Welcome to the November edition of the Zoho Africa Newsletter!

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Stay updated on Zoho's latest innovations, industry insights, and event highlights with our monthly newsletter—your go-to source for inspiration and empowerment.

In this November edition, we’re diving into recent breakthroughs in productivity, collaboration, and digital transformation.

Let’s uncover what’s new and exciting in the Zoho universe together!

Upcoming events

Get ready to step up your marketing game! Join us for Zoho’s Marketing Bootcamp in Johannesburg on November 19 and Cape Town on November 21. This event is designed to be a game-changer, with insights to help you master the ever-evolving marketing landscape.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network, and get hands-on with tools that can take your marketing to the next level!

Marketing Bootcamp Johannesburg: https://shorturl.at/M5iRH

Marketing Bootcamp Cape Town:?https://shorturl.at/a8K1g

See you there.

Transform the way you work

Introducing "Transform the way you work," a brand new podcast from Zoho Africa that's designed to revolutionize the way you approach work! Our podcast explores innovative strategies, tools, and mindsets to improve your professional game. From productivity hacks to work-life balance tips, we're here to empower you to succeed in today's dynamic workplace.

Episode one: Enhancing workplace efficiency and innovation with technology

Our first episode is here, and it's packed with valuable insights. Tune in to hear Nicolette Mashile and Tami Ruschin discuss the transformative impact of technology in the workplace. From automation to collaboration tools, learn how our technology can help you unlock your team's full potential.

Episode one SoundCloud link:?https://on.soundcloud.com/tAS6eA1bhMe2igsw7

Episode two: Simplified small business solutions

Want to simplify your business? Nomndeni Sethole Mdakhi and Andrew Bourne are here to show you how in episode two of "Transform the way you work."

Learn how to use powerful tools to streamline your operations, manage your finances, and grow your business.

Episode two SoundCloud link:?https://on.soundcloud.com/uq3vDt4pZAnPeg737

Tune in now and transform the way you work!

South Africa

Seamless Africa

We had the opportunity to attend Seamless Africa, one of the region's most prominent conferences and exhibitions for?payments, fintech, banking, retail, and e-commerce. This event provided a valuable platform for technology companies and solution providers to connect with a high-level audience, drive brand visibility, foster innovation, and unlock new business growth.

The energy at the event was inspiring. Visitors showed an enthusiastic interest in learning more about Zoho, evidenced by the number of people who visited our stand and were eager to engage with and explore our offerings. The networking was equally remarkable, with many meaningful connections formed throughout the conference.

One of the highlights was a thought-provoking interview with Andrew Bourne , our regional manager for Africa, and Imali Matters, which sparked insightful discussions about Zoho’s role in the industry. Additionally, Andrew captivated the audience with an engaging presentation titled "AI in eCommerce: Enhancing customer experience and business performance." He delivered key perspectives on AI driving impactful customer interactions and operational efficiency.

East Africa

Brunch with Zoho: East Africa tour in Ethiopia, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar

Our Brunch with Zoho series made impactful stops across East Africa this month, visiting Ethiopia, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar. These gatherings brought together local business leaders and industry professionals, providing a unique opportunity to engage directly with our team and explore how digital transformation can help address business challenges. Each brunch fostered a collaborative environment where attendees shared valuable insights about regional needs, particularly in customer engagement, process automation, and digital management solutions. It was truly inspiring to see how our offerings resonated with businesses across diverse cultures and industries, enabling them to streamline operations and amplify their impact.

In every city, we witnessed a strong interest in Zoho technology, with a particular emphasis on CRM tools for enhanced client management and insights into consumer behavior. The face-to-face discussions served as an excellent platform for local businesses to envision how technology can transform their customer experience journeys. The interactions in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, in particular, highlighted a growing enthusiasm for digital innovation, and we are excited about the collaborations that emerged from these events.

Zoho CX Summit—Kenya: Advancing customer experience

The CX Summit in Kenya represented a significant milestone for Zoho in the East African customer experience arena. Held during Customer Service Week 2024, the summit attracted over 200 CX professionals, establishing it as one of the region’s foremost gatherings for thought leadership in customer experience. With a lineup of distinguished speakers and industry leaders, the summit explored the current landscape of CX in Kenya, highlighting how digital transformation is reshaping consumer expectations and business practices.

During the sessions, Zoho CRM Plus took center stage, underscoring our commitment to helping businesses deliver seamless, personalized customer experiences that foster loyalty and drive growth. This event was especially impactful because 80% of attendees were new to Zoho events. For these professionals, the summit offered a valuable opportunity to witness firsthand how technology can tackle specific CX challenges, from data management to customer journey mapping.

