Zoho to introduce a new Language Model (LLM) for African clients before the end of the year
Zoho Unveils Advanced AI Model for African Markets
Zoho, a leading enterprise software corporation, has announced plans to integrate its proprietary large language model, Zia LLM, into its software applications for customers in Kenya, Nigeria, and other African markets by the end of 2025.
The integration will see Zia LLM supporting enterprise tasks like data extraction, summarization, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and code generation across Zoho's CRM, analytics, finance, and HR products. This upgrade comes at no extra cost for customers.
Zia LLM is designed to operate securely on Zoho’s own servers, avoiding third-party data handling, which is important for enterprises with sensitive information. The model comes in three sizes (1.3B, 2.6B, and 7B parameters) optimized for balancing performance and computing efficiency, with plans for larger versions to release later in 2025.
In addition to Zia LLM, Zoho also announced Zia Agent Studio, a no-code platform that enables businesses to create AI-powered digital agents. These agents can automate tasks such as job candidate screening, sales deal analysis, and revenue opportunity suggestions.
Zoho began embedding AI into its applications in 2017, with Zia LLM representing its most advanced step yet in Africa. The integration targets diverse sectors including IT services, financial services, insurance, energy, manufacturing, telecommunications, retail, real estate, and construction, reflecting Zoho’s established presence and growing business in Kenya and Africa generally.
While no official confirmation details precisely which African Zoho applications will be prioritized first, the integration is described broadly across Zoho’s enterprise software suite used by businesses in those countries.
In 2024, Zoho reported a 39% revenue growth in Kenya compared to 2023, according to Veerakumar Natarajan, country director, Kenya. However, the specific figures for Zoho's revenues in Kenya were not shared.
Zoho supports other large language models, including ChatGPT, Llama, and DeepSeek, but Zia LLM has been developed fully internally without a third-party model. It is currently being tested internally across Zoho's application portfolio.
Larger models are planned by late 2025, according to Premanand Velumani, Associate Director, Strategic Growth, Zoho MEA.
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Startups in the African markets can now leverage advanced technology solutions, as Zoho integrates its proprietary large language model, Zia LLM, into its software applications, supporting tasks like data extraction, summarization, and code generation. This AI model, being tested across Zoho's application portfolio, will be optimized for cloud use and will become available for various sectors, including IT services, finance, and construction, by the end of 2025.
In addition to Zia LLM, Zoho also unveiled Zia Agent Studio, a no-code platform that will empower businesses to create AI-powered digital agents for automating tasks, such as job candidate screening, sales deal analysis, and revenue opportunity suggestions, all utilizing artificial-intelligence technology.
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