Zoho set to unveil a new Language Model Machine (LLM) for African clients before the end of the year.

Zoho set to unveil a new Language Model Machine (LLM) for African clients before the end of the year.

Zoho to Launch AI-Powered Enterprise Software in African Markets

Zoho, a leading enterprise software corporation with over 100 million users in 150+ countries, has announced plans to release its proprietary large language model, Zia LLM, in African markets including Kenya and Nigeria by the end of 2025[1][3]. This move marks a significant step for Zoho in making AI a core feature of enterprise software in Africa.

The rollout of Zia LLM will integrate the model across Zoho’s enterprise applications, with no additional charges for African customers, making AI adoption more affordable for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations[1][3]. Zia LLM comes in three versions—1.3 billion, 2.6 billion, and 7 billion parameters—each tuned for different contexts[1][2]. Larger models are planned by late 2025.

Zia LLM will first feature in Zoho’s suite of enterprise apps, benefiting from a new Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI agents to securely perform over 700 actions across 15+ Zoho applications[2]. Zoho has also launched Zia Agent Studio, a no-code/low-code AI agent builder, and over 25 pre-built AI agents designed for tasks such as candidate screening and deal analysis, which will presumably leverage Zia LLM[2].

The phased rollout will initially focus on key African markets like Kenya and Nigeria, with plans for wider expansion across other African countries by the end of 2025, although specific phased steps were not detailed explicitly[1][3][4].

In 2024, Zoho reported a 39% revenue growth in Kenya compared to 2023, a figure provided by Veerakumar Natarajan, country director, Kenya[5]. This growth underscores the potential for Zoho's AI solutions in the African market.

The release of Zia LLM in African markets reflects Zoho’s strategic move to provide AI solutions specifically tuned to local enterprise needs while controlling data and costs for African businesses[1][2][3]. Zia LLM processes data entirely on Zoho's servers, avoiding the transfer of sensitive information to third-party AI cloud providers.

Zoho began embedding AI into its applications in 2017 and supports other large language models, including ChatGPT, Llama, and DeepSeek. This announcement further cements Zoho's commitment to leveraging AI to enhance its enterprise software offerings.

For those interested in the future of tech in Africa, a Moonshot event by our website is scheduled in Lagos on October 15-16. The event invites top founders, creatives, and tech leaders for keynotes, mixers, and future-forward ideas. Early bird tickets are available with a 20% discount.

Summary:

| Aspect | Details | |-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Release timing | By the end of 2025 | | Markets | Kenya, Nigeria, and other African markets | | Cost to customers | No extra cost | | Model versions | 1.3B, 2.6B, and 7B parameter models | | Applications to feature | Integrated across Zoho enterprise apps with AI agents like Candidate Screener, Deal Analyser, Revenue Growth Specialist, and use of Model Context Protocol | | Rollout type | Phased rollout beginning with Kenya and Nigeria, expanding across Africa by end 2025 (implied) |

[1] Zoho Press Release, 2025. [2] Zoho Developer Blog, 2025. [3] TechCrunch, 2025. [4] ITWeb Africa, 2025. [5] Business Daily Africa, 2024.

Startups in Africa can expect cloud-based technology solutions, as Zoho plans to launch AI-powered enterprise software in Kenya and Nigeria by the end of 2025. This move by Zoho will make artificial-intelligence adoption more affordable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations in these markets.

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