CIO Africa Magazine - May 2023 - Gitex Africa Edition

VOL 33 | ISSUE 24 | MAY 2023 EDITION

E D I T I O N

INSIDE

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NIRAL PATEL - This Is Why Africa Is The Future Of Cloud

Your Strategies On Preventing Data Breaches Matter

A one-on-one with tech pioneer Juliana Rotich

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Content

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06 IT LEADERSHIP

How To Be, & Stay, Relevant In Africa

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THE LEAD

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Why Cloud Is Africa’s Future When It Comes To Digital Transformation

GITEX AFRICA DIGITAL 16 THE SUMMIT - MOROCCO 2023

32 dxnova interview

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The Rise And Rise Of Juliana Rotich

36 the round up

The lastest technological trends in 2023

40 THINKING ALOUD For All The Tools Out There

42 hard talk

The End Of Life As We Know It

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editor’s note “Africa is mystic; it is wild; it is a sweltering inferno; it is a photographer’s paradise, a hunter’s Valhalla, an escapist’s Utopia.

It is what you will, and it withstands all interpretations. It is the last vestige of a dead world or the cradle of a shiny new one. To a lot of people, as to myself, it is just ‘home’. It is all these things but one thing - it is never dull.” – Beryl Markham.

The Magic Of Africa Dearest Techies, I would like to introduce you to our first ever GITEX AFRICA Special Edition magazine. It is the first of its kind for us, and, I must admit, for you too because till now, Africa has not brought the world home to see its technological marvels. We go to the mountains.

The mountains have traditionally not come to us.

Modelled after GITEX GLOBAL, this tech extravaganza creates opportunities for tech investors, innovators, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts to connect, share knowledge and explore new opportunities in Africa. It empowers African start-ups and innovators by providing them with a platform to showcase their innovative solutions to the world.

According to the Start-Up Ecosystem Report by StartupBlink, the Middle East & Africa region experienced volatility in 2022. Despite this, the technology sector in Morocco has been growing rapidly over the past decade in three of its cities: Casablanca, Rabat, and Agadir. While it is not yet in the league of the Big Four, (South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt), “Morocco is nevertheless poised to become a major player in the African tech scene. Morocco also registered an impressive jump of 16 spots to rank 79th globally. The small island of Cape Verde is punching above its weight at 80th globally after increasing 7 spots,” states the website. The Big Four respectively fell at spots 49, 61, 62 and 65.

The World Bank acknowledges that Morocco has made significant progress in developing its IT infrastructure, which has led to increased investment in their tech sector. Morocco’s ICT sector is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth, with the industry expected to grow by 10 per cent annually over the next two to five years.

With a GDP tipping the scales at 7.9, Morocco’s key sources of income include agriculture, tourism and mining, sectors that rely heavily on the use of ICT. The Moroccan government has taken several steps to encourage the growth of the tech sector, including investing in the development of IT infrastructure, creating incentives for tech start-ups, digital transformation, and establishing a regulatory framework to govern the industry. The government has also set up several tech parks and innovation centers to support the growth of the sector in the hopes of becoming a tech and innovation hub. The world’s next biggest digital economy, boasts GITEX Africa, has tech investment rocketing from $115 billion to $712 billion over the next 25 years.

It is clear now why Big Tech is hankering for a slice of the continent. With it’s young generation on the up and up, how could they not? www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵ 5

ARTICLE by

KEVIN Namunwa

How To Be, & Stay, Relevant In Africa In a one-on-one interview with CIO Africa magazine, the CEO of Dimension Data for Middle East and Africa (MEA Region), Alan Turnley-Jones shed light on the company’s strategies, emerging technologies, investments in Africa, and the long-term vision for the continent. What gives them an edge over its competition in Africa?

Any company looking to provide technology-related services in Africa now knows it is important to understand what the continent needs at any given moment. That, and how current global trends can be plugged into their service delivery. A company has to make waves in the industry and with a global reach and local relevance. Turnley-Jones is the man charged with getting Dimension Data into this mindset. He does this by emphasizing the shift towards softwaredefined services, a quality that is changing the way clients consume and providers deliver services. With the immense potential of private 5G networks for the continent in bridging the technology gap and unlocking new opportunities in traditionally underserved areas.

Add to this the adoption of cloud-based solutions and the growing importance of security in tandem with technological advancements were also acknowledged.

“We are one of the early adopters of private 5G. I think this opens up some exciting opportunities in areas that have been traditionally challenged in having technology coverage in Africa,” he said. “While it is still a little early to see the greater impact for private 5G in the continent, if we were to roll forward to a year from now, we would be able to talk about more examples on how it has helped markets in many parts of the continent,” he added. “Private 5G opens up new ways of doing things. As the continent matures and we focus on important things like health and safety, it is important for businesses to plug into our ability to use private 5G to make operations more efficient.”

He believes, and rightly so, that the introduction of

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private 5G networks in Africa is a game-changer. It eliminates limitations such as the need for physical infrastructure, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently and safely, all while enhancing various aspects of operations, including health and safety protocols, ensuring compliance, and improving overall productivity.

