By Modupe Gbadeyanka
An initiative aimed to expose African entrepreneurs to available business growth opportunities has been launched by WhatsApp, a popular messaging application.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, it was stated that the scheme, WhatsAppreneurs campaign, will profile small entrepreneurs from Africa using the WhatsApp Business app to grow their business and reach more customers.
The small business sector represents a sizable percentage of the economic population demonstrating great potential for growth, opportunity creation, and overcoming poverty post-pandemic. WhatsApp said this informed its decision to provide support through digital tools to help them scale.
“Across Africa, small and medium business owners are using the WhatsApp Business app to develop their business, showcase their products, close sales, and connect with their customers.
“The WhatsApp Business app provides a tool to help businesses thrive in their markets, reach more customers, and grow their businesses consistently.
“We are delighted to be a part of the success stories of small businesses who are so important to communities across Africa,” the Public Policy Director for Africa, Balkissa Ide Siddo, said.
The WhatsAppreneur campaign serves the purpose of providing the resources businesses need to unlock their growth potential and help build a more resilient, inclusive, and empowered society.
In addition to helping businesses grow, the WhatsApp Business app provides an opportunity for businesses to create a much deeper and stronger relationship with their customers, often starting with real-time 1:1 conversations via chat, unlike transactional phone calls or SMSs.
The WhatsApp Business app is free and allows users to create a business catalogue on WhatsApp that can be viewed by users from anywhere.
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Adedapo Adesanya