Zoho, a global leader in software development and cloud-based business tools, has partnered with Bridge International Academies, an education provider in Africa, to enhance education for underserved communities in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda.

The partnership was revealed at the Zoholics Lagos Press Conference, the company’s annual user conference.

With over 1,500 schools across these countries, Bridge focuses on delivering affordable, high-quality education to children in low-income communities using a data-driven approach.

The collaboration with Zoho is aimed at further supporting Bridge’s mission of reaching more students and improving educational outcomes across Africa with the help of its customized solutions specifically tailored for educational institutions.

As part of the partnership, Bridge will integrate Zoho’s suite of cloud-based tools, including Zoho Workplace, Zoho CRM, and Zoho Desk, into its daily operations. These tools are expected to significantly improve operational efficiency, streamline communication between teachers, administrators, and parents, and enable better management of student data.

Zoho’s customized solutions technology is expected to enable Bridge to analyze performances across the board. With tools like Zoho Analytics, Bridge will be able to assess the effectiveness of its teaching methods, track attendance, and gain insights into student progress.

This data-driven approach is expected to aid Bridge in making informed decisions, refining its teaching methods and improving student outcomes.

In addition to providing advanced technology solutions, Zoho has committed to sponsoring school uniforms, shoes, and tuition fees for 200 underprivileged students across Bridge’s schools for four academic terms, beginning in late 2024. This sponsorship is designed to reduce financial barriers and ensure that more children have access to education.

Moreover, Zoho is expected to distribute eco-friendly school bags made from repurposed billboard materials contributing to sustainability in the region.

Kehinde Ogundare, Zoho’s country head for Nigeria, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that the collaboration is part of Zoho’s goal to support communities by providing institutions like Bridge with the tools they need to thrive. Ogundare highlighted that Zoho’s tools are designed to be adaptable, meeting the unique needs of different industries, including education.

The partnership with Bridge International Academies reflects Zoho’s broader commitment to social impact initiatives across Africa. Zoho has a long history of working with non-profits and educational institutions, providing them with the technological tools they need to achieve their goals. This includes collaborations with organizations like She Code Africa, MOMO Pencils, and J-Hub Africa, all focused on driving educational, environmental and social progress.

Through this partnership, Zoho aims to help Bridge continue its mission of delivering high-quality education to underserved communities while scaling its operations to reach even more students across Africa.