Leveraging On Emerging Technology Through access to global research and development teams, they can develop cutting-edge solutions, particularly in the field of software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN). By combining global resources with local expertise, Dimension Data provides both underlayed and overlayed services to clients in multiple markets. This approach practically guarantees a seamless experience and enables clients to engage with a single organisation for their technology needs.

In fact, it is clear Africa holds great importance for both Dimension Data and NTT as a whole. Turnley-Jones emphasised the company’s continued investment and growth on the continent, particularly in East Africa. By focusing on expanding its services and cloud-based offerings, such as mainframe and application modernisation services.

Having been born in Africa, Dimension Data possesses a deep understanding of the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities. It underlines the importance of tailoring responses to different African markets, including addressing specific legislation requirements and access to talent. It also brings about successes attained by leaning on emerging technologies such as assisting their clients in modernising their applications and migrating them to hyperscalers.

IT leadership

A Glimpse Into Their Long Term Vision Africa has not always been envisioned as a key technological player. This is why a company with the objective of making Africa a prominent player in the global technology landscape is assured of ongoing growth. It is even more compelling if they manage to remain at the forefront of innovation while nurturing local talent and contributing to the continent’s success. “We see Africa is an incredibly important market for us. Our long-term strategy is for Africa to be a prominent player on the map, not just within NTT, but in the global field,” Turnley-Jones observed. To maintain their competitive edge, they focus on market positioning and a commitment to employing the best talent.

Turnley-Jones began his role as the CEO of Dimension Data in June 2022. He is a veteran who has been at the company for over 23 years starting out as a Regional Services Executive in South Africa and Angola in 1999 where he was headhunted from his role as Support Manager for PQ Africa. On his LinkedIn profile, he conveys modesty stating “After being a part of the Dimension Data family since 1999, I am humbled and excited to now lead the business into the future as the newly appointed CEO for Dimension Data MEA.” He has been in operations, service delivery, support, managed and technical services to cloud and infrastructure. He knows his way around the tech landscape and digital transformation across the continent and beyond and has certainly earned his flowers.

“I am passionate about Africa and the relevance of Africa in the global community. What drives me is ensuring that we’re successful, ensuring that I play my personal part in ensuring that Africa is successful. I get immense pleasure out of seeing developing talent in the continent and keeping it within the continent,” he aptly concluded.

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the lead

ARTICLE by

CAROL ODERO

Why Cloud Is Africa’s Future When It Comes To Digital Transformation The future of cloud in digital transformation is looking quite promising. Cloud computing is already playing such a major role in digital transformation, making it possible for businesses powered by digital technologies to innovate, collaborate, and compete in new and innovative ways.

Google Cloud is one of the largest cloud providers on the planet without a doubt. When they declared their Q1 results earlier in the year, their total cloud sales had hit $7.45 billion, with their revenue growing much faster than the competition, circling in at 28 per cent. Following years of generating an operating loss, Google Cloud successfully turned a profit during the first quarter of 2023, by generating an operating income of $191 million in the quarter, compared to an operating net loss of $931 million year over year. This is an incredible turnaround.

I would like to think Google Cloud Africa and its Head, Niral Patel, had something to do with it. In October 2022, South Africa joined Google’s global network of 37 cloud regions and 112 zones worldwide. An announcement that followed the recent preview launch of regions in Malaysia, Thailand and New Zealand. Google Cloud regions make it possible for users to deploy cloud resources from specific geographic locations, and access several services including cloud storage, compute engine and key management systems.

Basically, Google Cloud Africa brought it all closer to home: data analytics, AI and machine learning capabilities. So, when Patel flies into the country and an opportunity for a one-on-one interview came up, it was a clear yes.

I would like to start off by welcoming you to Kenya, Niral, and thank you so much for showing up. Welcome.

Thank you, Carol. Kenya has become a second home to me, so it is always great visiting.

We are having a lot of conversations around technology as a country and a continent. Our current administration being quite keen on a turnaround while pondering how to infuse tech into the country’s agenda. Just like our government, you have to handle the day to day of tech. So to start us off, what do you think is the future of cloud when it comes to digital transformation in Africa?

It’s a question everyone is asking themselves especially in this continent.

And just to comment on your current administration. Recently, the president of Kenya talked about digitisation as a priority for his government, with a specific milestone. (He directed that all 5,000 government services be digitised by June 2023). That will be an acceleration to digital transformation taking place at a sound rate for Kenya.

Primarily, we are seeing governments want to get closer to citizens, and enterprises wanting to get closer to their customers, making lives more effective and efficient in the way we transact. I think the prospects are pretty exciting. You asked about cloud computing. It is an enabler from a scalability perspective, and a secure way on how to provide the services.

These are the opportunities open to governments and enterprises.

What would you then say would be the

biggest trend/s in cloud over the next 10 years if that is not too many – In technology, 10 years is quite a long time. Sustainability is really top of mind from CEO to Chief Information & Digital Officer (CIDOs) and CIOs when it comes to being responsible for the environment. (The Cloud, according to a 2022 MIT Press Reader article, The Cloud Is Material: On the Environmental Impacts of Computation and Data Storage, cloud computing now has a greater carbon footprint than the airline industry. Stating that the Cloud is not only material, but also an ecological force. That, as it continues to expand, its environmental impact increases, even as the engineers, technicians, and executives behind its infrastructures strive to balance profitability with sustainability).

