From Old Diocesan to African Tech Leader: Andrew Bourne's Journey with Zoho

The Old Diocesan Union is proud to celebrate the achievements of Andrew Bourne (2003 O), an Old Diocesan whose career has taken him to the forefront of technology, business development and entrepreneurship in Africa.

Since joining Zoho, a cloud-based technology company, in 2019 as its first employee on the African continent, Andrew has played an important role in establishing and growing the company's regional presence.

His journey, from a pioneering first appointment to regional leadership, reflects the entrepreneurial spirit, strategic thinking and commitment to excellence that the ODU is proud to see in its alumni.

From first employee to regional leader

Andrew joined Zoho in December 2019 as Business Development Manager and the company's first employee in Africa.

As Zoho expanded its footprint across the continent, his responsibilities grew with it. He subsequently moved into regional leadership, taking responsibility for business development, sales, marketing and strategic planning.

However, building a business in a new market required more than commercial growth.

Andrew was closely involved in establishing Zoho's physical presence in South Africa, helping to put in place the infrastructure and relationships required to build a sustainable local operation.

Building Zoho's South African presence

A significant milestone came in December 2020 with the establishment and registration of Zoho Corporation South Africa (Pty) Ltd, where Andrew was appointed Executive Director.

Alongside his commercial leadership responsibilities, he has played a role in ensuring that the company's operations in South Africa meet local regulatory and business requirements.

His work has extended across areas including talent acquisition, local partnerships, privacy and regulatory compliance, as well as the development of the company's operations in the region.

It is a role that has required Andrew to combine entrepreneurship with corporate leadership, helping an international company establish itself locally while responding to the particular needs of the African market.

Becoming a voice for technology across Southern Africa

Andrew has also emerged as one of Zoho's prominent public voices in Southern Africa.

Through television and radio interviews, media engagements, industry events and keynote presentations, he regularly speaks about technology, digital transformation and the opportunities facing African businesses.

Beyond public engagement, Andrew works to strengthen relationships with customers, partners and the broader business community. His extensive network has contributed to strategic partnerships and to the development of Zoho's partner and reseller ecosystem in the region.

For Andrew, however, the opportunity extends beyond growing one technology company. It is also about the potential of African businesses themselves.

A long-term vision for Africa

Andrew has consistently spoken about Africa as a dynamic entrepreneurial market with considerable potential for technology-led growth.

“Africa represents one of the most dynamic and entrepreneurial business environments in the world,” said Andrew Bourne, Regional Head, Zoho Southern Africa.

He believes African organisations increasingly need technology that is flexible, affordable and capable of supporting sustainable growth.

“Our continued investment reflects our belief in Africa's innovation potential and our commitment to supporting local businesses with tools that help them scale sustainably,” added Bourne.

That long-term outlook is particularly relevant in a market where businesses, from emerging entrepreneurs to established organisations, are increasingly looking for technology that enables them to grow without unnecessary cost and complexity.

An Old Diocesan making his mark

Andrew's journey from being the first employee for Zoho in Africa to helping establish its South African subsidiary and becoming one of the company's leading voices in the region is an achievement worthy of recognition. It is also another example of the diverse paths Old Diocesans are taking after Bishops and the contribution they continue to make in South Africa, across the continent and internationally.

Andrew's story reflects entrepreneurship, leadership, strategic thinking and a commitment to developing business in Africa.

For the Diocesan community, it is a story worth celebrating, and one that demonstrates how an Old Diocesan can help shape an organisation's growth far beyond South Africa's borders.