By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
Ayoba, an innovative all-in-one app revolutionizing communication, entertainment & e-commerce in Africa has announced a strategic partnership with Adanian Labs. The companies have partnered to launch an SME Accelerator program aimed at empowering and accelerating the growth of small businesses in Nigeria.
This initiative comes at a crucial time, as Nigerian SMEs play a vital role in driving economic growth and job creation in the country.
The SMEs Accelerator aims to address the key challenges faced by small businesses, including limited access to capital, technology infrastructure, access to market and mentorship. The program is designed to foster innovation, improve competitiveness, drive growth and create sustainable employment opportunities.
The ayoba-Adanian Labs partnership brings together Ayoba’s comprehensive all-in-one app, which offers a messaging suite, hyperlocal content, gaming, music, and e-commerce, with Adanian Labs’ expertise in technology solutions and ecosystem development.
By leveraging these capabilities, the SME Accelerator program will provide Nigerian SMEs with access to vital resources, including digitalization, mentorship, access to networks, technological support, and mobilization of partners for funding enabling them to overcome barriers and achieve sustainable growth.
By offering tailored mentorship, access to funding opportunities, and technological resources, the accelerator aims to equip Nigerian SMEs with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.
The program which is to be officially launched on Monday 10th July, 2023, has advised interested businesses have been advised to apply within two weeks through the Adanian website as the the top 20 will be announced.
Recent statistics indicate that SMES account for over 90% of businesses in Africa, contributing approximately 50% of employment and 33% of the continent’s GDP. In Nigeria alone, SMEs represent about 96% of businesses, employing millions of people and serving as engines of innovation and economic progress.
Shiela Yabo, ayoba’s Head of Ecosystem Development said “The potential impact of empowering Nigerian SMEs is significant. By strengthening this sector, the country can experience accelerated economic growth, increased job opportunities, and enhanced competitiveness on the global stage. Furthermore, supporting small businesses fosters entrepreneurship, drives innovation, and contributes to wealth creation, ultimately improving the overall socio-economic landscape in Nigeria.
“We are excited to partner with Adanian Labs in launching the SME Accelerator, a pivotal initiative that will empower Nigerian small businesses,” further stated Yabo. “Through this collaboration, we aim to unlock the potential of Nigerian SMEs, driving economic prosperity and creating opportunities for sustainable development.”
Killian Mayua, Country Manager for Adanian Labs, Nigeria said “We are thrilled to collaborate with Ayoba in launching the SME Accelerator program, which holds great promise for Nigerian small businesses. Adanian Labs is a firm believer that Africa will realize its full potential once its SME sector is transformed. We have dedicated our work to building solutions that powers and digitizes SME’s. Our joint efforts will support the growth of SMEs, boost economic resilience, and contribute to the overall development of this important sector.”
According to a statement by Killian Mayua, Country Head, Adanian Labs Nigeria, the partnership between the two countries through the launch of the SME Accelerator, “represents a significant milestone in fostering innovation, driving entrepreneurship, and contributing towards economic empowerment positioning Nigeria as a hub for SME growth and development”.
Since its launch in May 2019, Ayoba has reached millions of users, with a current active user base of 25 million monthly active users. It offers users free access to an ecosystem of digital and rich media services through channels, micro-apps and payment solutions, embedded within an African super-app.
Ayoba is highly localised and tailored for African and Middle East consumer needs, supporting 22 relevant languages.
Adanian Labs was founded to provide Technology solutions for Africa’s key growing sectors that are driven by SME industries. In the last 3 years since its inception in January 2020 it has built technologies to power key sectors including Health, Agriculture, Financial Services, Media and others. It’s products have been used and tested by key industry stakeholders.