Then there is the acceleration of cloud adoption by businesses. They need to expand, but they also need to meet market, customer as well as citizen needs. We are seeing IT departments are no longer merely supporting teams to the organisation. They are becoming quite integral decision makers at board level. And IT decision makers are no longer reporting to a COO function, but they are reporting directly to the CEO, directly contributing to the transformation and direction we see.

And, as tech becomes more adopted across the continent, the need for skills become crucial. There is a big drive on the talent front.

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This question came up in our Africa Cloud & Security Summit (2023). Does everyone need to be in the Cloud, or can some businesses opt out of it?

It depends. The Cloud enhances what you do today, making it more secure and reliable. Organisations and governments are living in a hybrid world and can therefore say whether the Cloud works for a certain set of services but not others. It is, fundamentally, down to the organisation that needs to make the decision. At the end of the day, our role as Google Cloud is to enable their strategy and add value, but it is up to the business to make that to be, or not to be in the Cloud decision.

This is bandied about quite often, that cloud enables digital transformation.

How does it do this?

In a couple of ways. If you look at speed to market, organisations can deploy really huge services. The other is there is a space of innovation. The ability to innovate at pace and at scale has become a defining change in the adoption and use of tech. And, with more tech being adopted across our everyday lives, the notion of security becomes paramount. Cloud becomes a big differentiator and enabler depending on what we do on the daily.

Like any other courtship leading to a union, what are Google Cloud’s intentions when it comes to Africa?

Quite big. Very recently, we announced our intent to launch a cloud region in South Africa during theGoogle for Africa 2022 event. And that is the first of our cloud regions to be launched in the continent. To give you some insight into the impact Google Cloud has, we conducted a study through AlphaBeta Economics for Google Cloud, and it envisaged that it will contribute over $2.1 billion to the South African ecosystem and contribute an additional 40,000 jobs by 2030. As we continue to scale our investments throughout the continent, we will see this accelerated.

Why did it take Google so long to come into Africa? AWS and Microsoft had

already made inroads and established their presence by 2022 when you landed. What took you?

Like every business, we’ve got to make sound decisions. Surveying the opportunities, where we are going to invest, how and why we are going to land; these are multiple decisions we must make. I wouldn’t say it has taken us long. I would say it has given us the opportunity to do it right, so that when we landed, we delivered impact.

Has working with SMEs indicated that they are quick at adopting tech or do they think it is expensive and only for the multi corporate?

Actually, SME cloud adoption is quicker than enterprises. There is a lot less legacy that they have to deal with. And the ability to innovate and get their products or services out to market is far quicker. It allows them to focus on innovation while leaving the tech to us.

Right before we started the interview, you mentioned the hybrid workplace has its own unique opportunities and challenges. How has this new workplace adapted to the Cloud?

The pandemic has taught us a lot.

People talk about the new normal, but I don’t think we’ve seen that yet because it will be playing out in the next couple of years. The hybrid workplace is interesting. It gives you flexibility, especially with the Google Workspace solutions we have. It gives one the opportunity to collaborate with staff, customers, and business partners. Here is an example. We could’ve conducted this interview virtually, and I don’t doubt it would have been a rich experience.

That being said, I personally tend to believe face-to-face has impact. But we have seen an equal amount of impact in the hybrid world.

Did you observe the uptake of digital transformation during COVID-19 with regard to cloud adoption? What was it like and did the pandemic play out as a catalyst?

A lot of ideas were being executed

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My advice is, start small and test the merits of what you’re trying to achieve, and then scale.

Cloud is not an immediate big bang approach very quickly around the time the pandemic hit. I was in South Africa, and we entered a Level 5 lockdown.

We were not allowed to be working from any office. You had to be at home.

Organisations that were deliberating on how to leverage cloud services were struggling. Organisations that had the ability to switch over immediately could fully function and continue to drive focus in their business. The pandemic definitely proved to be a catalyst, and we saw that momentum. We are now witnessing tech adoption and transformation simultaneously.

You must have worked with clients during this period to date. How do you go about developing a strategy with a client? Do they walk in and then tell you … what, exactly? Do they have a clear sense of what they want, or do you have to walk them through it?

It is a partnership. Every customer discussion is unique and is about understanding who we are and details around who they are. My advice is, start small and test the merits of what you’re trying to achieve, and then scale. Cloud is not an immediate big bang approach.

You’ve got to navigate the process and journey carefully. It goes back to having the right level of skills to support the journey you are on and whether you can

the lead execute it. It is important to also note that what you pick has an impact on the organisation, and that you realise that value to what you are doing. Otherwise, why would you do it?

The part where you have mentioned talent is a great segue. What is the issue with talent? Where, precisely, is the skills gap?

It’s a function of skills accelerating far quicker along with the adoption of cloud. However, partnerships accelerate the growth of skills adoption and growth. A lot of the time, we partner with organisations to help them upskill their workforce on the technologies they have adopted.

