![[Interview] Seyi J. Matanmi, Founder, Hosteet, Nigeria](Images/Key Persons/Seyi J. Matanmi-Hosteet_AfricaBusinessCommunities.jpg)
[Interview] Seyi J. Matanmi, Founder, Hosteet, Nigeria
Seyi J. Matanmi is a technology product developer and entrepreneur. Educated in software development, research and analytics, he currently leads the cloud services outfit, Hosteet, operating out of Lagos, Nigeria.
Please introduce your company, how it came to be and what you do.
Hosteet was founded with the mission of making it easy for businesses to take advantage of the power and scalability of the cloud. We started out as a small team of tech enthusiasts, and now we've grown to become a leading provider of cloud hosting solutions. Our services include a range of products that are powered by artificial intelligence like email services and office productivity tools, and our state-of-the-art servers are designed to handle the demands of any kind of business. We also offer a variety of additional features like app builder, Security as a Service, Disaster Recovery as a Service, and so on. We are proud to be a privately held company, with a team of experienced and dedicated individuals who are passionate about technology and the cloud. Our headquarters is located in the heart of Lagos.
In which industries do you operate?
We at Hosteet have the privilege of serving a diverse range of industries, from small businesses to large enterprises. Our cloud hosting solutions are being utilized by companies in the e- commerce, healthcare, finance, and technology sectors, to name a few. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each industry we serve, as we believe that every business deserves a high-quality, secure and reliable cloud solution.
What is Hosteet's growth strategy for 2023?
We are always looking for new and innovative ways to help our customers succeed online. This year we plan to focus on expanding our offerings to better serve our customers' diverse needs. We will be launching new projects, such as an app builder that will allow even the smallest businesses to create a professional native app in minutes, and expanding into new markets to reach more customers worldwide. Additionally, we will be seeking strategic partnerships with companies that align with our values and mission to provide a more comprehensive solution to our customers. We believe that by staying ahead of the curve and constantly innovating, we will be able to continue our growth trajectory and help more businesses succeed online.
What are the long-term ambitions you’re aiming for, as an organization?
As a leading provider of cloud hosting services, our long-term ambition is to continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what's possible in the industry. We strive to be at the forefront of technology and to offer our customers the most advanced and reliable hosting solutions. Expansion is also on the table. At the moment we are focused on expanding our presence in the domestic market, while actively exploring regional and international opportunities. We believe that the cloud hosting market has huge potential for growth, and we are keen to be a part of that growth by providing our services to businesses all over the world. We are particularly interested in expanding into markets such as the Middle East and Europe, as we see great potential for our services in these regions.
How do you perceive the 2023 elections will impact local business and the economy, if at all?
The 2023 elections have the potential to impact local businesses and the economy in a number of ways. Depending on the outcome and the policies that are implemented, we may see an increase in consumer confidence and spending, which could lead to an uptick in business for local companies. Political uncertainty and changes in regulations can also create challenges for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises as they can influence the level of confidence, the availability of credit and the rate of investment. It is therefore important for businesses to stay informed and adapt to the changing environment to make the most of the opportunities and mitigate the potential risks.
What government policies can be implemented for companies to thrive in Nigeria?
One interesting way to answer this question is to focus on the importance of investment in infrastructure and technology. Nigeria is a rapidly growing market with a large population and a rapidly expanding economy, but many companies struggle to thrive in the country due to a lack of reliable infrastructure and access to the latest technologies. One government policy that could be implemented is to encourage the development of technology hubs and innovation centers in different regions of the country. These hubs could provide a platform for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses to access the latest technologies, and connect with investors, mentors, and other business leaders. The government could also offer tax breaks and other incentives for companies that invest in these hubs, or provide funding for training and education programs to help entrepreneurs and business leaders develop the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy.
Which African countries do you predict will perform best economically in 2023?
I believe that we will see a strong economic performance in a few African countries this year.
Firstly, I anticipate that Ethiopia will continue its upward trajectory, driven by its large and growing population, as well as its ambitious development plans and focus on manufacturing, agriculture and infrastructure. Similarly, I believe that Ghana will also do well, with the government's efforts to diversify its economy and promote foreign investment, as well as the country's rich natural resources and growing middle class. Additionally, I think that Rwanda will also see strong economic growth, driven by the government's focus on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, as well as its reputation as a stable and business-friendly environment. Overall, I think that these countries will perform well in 2023 due to their strong leadership, ambitious development plans, and focus on diversifying and modernizing their economies. These are just my thought though, jaja.
How will Africa develop as a knowledge economy in 2023 and how can companies contribute?
Our continent is rapidly developing as a knowledge economy, and by the end of this year we can expect to see even more progress in this area. An important factor in the development of Africa's knowledge economy is education and skills development. As more and more people gain access to high-quality education and training, they will be better equipped to create innovative solutions to the continent's most pressing problems. Companies can play a vital role in the development of Africa's knowledge economy by investing in providing opportunities for education and skills development. This can include funding research and development, creating internships and training programs, and supporting entrepreneurs and startups. Additionally, companies could also invest in digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet and mobile networks, which will help to connect more people to the knowledge economy. By working together, companies and governments can help to create a more inclusive and innovative economy that benefits all Africans.
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