Joshua Olutimehin is a sales enthusiast with over ten years of experience in sales, marketing and business development. He is passionate about helping businesses grow and inclined towards entrepreneurship.
Here is his story
What excites you most about this opportunity?
I am excited about the potential to make a tangible difference in the lives of African businesses and entrepreneurs. Africa is a continent brimming with potential and talent, and being in a position to help harness that potential through digital solutions is simply awesome. I am eager to contribute to Africa 118 Inc.’s mission of empowering African SMEs and to see the transformative impact our services can have on the local economies.
How will you tailor Africa 118 Inc.’s services to cater to the specific needs of businesses in Nigeria?
To tailor our services effectively, we must understand the unique challenges and opportunities Nigerian businesses are facing. This involves engaging with local business owners, industry experts, and stakeholders to gain insights. We will reflect the dynamics peculiar to the Nigerian landscape in our solutions to ensure that they address specific needs through localised content, region-specific marketing strategies, or offering training programs that equip Nigerian businesses with the skills to thrive in the digital economy.
In recent years, digital marketing has seen explosive growth in Africa. What are your plans to leverage this trend and further empower African businesses?
We will focus on educating SMEs about the benefits of digital marketing, offering workshops, webinars, and one-on-one consulting sessions. Additionally, we will develop partnerships with local and international tech companies to provide cutting-edge tools and platforms that enhance online visibility, customer engagement, and overall business growth.
What are some of the biggest challenges you anticipate in your new role, and how will you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges will be bridging the digital divide (knowledge base) and ensuring that all businesses, regardless of size or location, have access to digital marketing tools and knowledge. To overcome this, I intend to embark on an outreach program that includes training and support for rural and underserved areas. Another challenge is adapting our global solutions to fit local contexts. This will require continuous learning, adaptability,
and building strong relationships with local businesses to ensure our solutions are relevant and effective.
Africa 118 Inc. is an advocate for African MSMEs. Can you elaborate on how you plan to support and empower African SMEs through digital solutions?
I plan on working with the team on continuous market insights from the Nigerian. The insights will also inform how the existing Africa 118 solutions are shaped and tailored to the Nigerian market while ensuring affordability. This includes SEO, social media marketing, website development, and online advertising. We will also offer capacity-building programs to enhance digital literacy and skills. Furthermore, we aim to create a supportive community where SMEs can share experiences, learn from each other, and access valuable resources.
How will you build partnerships and relationships with local stakeholders to maximise Africa 118 Inc.’s impact?
Attending government-facilitated events, and ensuring regular engagement, joint initiatives, and mutually beneficial projects will be key strategies. We will also focus on creating value for our partners by aligning our goals with their objectives and demonstrating the impact of our solutions on the ground.
What are your long-term goals for Africa 118 Inc.?
My long-term goals for Africa 118 Inc. include establishing the company as the leading digital marketing solutions provider for African SMEs, especially in Nigeria. I envision Africa 118 Inc. driving economic growth and digital transformation across Africa.