Would you be in a position to share a case study on a project or organisation you have worked with when it comes to cloud installation and impact?

Yes. In fact, we have a very good example in Kenya; Twiga Foods. Twiga started out selling bananas and tomatoes. Leveraging cloud technology has allowed them to do a couple of things such as supplying vendors. They can now use dynamic pricing from a cloud standpoint and know the right price point in the market they are operating in. Prices fluctuate a great deal in the current economy, and this has helped Twiga Foods align with the market they serve. Replenishing and managing stock in organisations that were taking approximately 300 hours are now doing that piece of work within five minutes. The material benefit from a business standpoint is significant.

I would imagine so. And I presume you also worked with them on upskilling and reskilling of staff.

Correct.

This merger between cloud and security makes them next to impossible to separate. How do trends in cybersecurity impact the Cloud?

They go hand in glove. The more tech is adopted, the more the malicious activity exists. Security is quite interesting because you want to make sure you are www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵ 11

the lead it applies, and no two journeys are the same. It is very bespoke to that customer and market. There is a lot we can learn from Kenya as well as Africa, and that is the beauty of partnerships and what we do at Google. We have a global reach that we can share with Africa that we are learning. It helps us figure out how to do it better. How to customise it – for this market. For this region. No customers, region or country are the same. But there are certain fundamentals we can leverage to find a solution that makes sense for this market.

Finally, with your unique perspective when it comes to handling data, do you bump into regulations because of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and have to hire an expert to keep you in check?

protected before there is a problem.

Yes. This is very true.

Early prevention and detection are key elements of security when it comes to securing an organisation. In the world of security, when you have a problem, there is a big impact to the organisation or wherever the problem resides.

Prevention is crucial. Security will also become more dynamic as tech is more readily adopted.

When it comes to cloud, there is no ignoring the Big Four. What would you say sets Google Cloud apart from its competitors?

Data is a very strong point for us as well as security. It is the value we bring to our customers in that space. 300 hours to five minutes is a significant bottom line to a company. It breeds a strong element of trust.

In that case, you must get a great deal of positive feedback from clients. For instance, when you cut down 300 hours to five minutes, what did the customer say? They must have been incredibly appreciative.

They say that we are an integral part of their business. And I use the word ‘partnership’ deliberately because that’s what it is about. Being invested in each other’s success. It is a thing of beauty when customers give you their feedback. If you are adding value to the client, you are driving value to the end user. Relevance and impact really matter.

What is the distinction between a cloud journey in Africa versus, say, the West, and what can we learn from their journey?

We continue to learn from each other.

I use the word ‘journey’ a lot because

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We are certified for GDPR, Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act) and the Data Protection Act (2019) in Kenya.

Where organisations need to see how it works, we take them through these regulations and the example of what we are trying to achieve and give them a level of comfort with us. It allows them to achieve what they want while subscribing to the guidelines of policy.

When your clients come to see you, what is usually the trigger for their needs?

It is industry/customer specific. There are definitely trends which will exist across industries and with most partners, but it is usually quite specific to their goals and what they are looking to achieve. It’s not a one-size fits all.

In all the years you have been in cloud, what has most surprised you about your clients?

Innovation stands out for me. And the burning desire specifically in Africa to innovate. Because a lot of the discussions we get into are functions of innovation and gaining a competitive advantage. Those are very exciting and invigorating conversations we get to have.

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ARTICLE by

STEVE MBEGO

Why You Must Protect Your Organisation’s Critical Data If you want to make a good business decision, you are going to need security strategies that not only protect your business, but they also give you a competitive advantage In the face of an ever-evolving technological landscape, companies across industries are eagerly embracing digital transformation to drive growth, enhance efficiency, and stay competitive. This paradigm shift offers unprecedented opportunities to streamline processes, engage customers on a deeper level, and unlock new avenues of innovation. However, alongside these remarkable advantages come inherent risks key among them cybersecurity risks which come in many forms key among them data breaches.

Threat actors are going after organisations’ sensitive data in an evolving threat landscape and new breaches are reported every other time. In April 2023, Naivas, Kenya’s largest supermarket chain, announced it was a victim of a ransomware attack carried out by an online criminal organization. There were two surprising things about this attack. One was the audacity, the other, the transparency.

The ransomware attack did not only target Naivas but other corporates and organisations locally and beyond according to Willy Kimani, Naivas’ Chief Commercial Officer. Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky states that spyware attacks on organisations in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria increased in Q1 2023. It recorded an increase of 18.8 per cent in South Africa, 12.9 per cent in Kenya, and 14.6 per cent in Nigeria from Q4 2022 to Q1 2023.

Let’s start from the basics. What is a data breach? A data breach occurs when information is unlawfully accessed or obtained and potentially shared from a system, without proper authorisation. The system may contain highly sensitive data such as bank account details, credit card information, names, addresses and customers’ personal identifying information (PII). If your organisation is breached, the consequences may include the leaking of confidential information, the theft of intellectual property, identity theft, financial fraud, a run in with the law, and significant reputational damage. If you are a healthcare CIO, picture a scenario where confidential patient records have been pilfered and simultaneous publication revelation of such data.

From small businesses to government agencies, no entity is immune to the perils of data breaches. However, some are more prone to the activity than others based on the measures they put in place to prevent it from happening and how they react after it has happened.

Richard Muthua, Executive Head of Cloud and Cyber Security, Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Shalom Onyibe, Head of Cybersecurity Assurance Services, CYBER1 Solutions respectively help map out the causes of data breaches. Onyibe narrows it down to three main areas which he says are

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the lack of policies, lack of training and people behaviour.

Data breaches can occur thanks to various sources, including cyberattacks, insider threats, weak passwords, thirdparty vulnerabilities, physical security breaches, human error, malicious insiders, and phishing. Hackers, for example, can use the latter to get the credentials of database administrators which they then use to infiltrate the data. Database administrators may mistakenly expose their application programming interface (API) keys to threat actors which they then use to access the database.

Muthua attributes incidences of data breaches to a lack of understanding about the organisation’s important data assets, including their location and who should handle them. This lack of knowledge, according to him, makes it difficult to effectively protect the data.

He also blames the lack of insufficient or nonexistent policies and controls governing data management, leaving vulnerabilities in the system. “When policies are in place, there is often a lack of enforcement, allowing for negligence and noncompliance,” he says.

He sees yet another contributing factor. The insufficiency of training across all levels of the organization, from the board to every employee.

“When training staff on how to protect themselves against hackers, the activity should cover topics like

big tech story social engineering, the purpose of policies and controls, and the potential consequences of breaches.” The training also needs to address people’s behaviour within the organisation which may heighten incidences of data breaches. Some of these highlighted risky behaviours include “Leaving laptops unlocked, clicking on unsafe links, connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks, or improperly disposing of sensitive documents.” Addressing these factors is crucial to mitigate the risk of data breaches.

Onyibe’s advice CIOs is to configure the organisation’s threat landscape to understand the level and type of threats that they are facing. “You need to do a risk assessment of your business to hackers. If you are in the finance sector, your organisation is attractive to hackers because of money. In the energy sector, they may be interested in intellectual property. Hackers may be interested in the IP, so they sell for money.”

Organisations can also incorporate emerging technologies to improve their security measures. “Consider Machine Learning and AI-Based Security solutions – basically, a machine has no emotions, cannot be bribed, does not get fatigued as opposed to humans who are susceptible to not only these but more things that are a gateway to security breaches.

Onyibe views automation and integration in cybersecurity approach as critical. “When you integrate your cybersecurity solutions, you are better placed to respond to attacks.

Automation will enable you to automatically respond to cybersecurity issues in a short time.”

To cap this, adopting the ZeroTrust approach which requires the authentication of all users, whether in or outside the organisation’s network, authorization, and continuous validation for security configuration and posture before being granted or keeping access to applications and data. The C-Suite is, surprisingly sometimes are the weakest

link to threat actors accessing critical organization data.

losses, customer dissatisfaction, and damage to the organisation’s reputation cannot be overlooked.

Strategies such as regular backups and disaster recovery plans reaffirm business continuity and minimises the impact of potential data incidents.

These strategies are recommended: •

Be aware of your environment – how well do you know your personal assistant as an executive?

How well do you know the reach of your social media casts?

•

Personally ensure you are confident about policies and enforcement levels within your organisation.

•

Always double or even triple-check before you act online. Be careful about the websites you visit and applications that you download.

•

Keep your professional life separate from your personal life strictly.

•

Carefully vet third parties be they suppliers or vendors.

With data becoming such an asset, information from customer information and financial records to intellectual property and trade secrets, critical data forms the foundation of a company’s operations, decision-making, to data offering an enterprise a competitive advantage, prioritising data protection is critical for the following reasons: •

Security breaches: The threat landscape is constantly evolving, with cybercriminals becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attacks. Data breaches can lead to significant financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences for organizations.

•

Compliance and legal requirements: Quite a number of industries now have strict regulatory frameworks and compliance standards in place to safeguard sensitive data. Noncompliance with these regulations can result in severe penalties, fines, and legal actions. It is necessary to meet these legal requirements.

•

Business continuity: Critical data loss or corruption can disrupt business operations and lead to substantial downtime. The financial

•

Intellectual Property protection: Every self-respecting organizations will invest significant resources in research, development, and innovation. As such, critical data will often include intellectual property, proprietary algorithms, design plans, and trade secrets. Why? Competitive advantage and to preserve the organisation’s market position.

•

Maintaining customer trust: Customers expect their personal and financial information to be handled with utmost care and confidentiality.

A data breach can erode customer trust, leading to reputational damage and potential customer churn. An organisation invested in demonstrating their commitment to data protection will build and maintain customer trust, fostering long-term relationships and brand loyalty.

•

Competitive advantage: If you prioritise data protection, you gain a competitive edge. With data breaches becoming more prevalent, customers and business partners become wary.

A high degree of seriousness is warranted when it comes to handling data. Therefore, by implementing robust data protection measures, organisations can differentiate themselves in the marketplace, and attract exactly their kind of customers.

•

Data-driven decision making: Without accurate and reliable data, organisations could end up making flawed decisions with detrimental effects on their operations and outcomes.

