NEWS
Meta launches Business Coach tool on WhatsApp to help SMBs in Africa grow online
Meta has announced the launch of
Facebook Business Coach , an innovative and easily accessible way for owners of small-and medium-sized businesses ( SMBs ) in South Africa , Nigeria and Kenya , and other English-speaking countries to learn more about how to grow their business online with Facebook , Instagram and WhatsApp .
The Facebook Business Coach available on WhatsApp , is a free-to-use , low data cost educational chatbot tool that users can interact with in a simple , conversational and convenient way .
As a free curriculum platform , it features step-by-step courses and tutorials as well as helpful infographics , videos and audio clips . Learning material is recommended based on the user ’ s needs and queries , with an option to navigate the curriculum via the menu .
Nunu Ntshingila , Regional Director , Meta Africa , commented : “ In today ’ s social-mediadriven environment , information on building your brand on online platforms can be crucial in what sets a small business apart and drives success . At Meta , we ’ re passionate about empowering SMBs in Africa with the skills they need to succeed online . We know that they are the backbone of the African economy and the drivers for economic growth . We hope the Facebook Business Coach will be their partner along this journey , providing training they need through their mobile phones .”
IFC partners with Liquid Intelligent Technologies to boost Africa ’ s digital infrastructure
To support universal and affordable broadband access in Africa , IFC has partnered with Liquid Intelligent Technologies to expand data centre capacity and the rollout of fibre-optic cable on the continent .
The partnership with Liquid Intelligent Technologies , Africa ’ s leading independent fibre and digital services provider , aims to increase digital connectivity and inclusion in Africa and to support the region ’ s growing digital ecosystem .
IFC ’ s equity and debt investments in Liquid Intelligent Technologies , which to date total approximately US $ 250 million , will support the company to grow its hyperscale data centre capacity in Egypt , Kenya , Nigeria and South Africa through its subsidiary , Africa Data Centres .
“ We are very pleased that IFC continues to support Liquid . The investments in our data centres and fibre broadband network will directly support our growth plans over the coming years by encouraging the adoption of new services such as cloud and other digital services , services that are critical in driving sustainable development across Africa ,” said Strive Masiyiwa , Executive Chairman and Founder , Liquid Intelligent Technologies .
Makhtar Diop , Managing Director , IFC , said : “ Digital technologies are rapidly transforming how people , businesses and governments communicate , transact and access information and services .”
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