Broadcasting
Empowering small businesses in Africa through digital communication solutions
By Abiola Ibrahim; Account Executive – Infobip
The African small business landscape is brimming with potential. From active markets to innovative entrepreneurs, the continent represents a vibrant hub of economic activity. Yet, in this dynamic environment, standing out and reaching customers can be a challenge.
Abiola Ibrahim
This is where digital communication steps in as a powerful tool for unlocking growth. By harnessing digital communication, these enterprises can amplify their brand presence, engage with their target audience effectively, and drive sustainable development.
Embracing mobile technology and data analytics
Mobile technology has emerged as an important tool for enhancing communication efforts and connecting with target audiences across Africa. According to GSMA Intelligence, mobile connectivity is playing a significant role in driving socioeconomic progress in Sub-Saharan Africa. Businesses can capitalise on this trend by adopting mobile-based communication strategies to reach and engage with their customers. For example, leveraging SMS marketing campaigns or developing mobile apps tailored to local preferences can enhance customer engagement and drive business growth.
Harnessing the power of data analytics, businesses can optimise their strategies, refine their messaging, and drive meaningful interactions to stay ahead of the competition. By embracing mobile technology and data analytics, small businesses can create a strong foundation for their digital communication efforts.
Personalisation and customer-centric approach
In an era dominated by personalised experiences, small businesses must tailor their communication efforts to resonate with individual preferences. This is more than just reaching customers; it is about engaging them in a conversation tailored specifically to their needs and desires. This involves a multifaceted approach, integrating various elements such as video content, storytelling, SEO optimisation, and community building into their strategies. Through video content, businesses can visually showcase their products or services, providing a more immersive and engaging experience for their audience. Unlike the traditional marketing storytelling, often perceived as one-way communication with customers, businesses who wish to build deeper relationships with their customers need to create conversational experiences. These experiences enable personalised, two-way communication that goes beyond simply using customer’s first name. They humanise the brand, making each interaction feel tailored to the individual customer and demonstrating that the company understands their preferences, from product choices to preferred communication channels.
Strategic use of digital communication solutions
Some small businesses have attained success by being strategic with their digital communication activities. They collect and store data using Customer Data platforms and use flow building solutions to trigger event-based conversations with customers on their preferred channels. This approach enables businesses to automate communication towards their target audience, ensuring the delivery of relevant and personalised messaging. Such strategies have been adopted by different organisations across various sectors to encourage purchases by customers who have abandoned their virtual carts, automate customer loyalty reward programs, set up efficient account signup and verification processes, and send automated reminders to customers to take certain actions.
Establishing a strong brand presence and maximising limited resources
Establishing a strong brand presence is vital for small businesses aiming to differentiate themselves in the market. Focusing on elements such as production, place, people, promotion, and process, businesses can define their unique value proposition and resonate with their target audience. Engaging in local connectivity and community engagement further strengthens brand authenticity, fosters trust, and fuels organic growth.
Small businesses often operate with limited budgets and resources, making it essential to adopt a strategic approach to digital communication campaigns. By setting attainable goals, leveraging technology, and prioritising audience insights, businesses can optimise their investments and maximise returns. Embracing AI-powered tools for content creation, targeted advertising and data-driven decision-making, can help unlock the full potential of digital communication.
Future opportunities and innovation
Looking ahead, the future of digital communication for small businesses in Africa is filled with opportunities for innovation and growth. As AI continues to reshape the marketing landscape, businesses can harness its capabilities to drive personalised experiences, automate processes, and explore new avenues for engagement. By staying agile, adaptive, and forward-thinking, small businesses can position themselves as industry leaders and capitalise on emerging trends to drive sustainable growth and prosperity.
As small businesses continue to evolve and adapt to changing market dynamics, their ability to effectively communicate will be instrumental in redefining entrepreneurship in Africa, shaping a prosperous future for themselves and their communities. Understanding what clients want is more important than ever, as it helps build stronger connections and fosters customers loyalty. Effective communication that delivers the best results involves knowing the right time and place to engage with customers. These preferences are discovered by analysing customer data and setting up events that make the communication most relevant to them.
In summary, the growth journey begins with building a community, getting to know your customers by collecting and analysing data, sending relevant information at the right time, and creating conversational experiences rather than talking at your customers.
MultiChoice Nigeria, today announced the highly anticipated return of Africa’s biggest reality television show, Big Brother Naija, for its landmark 10th season. Set to premiere over two nights on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, 2025, the new season promises 10 weeks of captivating drama, strategic gameplay, and unparalleled entertainment, culminating in the grand finale on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
The audition process for this milestone season was meticulously designed to unearth the most engaging and dynamic personalities from across Nigeria. Audition registrations were held from May 3rd to May 7th, 2025, and saw an overwhelming response, followed by rigorous in-person auditions conducted in Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu from May 16th to May 18th, 2025.