It is undeniable that protecting your organisation’s data is inevitably good business.

www.cioafrica.co || MAY MAY 2023 2023 || CIO CIO Africa Africa Magazine Magazine || by by dx⁵ dx⁵ 15 www.cioafrica.co

WELCOME TO GITEX AFRICA 2023!

This once-in-a-lifetime event is designed to curate the African tech ecosystem, ringing it under one giant roof where the magic happens for three days.

Trixie Lohmirmand, the CEO of KAOUN International, the organisers of GITEX AFRICA, says it best. “For too long, the African tech revolution has been little-known, under-rated, under-stated and simply put, overlooked.”

GITEX AFRICA is meant to change all that. It will shift the world’s focus to a continent that is on the cusp of digital transformation makes it mandatory for anyone with serious intent to go come to Africa. The convergence of some of the best minds in Big Tech, the world of start-ups, governments, investors, and young people.

The Kingdom of Morocco are the hosts of the first edition of GITEX AFRICA. “… an event which constitutes a real opportunity for our country to deepen the efforts made and the work carried out in recent years in the field of digital transition and technological innovation,” said H.E. Ghita Mezzour, the Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administration Reform with the Government of Morocco.

As the General Director of the Digital Development Agency, Host of GITEX AFRICA. Sidi Mohammed Drissi Melyani says, “This event is an opportunity to promote and value the huge tech potential of the African continent by ensuring the connection with the worldwide digital ecosystem,” adding that “Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty The King Mohammed VI, is engaged to build a sustainable and competitive African digital economy, creating growth and development for the current and next generation.”

16 www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵

CIO AFRICA by dx5 | GITEX Africa’s Offical Media Partner

Places To Go At GITEX AFRICA As a rule, tech events have these sweet spots that GITEX AFRICA has definitely included in their agenda Exhibition Halls: Discover the latest technologies, innovations, and solutions as showcased. It offers a great opportunity to interact with industry leaders, gain insights into emerging trends, and witness live demonstrations of cutting-edge products and services. AI, cybersecurity, digital banking, and IoT are just some examples of halls housed at the venue.

Start-up Zones: There is a reason tech events have dedicated areas or pavilions for startups. These zones explore innovative ideas and solutions presented by emerging entrepreneurs.

Engage in conversations with the founders, learn about their offerings, and identify any promising collaborations or investment opportunities from the 400+ start-ups on site.

Keynote Sessions: Industry experts, thought leaders and visionaries attract a following both on and offline. These sessions are a fantastic way to access valuable insights into industry trends, emerging technologies, and future directions.

They not only share their experiences, predictions, and strategies, but they also share broader perspectives on the tech landscape.

Panel Discussions and Workshops: Find panel discussions and workshops that cover specific topics of interest. These interactive sessions bring together experts from across various fields to engage in thought-provoking discussions, share practical knowledge, and exchange ideas.

Attendees can gain actionable insights, ask questions, and network with other participants.

18 www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵

Innovation Zones or Pavilions: Dedicated areas highlighting innovation zones or pavilions at GITEX AFRICA. These areas showcase groundbreaking technologies, research projects, and prototypes that push the boundaries of what is possible. It’s an opportunity to witness future-focused concepts and engage with inventors and researchers. It is also an opportunity to get your own creative juices flowing.

Networking Areas: There is a reason GITEX AFRICA is referred to as “The year’s most powerful tech networking, learning and business generating gathering.” Take advantage of designated networking areas or lounges to connect with industry professionals, potential partners, and like-minded individuals. One of the best parts of attending a physical tech event is meeting with brilliant industry minds. Engage in conversations, exchange business cards, (be sure to carry plenty of those in anticipation), and build valuable relationships that can lead to future collaborations or partnerships.

Industry-Specific Zones: Some tech events may have dedicated zones or areas focused on specific industries or sectors, such as healthcare, finance, transportation, or education. Visit these zones to explore industry-specific solutions, attend specialized sessions, and connect with experts who understand the unique challenges and opportunities within those sectors.

Planning on the sites you want to see will definitely make your experience worth the trip.

www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵ 19

Mitsumi Distributors Thrive At GITEX AFRICA Jagat Shah

Chairman & CEO - MITSUMI Distribution

As a leading technology distribution company in Africa, Mitsumi Distribution are making an impact at GITEX AFRICA. An interview with their CEO and Chairman, Jagat Shah, illuminates part of their business strategy and technological moves set to make elevate their status in the continental market.

What are your expectations for GITEX AFRICA 2023, and how do you plan to leverage this event to grow your business in the African market?

We have high expectations for GITEX AFRICA 2023. We anticipate this year’s event will provide a unique platform for networking and engaging with industry peers, thought leaders, and potential business partners from across the continent and beyond.

Connecting with potential clients and partners while gaining insights into the latest technology trends and market developments will keep us competitive and improve our offerings.

Which technologies and trends do you see as most important to the African market, and how are you incorporating these into your distribution strategies?

In the rapidly changing IT distribution sector, we see a lot of new technological innovation in cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) and e-commerce. We are committed to incorporating these technologies and trends into our IT distribution strategies.

