Messaging app WhatsApp has finally rolled out its new WhatsApp Business app in Nigeria. The app which is currently available for Android, is now available for Nigerians to download via the Google Play store. It is compatible with devices running Android 4.0.3 and above. A version with similar features is also expected to be available for iOS devices (iPhone) in the coming future.
WhatsApp had previously announced the app’s arrival and begun verifying business accounts as part of its WhatsApp Business pilot program back in September 2017. Before now, the company has been testing the beta version of WhatsApp Business in select countries which include US, UK, Italy, Indonesia, and Mexico.
Targeted at small businesses, the WhatsApp for Business app allows business owners to connect with their customers and be a part of the messaging platform that has over 1.3 billion users worldwide. Unlike the original WhatsApp app, the business-centric offering allows businesses to create their own Whatsapp business profiles with information such as business description, email, or store addresses, and website.
In Nigeria, both e-commerce startups and traditional retailers in local markets have been experimenting with reaching their customers on WhatsApp, usually targeting popular WhatsApp groups or building broadcast list.
The new app’s features include business profile, messaging tools such as quick replies, greeting messages and away messages, metrics and a verified business account listing, making it convenient for over 1.3 billion users to chat with the business community.
