Meta, a social technology company, has announced the launch of Facebook Business Coach, an innovative and easily-accessible way for owners of small-and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya and other English speaking countries to learn more about how to grow their business online with Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

The Facebook Business Coach available on WhatsApp, is a free-to-use, low data cost educational chatbot tool that users can interact with in a simple, conversational and convenient way. SMBs have access to automated, self-paced lessons that teach them how to establish a presence in today’s ever-evolving digital economy, Meta stated in a statement released on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.

As a free curriculum platform, it features step-by-step courses and tutorials as well as helpful infographics, videos, and audio clips. Meta explained in the statement that the Learning material is recommended based on the user’s needs and queries, with an option to navigate the curriculum via the menu.

Platform to offer officially certified online courses

While the WhatsApp bot provides SMBs with an easy way to quickly learn the basics, users can also access more in-depth training and get officially certified with Meta Blueprint courses online, the company disclosed.

According to Meta, the content was created to assist business owners with multiple queries – from how to create attention-grabbing business pages on Facebook and Instagram, to how to use Messenger and WhatsApp to communicate effectively with clients.

Nunu Ntshingila, Regional Director Meta Africa, underscored the significant role of social media in the growth and success of small businesses in today’s world.

“In today’s social-media-driven environment, information on building your brand on online platforms can be crucial in what sets a small business apart and drives success. At Meta, we’re passionate about empowering SMBs in Africa with the skills they need to succeed online.

“We know that they are the backbone of the African economy and the drivers for economic growth. We hope the Facebook Business Coach will be their partner along this journey, providing training they need through their mobile phones”.
Nunu Ntshingila

Opportunity for business growth

The Facebook Business Coach educational tool on WhatsApp is available to any individual, representing one of the ways Meta provides opportunities for education and business growth through its platforms. Interested persons can visit this link (https://bit.ly/3BXIwKO) to start talking to the Facebook Business coach on WhatsApp.

In October 2021, CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced Meta, which brings together “our apps and technologies under one new company brand” with a focus to bring the metaverse to life and build technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses.

In 2004 when Facebook was launched, it changed the way people connect, Meta highlighted in the statement. Apps like Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. The company disclosed that it is currently moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology.