Zoho has announced a partnership with Loita Business, a next-generation global business-to-business marketplace and e-procurement platform. The Loita Business platform offers a marketplace that facilitates the transaction of raw materials, IT products, goods and services worldwide.
The platform supports over 25 languages and over 190 countries. The partnership will focus on SMEs based in Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa. Aiming to assist them in their efforts to digitally transform their businesses.
Through the partnership, Loita Business account holders who do not have an existing relationship with Zoho gain access to $500 worth of wallet credits. These can be used to reduce the cost of subscribing to Zoho’s over 55 business applications.
Businesses will also be able to access annual workshops and training sessions to learn how to leverage the applications in full. Each session will guide businesses in integrating digital tools, streamlining processes, and driving growth.
Zoho solutions are localised for the Zimbabwean, Zambian and South African. For example, Zoho Books complies with the most recet regulations announced by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
In August 2024, Zoho announced that Zoho Books and Zoho Invoice now comply with South African VAT Regulations. Zoho Books can generate the VAT 201 Report, which was updated late last year to include additional information. Zoho is also compliant with Zambian tax laws.
Allan Musona, Executive Director of Loita Business, added, “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.”
Helping the growth of SMEs
The partnership is also aligned with the vision of each country’s government to digitise the economy and bring a new focus on innovation supported by the digital economy. In Zimbabwe, Vision 2030 aims to transform Zimbabwe into a knowledge driven and industrialising Upper Middle Income Economy by 2030.
In Zambia, the National Digital Transformation Strategy aims to integrate digital technologies across all sectors. This is to enhance productivity, create jobs, and promote economic growth. It runs from 2023-2027 and identifies five main pillars for digital transformation: Digital Infrastructure, Digital Platforms, Digital Services, Digital Literacy and Skills, and Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
For South Africa, the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy focuses on building a digitally skilled society to participate in the evolving digital economy. That strategy was originally due to be completed in 2025. In its latest Vision 2030 roadmap, the South African government highlights the role of digital technologies in achieving the National Development Plan 2030 (NDP) goals.
In partnering, Loita and Zoho have delivered easier access to software that enables SMEs in the region to become more efficient. The credit system ensures that organisations can deliver savings to their organisation. It can also increase revenues before having to pay the full value of the software. It lowers the risk of paying and implementing the solutions.
Organisations can also select which application is best suited and deliver the biggest value. Whether that is CRM, Finance, HR, Collaboration, Project Management, or one of the many others.
Andrew Bourne, Regional Head for Zoho in South Africa, said, “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.”
Enterprise Times: What does this mean
While existing customers cannot access the credits, this is a tried and trusted freemium model for Zoho across many regions. It has seen success with the credit approach elsewhere in Africa and the Middle East. Where the cost of software can be prohibitive for many organisations despite the need.
For many organisations in South Africa, the idea of joining Loita offers many benefits. The platform helps to simplify procurement, offers trade finance for deals and assists accounts payable receivable processes with automation. What isn’t clear is whether the Loita platform has also integrated with Zoho Books. Or even intends, to further automate the AR and AP processes.