With insightful discussions led by our East Africa regional manager, Veerakumar Natarajan , and East Africa solutions manager, Abi Godwin , we reaffirmed Zoho’s dedication to equipping local businesses with the tools they need to excel in customer experience. The summit concluded with valuable leads and a strengthened CX community, paving the way for new professional networks and encouraging knowledge-sharing among Kenya’s CX enthusiasts.

Zoho CX Summit—Uganda: Inspiring transformation in customer service

The CX Summit in Uganda brought together approximately 150 customer experience leaders, further establishing Zoho’s pivotal role in East Africa’s evolving customer experience landscape. As CX practices gained momentum in Uganda, the summit provided valuable insights into how digital solutions can streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and strengthen brand loyalty. Leading industry figures shared actionable strategies and highlighted key trends, fostering dynamic discussions about the transformative power of technology in customer experience.

Attendees showed great interest in the capabilities of Zoho CRM, with many recognizing its potential for driving data-based decisions and gaining deeper customer insights. A notable outcome of the summit was establishing the groundwork for the Customer Experience Association of Uganda, signaling a promising future for standardized CX practices and professional development in the region.

The collaboration between local experts and Zoho’s solution-focused sessions created an inspiring environment that emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and partnership as catalysts for CX growth in Uganda.

Empowering rural students: Our CSR initiatives in Kenya and Uganda

Our recent CSR campaign with Bridge International Academies in Kenya and Uganda was a rewarding experience centered on supporting students in rural communities. On October 11 in Kenya and October 17 in Uganda, we provided scholarships, school uniforms, and eco-friendly supplies to help students access quality education with fewer barriers. Each student received eco-friendly Momo pencils and a durable, waterproof bag crafted from our recycled billboard flex materials, underscoring our commitment to both education and environmental sustainability.

The official handover events, attended by students and their parents, created a warm and inspiring community atmosphere at each academy. This campaign reflects our dedication to empowering young learners and promoting eco-friendly practices. We’re grateful to have been part of these students' journeys and look forward to advancing our support for rural education and sustainable initiatives across East Africa.

Empowering growth: Zoho at the Big Baraza in East Africa

October marked Zoho’s participation in the Big Baraza, an annual gathering dedicated to driving business growth, innovation, and collaboration across East Africa. This event brought together a dynamic mix of industry leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs, offering Zoho a valuable platform to help the region’s business ecosystem. Our team engaged in vibrant discussions on digital transformation, demonstrating how Zoho’s solutions can simplify processes, enhance decision-making, and fuel sustainable growth.

The Baraza truly highlighted Zoho’s role as a catalyst in East Africa’s digital journey, and we were excited to connect with ambitious entrepreneurs seeking the tools and technology to scale their businesses. These meaningful interactions and shared goals reinforced our dedication to supporting East African businesses at every stage of their growth journey.

West Africa

Zoho Triumphs at the 8th Tech Innovation Awards with Double Honors!

We’re thrilled to announce that Zoho One has been awarded the Best Unified Cloud Software Product of the Year 2024 at the prestigious 8th Tech Innovation Awards! This recognition underscores Zoho’s relentless dedication to delivering top-tier, innovative solutions that empower businesses to streamline their operations, foster collaboration, and drive growth.

Adding to the celebration, we are proud to congratulate our very own Country Manager, Kehinde Ogundare on being honored as the IT Personality of the Year. This accolade is a testament to Kehinde’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the tech landscape, both in Nigeria and across the broader African market.

These awards not only reflect our steadfast commitment to excellence but also highlight our mission to empower businesses of all sizes with affordable, transformative technology.

ASENTI 2024: Championing entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa

We had the privilege of attending the African Summit on Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ASENTI) in Ghana, where our country manager, Kehinde Ogundare delivered an insightful keynote titled “Technology as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa: Zoho as a case study.” This inspiring session showcased how Zoho facilitates businesses across the continent to thrive in the digital age, emphasizing our commitment to fostering innovation and growth.

ASENTI is an annual event that gathers key stakeholders to discuss the critical topics of entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa. At the #ASENTI2024 event in Accra, we were honored to receive recognition for our ongoing efforts to advance technology throughout the continent. This achievement reflects the collective support of all those who champion tech innovations and empower businesses across Africa.

It was a proud moment for us, reinforcing our mission to drive digital transformation and create a meaningful impact in the African business landscape. We're excited to continue our journey of supporting entrepreneurs and organizations in their pursuit of success in the digital realm.

Empowering digital innovation: Zoho’s participation in Ghana Digital & Innovation Week

We had the privilege of participating in Ghana Digital & Innovation Week (GDIW), an event dedicated to promoting digital innovation through collaboration between Ghana, Germany, and Israel. During the week, we showcased our comprehensive suite of software applications to an enthusiastic audience, connecting with potential customers and partners eager to explore how our solutions can enhance their businesses.

We were grateful for the warm welcome and the chance to present Zoho’s innovative tools that empower organizations to thrive in the digital landscape. Our team engaged in meaningful conversations with a diverse range of attendees, exchanging insights and exploring collaborative opportunities to drive digital transformation in Ghana.