We invest in training and development programmes for our team members to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to support and advise our customers effectively.

How do you plan to engage with potential partners and customers at GITEX AFRICA, and what kind of business opportunities do you hope to explore?

We have a booth showcasing our latest products and services, highlighting our commitment to delivering high-quality technology solutions to our customers.

Our team of experts are on hand to engage with attendees, answer questions, and discuss potential business opportunities. We are hosting seminars and workshops, sharing valuable insights on IT trends. The idea is to position ourselves as thought leaders by sharing expertise, knowledge, and fostering meaningful industry discussions with attendees. Here, we explore business opportunities, including potential partnerships, new customers, and offering expansion.

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How do you plan to differentiate yourself from other technology distributors in the African market, and what sets your company apart?

We do so by delivering a wide range of high-quality technology solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers through an extensive network of partners and suppliers. Our company is distinguished by our deep understanding of the African market and ability to provide customised solutions addressing unique challenges faced in the region. With a strong presence in all major African markets, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner to businesses across the region. To cater to all our customers in the MEA region, we have established in-country logistic centres. Additionally, with 25 years of experience in the distribution market, we have achieved numerous milestones along the way.

Finally, we are constantly investing in new technologies and solutions that help African businesses stay ahead of the curve. Our dedicated R&D team is very active, and together we work closely with our partners to bring these solutions to the market.

What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in the African market, and how are you preparing to address these?

We recognise the immense potential in the African market despite the challenges it presents, such as access to financing, and the skill gaps. We also see these as opportunities to invest in strategic planning, partnerships with local businesses and governments, and talent development programmes.

Our belief in increasing demand for technology solutions, and young and rapidly growing population in Africa, provide enormous potential for businesses willing to invest in the continent.

What kind of support and resources do you offer your African partners and customers, and how do you ensure that they have access to the latest technologies and solutions?

Managed services and logistics support help our partners and customers grow their businesses. Additionally, we ensure they have access to the latest technologies and solutions through our partnerships with leading technology companies and our focus on innovation and continuous improvement. Along with vendors, we conduct multiple product training for our partners to enhance their product and enterprise solution knowledge.

How do you plan to collaborate with other technology providers and distributors to create innovative solutions that can help address the unique challenges of the African market?

Collaboration is essential for driving innovation and addressing Africa’s unique challenges and collaborating closely with other technology providers and distributors to create innovative solutions helps improve the skills gap.

By working together, we can leverage our collective expertise and resources to deliver the best possible solutions to our customers and partners in the African market. We provide extensive customer support through our team of 40+ certified skilled engineers who offer post-purchase services, ensuring that our customers receive comprehensive assistance and support throughout their journey.

What kind of investments are you making in the African market, and how are you ensuring that you have the right resources and expertise to succeed in this market?

We are committed to investing in the African market to ensure that we

have the right resources and expertise to succeed. We are investing heavily in opening legal entities around Africa and French speaking countries including logistics and warehousing, to improve our operations and increase our capacity to serve our customers and partners.

Additionally, we are focused on developing local talent and partnering with local businesses and governments to ensure that we have the knowledge and expertise we need to succeed in this dynamic and growing market.

How do you plan to measure the success of your participation in GITEX AFRICA, and what metrics will you use to evaluate the impact of this event on your business?

We will evaluate the number of partnerships and collaborations established, amount of business generated as a result of the event, and the level of engagement and interest shown by potential customers and partners. We will also assess the impact of the event on our brand recognition and reputation in the market, as well as the insights gained into emerging trends and technologies.

What kind of partnerships or collaborations are you hoping to establish at GITEX AFRICA, and how do you plan to nurture these relationships over the long term?

We are hoping to establish a wide range of partnerships and collaborations including with other technology providers, distributors, and local businesses. We plan to nurture these relationships long -term by maintaining open lines of communication, providing ongoing support and resources, and working to identify emerging trends and opportunities in the African market. We believe by building strong, collaborative partnerships, we can drive innovation and create value for our customers and partners in the African market.

www.cioafrica.co || MAY MAY 2023 2023 || CIO CIO Africa Africa Magazine Magazine || by by dx⁵ dx⁵ 21 www.cioafrica.co

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GITEX AFRICA Agenda Shines Light On Africa’s Innovation Challenges GITEX AFRICA 2023’s agenda centres on key topics that aim to shed light on some of the critical challenges facing Africa’s innovative ecosystem. Professionals drawn from both the government and private sector will share their insights through keynote speeches, fireside chats and panel discussions on different topics including regulation, cybersecurity, venture capital (VC) funding, and the digital economy among others. These topics cover issues that play a significant role in promoting innovation in Africa.

Cybersecurity features prominently on the GITEX AFRICA agenda. A major concern in Africa currently owing to limited resources, lack of expertise, a lack of security culture, and third-party dependencies, the conversations will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions. The reality of cyber threats in Africa, policy to support cybersecurity measures, countering cybersecurity, mitigating cyber risk in telecommunications, securing nations, and transforming the role of the CISOs are earmarked for insights.

The presence of so many governments will undoubtedly earmark regulation insights.

