Nigeria has become only the second country in Africa to get a hand from internet search giant Google in gettng small businesses online. Kenya launched the “Getting Kenya Businesses Online” (GKBO) two weeks ago.
Yesterday, Google launched “Getting Nigerian Businesses Online” (GNBO), an initiative which aims to bring thousands of small and medium sized enterprises online over the next year. Businesses across Nigeria would now have the opportunity to develop an online presence using the free tools which helps them create their own website from scratch. Having a website means that a potential customer can find local business and local information easily and quickly, and it is with this in mind that Google plans to help thousands of Nigerian small businesses get online together with its partners.
The GNBO initiative which is a partnership with Ecobank and MTN, is expected to transform the Nigerian SME/SMB landscape and contribute to the country’s fast paced economic growth by making it quick, easy and free for businesses to register an online presence at a time when the internet penetration level in Nigeria is reaching an all-time high.
Juliet Ehimuan, Google Nigeria Country Manager stated that “Google believes that the power of the internet will help small businesses in Nigeria to succeed.”
According to Google, this power has already been demonstrated in the turnover of at least three businesses that have been involved in the trial run of this campaign with more emphasis on Dreamtreats Ltd which experienced 30% – 40% increase in customer queries and awareness thereby reaching a N15m turnover from N100,000 after they went online. Two other SMB’s showcased yesterday were Acican Investment LLC and Interiors by Anora who have also experience a great ROI since they took their business online.
The number of internet users in Nigeria has increased fourfold since 2008, and now stands at over 43 million.