As we build these valuable relationships, we're excited about the prospects of supporting Ghana's digital growth and contributing to the broader innovation ecosystem. The connections we made during GDIW reaffirm our commitment to helping businesses across the region with the technology they need to succeed.

Zoho at the 2024 National MSME Conference

Our country manager for Nigeria, Kehinde Ogundare , was among the distinguished panelists at the 2024 National MSME Conference, organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). During the event, he contributed to an engaging discussion about leveraging innovation for MSME growth in Nigeria, sharing invaluable insights on how technology can catalyze business transformation in the small and medium enterprise sector.

Kehinde emphasized the importance of adopting innovative software solutions to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer engagement, and drive sustainable growth. His participation underscored Zoho's commitment to empowering businesses in Nigeria with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive landscape. By highlighting the role of digital solutions in overcoming common challenges faced by MSMEs, Kehinde’s insights inspired many attendees and reinforced our dedication to fostering growth and innovation within the Nigerian MSME sector. This engagement exemplifies Zoho's mission to support local enterprises as they navigate their digital transformation journeys.

#StartupSouth Conference, 9th edition

We were thrilled to engage with startup founders and students at this year’s #StartupSouth Conference, where we explored the dynamic intersection of technology and economic development. We welcomed attendees to visit our booth to discover how Zoho and our Zoho for Startups program could help their growth and drive innovation in their ventures.

Our lead business solutions consultant for West Africa, Onyekachi Oparah , participated in a dynamic panel discussion titled “Culture in the Age of Technology: Empowering Africa’s Creative Innovators for Sustainable Development.” We were eager to delve into how technology is driving cultural transformation across the continent and fostering sustainable development.

It was an inspiring event as we celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit and explored the future of technology in Africa!

Product Spotlight

Zoho SalesIQ turns 10: Transforming customer experiences since 2014

October marked 10 years since we launched Zoho SalesIQ. A journey that began with the vision of redefining customer interaction through seamless live chat has blossomed into a powerful platform trusted by businesses around the globe.?Since our launch in 2014, we've evolved from a simple live chat tool into a comprehensive engagement solution, incorporating features like visitor insights, lead scoring, AI-driven assistance, and omnichannel communication. To learn more about what led us here, check out this page on the journey of SalesIQ.

As we celebrate this milestone, we want to express our gratitude to our incredible customers and Partner communities for their continued support and feedback. Here’s to the next chapter in our shared success!

Cheers to a decade of Zoho CRM Plus!

This year marks a significant milestone as Zoho CRM Plus turns 10! On this fantastic occasion, we find ourselves celebrating not just our growth but the incredible bond we’ve formed with our community. Over the past ten years, we’ve worked tirelessly to enhance your experience with innovative features, seamless integrations, and dedicated support. Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping our journey, and we're grateful for the opportunity to serve you.

Here’s to many more years of collaboration and success together as we continue to enhance your business growth with Zoho CRM Plus!

Zoho CRM: A visionary force in sales automation

Zoho CRM has once again secured its place as a Visionary in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Sales Force Automation Platforms, marking our 14th consecutive year of recognition. This milestone exemplifies Zoho's ongoing commitment to delivering a user-friendly and affordable CRM solution that not only adapts to the evolving needs of modern businesses but also anticipates them.

Our CRM platform stands out by leveraging advanced AI features, enabling automation and personalization that enhance user productivity and customer engagement. Additionally, we incorporate industry-specific capabilities tailored to meet unique demands across sectors, allowing businesses to streamline their workflows with greater precision and insight. This recognition is a testament to our dedication to driving customer success and innovation in CRM technology, year after year.

Updates for Assist, Meeting, Lens, and Webinar

Zoho Assist Exciting updates in Zoho Assist: You can now delegate department admin privileges to up to 15 team members per department, which provides greater flexibility and oversight in managing settings, resources, and preferences. Zoho Assist also now supports silent bulk deployment of the Unattended Agent across multiple Mac devices via Microsoft Intune, which streamlines the setup process using .pkg files. Learn more.?

Zoho Webinar A well-designed webinar sales funnel is a powerful tool for engaging your audience and driving conversions. Master your webinar funnel strategy with Zoho Webinar and achieve maximum impact. Learn More

Zoho Meeting Personal meeting room is a private digital space to connect and collaborate with your colleagues. Accessible via a unique link, these personalized meeting rooms provide a secure space for you to work or connect with your close ones instantly. Learn More

Zoho Lens We've made several enhancements, including improved SMS delivery for customer invites, streamlined trial initiation during mobile signups, and upgraded mobile SDK functionality for better performance. Additionally, we've refined chat features to enable smoother communication during remote sessions. Learn More

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The Zoho MEA Team