Speaking on the upcoming season, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head, General Entertainment, MultiChoice Group, expressed her excitement: “Today we are not just announcing another season, we are celebrating a legacy.”
While the official theme for Season 10 will be unveiled on the premiere night, viewers can anticipate a fresh wave of excitement. The beloved Ebuka Obi-Uchendu is returning as host, guiding viewers through every twist and turn of the season. This 10th season also has the highest prize at stake – valued at a whopping N150million.
Fans can catch the premier live on July 26 and 27 exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase, Family and Showmax at 7 PM WAT. The Sunday live eviction shows will also air exclusively on these channels. The 24/7 live stream will be available on DStv Channel 198, GOtv Channel 49, and on Showmax.
“BBNaija has become more than just a television show; it is a living, breathing cultural force. It has given voice to a new generation of talent, creatives, entertainers, and the influencer community, and it has refined what homegrown entertainment can achieve when it is done at scale with intention and ambition,” added Tejumola.
With a two-night opening live show for Big Brother Naija Season 10, the season is poised to build upon the legacy of its predecessors, with fans expecting a more dynamic and entertaining experience. Still speaking on what the season holds Dr. Tejumola said “Today we are not just announcing another season, we are celebrating a legacy. From the very first time we introduced Big Brother Naija in 2017, we had an inkling that we had something special. What we couldn’t fully imagine then is how deeply the show would resonate not only in Nigeria but across Africa and in the global diaspora, where our stories continue to connect people to home.”
This milestone season for the iconic show is not without the usual lineup of sponsors. The gold sponsor for the 10th season of the show is Guinness Nigeria. Other sponsors include Smirnoff, Gordons, HFM, Pepsi, Aquafina, Supakomando, Tolaram Group, Bet King, Golden Penny Foods, Haier Thermocool, Checkers custard, and Innoson Motors, among others.
Viewers can catch all the live action and special broadcasts on DStv Channel 198, GOtv Channel 49, and Showmax. The live Sunday eviction shows will air exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151, GOtv Channel 8), Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154, GOtv Channel 7) and on Showmax.
DStv and GOtv subscribers can also watch the show on the go using the DStv and GOtv Stream apps available on the Google Play Store and IOS App Store.
Geeks and Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS), a tech-driven network of young professionals, is set to unveil its operational hub in Anambra State as part of efforts to deepen digital engagement and community outreach.
The launch, scheduled for July 17, 2025, will take place at 10 Uche Ekwunife Crescent, Iyiagu Estate, Awka, and is expected to serve as a nerve centre for collaboration, innovation and support for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s smart city agenda.
Convener of GEFAS, Mr Fred Agbata, said the initiative reflects the group’s commitment to digital progress and grassroots mobilisation.
“This space reinforces our support for Governor Soludo’s vision of a smart, prosperous Anambra. It’s also a demonstration of what young innovators can achieve when united behind a bigger goal—the re-election of Governor Soludo,” he said.
Agbata added that the hub would provide a platform for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and creatives to co-create solutions that address local challenges and promote inclusive development.
GEFAS has called on stakeholders, youth groups and members of the public to attend the launch and engage with the opportunities the space will offer.
American Tower Corporation (ATC) Nigeria and the ProFuturo Foundation have announced a strategic partnership aimed at transforming the educational sector through digital innovation and technology.
The programme, which is being implemented in conjunction with the Kukah Centre, is expected to benefit over 5,600 school children and 34 teachers across 11 schools in Kano, Kebbi and Taraba states.
The initiative is part of a broader global collaboration between American Tower and ProFuturo Foundation, targeting education gaps in seven African and Latin American countries.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, ATC Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Mr Pieter Van Der Westhuizen, said the partnership was aligned with the company’s Digital Communities programme, which facilitates technology-driven learning, financial literacy for adults and access to healthcare services in underserved areas.
“At ATC Nigeria, we are proud to support this impactful collaboration, which brings digital tools directly into classrooms. This partnership is not just about equipment—it’s about giving children the future they deserve,” he said.
General Manager of ProFuturo Foundation, Ms Magdalena Brier, described the partnership as a crucial step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering vulnerable communities.
“This alliance reinforces our mission to transform lives by improving access to education and digital tools. Every child and teacher reached through this programme is a testament to what we can achieve together,” she said.
Each school will be equipped with a digital learning kit, which includes computers, tablets, routers, projectors and other essential components tailored to foster interactive learning—even in areas with limited connectivity.
The initiative seeks to strengthen innovative teaching practices and promote inclusive education through digital transformation, with active support from local authorities who were present at the official launch.
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