Facebook, in partnership with business process outsourcing company Teleperformance, has announced the opening of its first Small Business Group (SBG) operations centre in Lagos, Nigeria
It will provide outsourced support to all English speaking advertisers across sub-Saharan Africa.
The centre will support advertisers across the region through its Advocacy, Community and Education (ACE) programme, which aims to build engaged communities who are growing their businesses, organisations and communities through social media.
The ACE programme will offer SMEs online training, or face-to-face training for those in Nigeria, about using mobile and social media to build brand awareness, increase sales and connect with customers.
It will serve as a networking opportunity where SMEs will be invited to join online Facebook Groups, and have the opportunity to learn from Community Managers, share knowledge and expertise.
Marketing expert sales programmes will support businesses in 34 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, offering digital marketing advice from local expert agents, supporting them to find new customers and grow their businesses using Facebook and Instagram. SMEs who take part in this programme will also receive scheduled phone calls with marketing experts to create personalised and localised marketing plans that accelerate the growth and development of their businesses.
Adaora Ikenze, head of Public Policy, Anglophone West Africa, said, “With more than 90mn businesses globally using Facebook to find new customers, hire employees and engage with their communities, digital skills and harnessing those skills, is now ever more important. At Facebook, we’re deeply invested in supporting communities like SMBs/SMEs across the country, and our investment with the SBG Operations Centre further highlights our ongoing commitment to Nigeria, as well as the African continent.”
