy of ‘transnational localism’ guides us to establish deep roots within communities while maintaining global connectivity. This ensures we cater to the unique needs of each region.”
Unveiling opportunities for growth
The IAEF presents a unique platform for African businesses seeking connections with Indian investors and partners interested in digital transformation ventures. Conversely, Indian businesses can leverage the forum to explore expansion opportunities in Africa.
“This forum serves as a pivotal platform for fostering networking and collaboration in the startup space, bringing together leaders from both regions,” emphasises Velumani. “As the IAEF’s technology partner, Zoho offers solutions trusted by over 100 million users across 150+ countries. We’ve localised our products for many regions, ensuring a seamless user experience. Additionally, our local presence in Africa and other countries allows us to cater to the needs of businesses seeking to expand geographically.”
Navigating new markets with confidence
Entrepreneurs often face challenges when entering new markets, particularly surrounding regulations and legalities. The IAEF provides a valuable space for fostering connections and finding the right partners to navigate these complexities.
“Local regulations can be intricate across various industries,” acknowledges Velumani. “Zoho prioritises compliance with global standards, as well as local laws. For instance, we adhere to privacy regulations like GDPR and POPIA. Additionally, some of our solutions, like Zoho Books, offer local versions compliant with regional tax laws, such as India’s GST. Furthermore, with local partners and employees in both India and Africa, we ensure exceptional customer support.”
Building enduring connections beyond the Summit
Zoho seeks to leverage its IAEF participation beyond the event itself, fostering lasting connections between African businesses and potential Indian investors or partners. Their focus lies on ventures embracing digital transformation.
“We actively seek partnerships with like-minded organisations supporting local startups and SMEs,” concludes Velumani. “One such initiative is Zoho for Startups, where we partner with relevant organisations to offer our enterprise technology at discounted rates through wallet credits. Additionally, we conduct workshops and train early-stage businesses on leveraging cloud technology to build scalable and sustainable ventures.”
Zoho’s commitment to digital transformation and fostering international business collaborations positions them as a key player in empowering entrepreneurs across Africa and India. Their participation at the IAEF serves as a testament to their dedication to bridging geographical divides and creating a thriving ecosystem for innovation and growth.
