American software company Salesforce has made an exciting announcement with the hiring of Sandra Adesuwa Ebere as its Business Development Lead. This move comes as the company gears up to establish a physical presence in Nigeria, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy.
During a media roundtable held on November 15, 2024, the cloud-based company, known for its customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, shared its plans for Nigeria in light of Ebere’s appointment. According to Salesforce, bringing Ebere on board as the business development lead is the initial step towards setting up a physical location in Nigeria, underscoring the country’s importance as a key market for the company.
This development follows a recent restructuring within Salesforce that saw a reduction in its global workforce as part of efforts to streamline operations and drive growth. Earlier in 2024, the company implemented job cuts affecting 10% of its employees worldwide, with a particular impact on staff in Ireland. Despite these changes, Salesforce has continued to witness significant growth in Africa, with a notable presence in countries like South Africa and Morocco.
The company’s spokesperson emphasized Salesforce’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the region and meeting the evolving needs of customers through innovative solutions. Leveraging strategic partnerships with entities such as Amazon’s cloud marketplace, Salesforce has extended its reach beyond South Africa and Morocco, engaging with key players like MTN, Vodacom, and Standard Bank.
Ebere, who joined Salesforce just five months ago, has already made a significant impact by closing the largest Slack deal in Nigeria within a short timeframe. Described as a crucial and strategic appointment by the company, her success underscores the potential for growth and success in the Nigerian market.
While Salesforce sets its sights on expanding its presence in Africa, other multinational companies have faced challenges on the continent. In 2023, Microsoft Kenya reportedly underwent layoffs at its Africa Development Centre in Nairobi. These contrasting experiences highlight the diverse landscape of opportunities and obstacles faced by tech companies operating in the region.
As Salesforce embarks on its journey to establish a physical presence in Nigeria, the company remains committed to driving innovation, fostering partnerships, and delivering value to its customers in the region. With Ebere at the helm of business development, the future looks promising for Salesforce as it navigates the dynamic landscape of the Nigerian market and beyond.