As it is, African start-ups face complex and inconsistent regulations, lengthy bureaucratic processes, limited supportive policies,

24 www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵

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and inadequate intellectual property protection. These regulatory challenges pose obstacles to innovation within the continent. Just to highlight one of the panel discussions, experts will examine how local governments continue to shape a more supportive legislative framework to catalyse growth in Africa.

A session that will aptly offer advice to delegates on strategies for navigating through difficult legal and regulatory environments and the ideal stable regulations for scaling.

Under VC funding, the agenda features some of the challenges facing Africa’s start-ups such as strategies for attracting funding, valuations, and developing governance structures. Why Are Top Global VCs Piling Into African Start-ups, a fireside chat, will address questions like: •

What is Africa doing to attract foreign commercial capital?

•

What is missing to fulfill investor confidence in the continent?

•

How are we treating due diligence vs market opportunity?

Notably, African start-ups may face a decline in VC funding due to global economic events. Reports indicate a 57.2 per cent decline in funding raised

by African start-ups in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, attributed to economic recession, investor caution, and limited viable business models.

On the agenda is the state of play in Africa’s digital economy today expected to top $712 billion by 2050. African governments have opportunities to enhance access to digital technologies, platforms, and services, further scaling the technology and innovation ecosystem. To realise this projection, governments across the continent are working to enable access to digital-first government, healthcare and education and develop digital skills through capacity-building initiatives. Prepare for a panel examining how the adoption of new systems and technologies is performing in Africa, what challenges are being seen in the current economic climate and the concrete steps needed for a wide-scale digital transformation in Africa.

26 www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵

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www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵ 27

Key Emerging Tech To Be Discussed At GITEX Africa 2023 Africa, a continent brimming with untapped potential, is showcasing its technology prowess at the GITEX AFRICA 2023. This event features every major technology player, trend and vertical, and it covers sectors including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), digital finance, smart cities, cybersecurity, the data economy, mobility, healthcare, and telecoms, etc. As the digital revolution continues to sweep across the continent, GITEX AFRICA is coming in as a beacon of innovation, uniting thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and technology enthusiasts to delve into the transformative power of digital transformation.

These emerging technologies are already in play across the continent and GITEX Africa provides a platform for the pioneers in these technologies to share ideas on how to further develop technology in the continent.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Africa’s digital landscape.

From enhancing healthcare delivery systems to optimising agriculture practices, AI has the potential to revolutionise various sectors in Africa.

By fostering conversations on AI-driven solutions such as machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics, the event seeks to identify the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Digital Finance In the recent past, there has been a surge in fintech in Africa with loads of startups around the continent offering fintech related solutions. The event has placed a special focus on digital finance, especially with the transformative potential of blockchain technology.

Telecommunications Telecommunications infrastructure forms the backbone of Africa’s digital revolution, enabling connectivity and communication across vast distances. The event brings together key players in the telecommunications industry, including policymakers, service providers, and technology vendors. Internet penetration plays a big role in the development of technology in Africa, something that telecommunication companies in the continent have been pioneering.

The event will give a platform to discuss the challenges of bridging the digital divide, expanding connectivity to remote areas, and leveraging telecommunications to drive socio-economic growth and digital inclusion.

Cybersecurity As Africa embraces the digital age and experiences rapid technological advancements, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. GITEX Africa recognises that with increased connectivity and digital innovation comes the pressing need to safeguard data, privacy, and digital infrastructure from cyber threats. In a world where cybercrime is a growing concern, the event places a dedicated focus on cybersecurity, bringing together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to address the challenges and solutions associated with protecting Africa’s digital frontier.

28 www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵

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Power Learn Project (PLP) is an impact organization focused on driving transformative change for African youths. Launched in April 2022 in Kenya, PLP provides quality, affordable software development and smart technologies training.

With a presence in over 5 African countries, PLP currently trains an estimated 10,000 software developers. The first cohort of 1000 developers graduated in December 2022 and were offered pathways to upskilling, jobs, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

In the digital age, the demand for tech professionals is rapidly increasing. However, many individuals face difficulties in accessing the necessary skills and opportunities in the technology sector. PLP is dedicated to bridging this skills gap through a comprehensive capacity-building program. By partnering with industry leaders, PLP not only equips learners with technical skills but also provides avenues for meaningful employment in the dynamic world of technology.

PLP actively collaborates with industry partners to offer job opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships to their learners. These partnerships create a bridge between aspiring tech professionals and companies seeking skilled talent, facilitating valuable industry exposure and securing sustainable employment within the tech sector.

The success stories of learners who have participated in PLP's capacity-building programs are truly inspiring. These individuals have overcome barriers and transformed their lives through the opportunities provided by PLP. Their journeys highlight the crucial role that tech skills and meaningful employment play in personal and professional growth. These testimonials serve as evidence of PLP's effectiveness and the transformative power of collaboration between organizations and industry partners.

To partner with us, reach us on info@powerlearnproject.org “In our tech-driven world, bridging the skills gap is vital.

PLP's comprehensive capacity building and industry collaborations empowers learners, strengthens the tech workforce, and fosters innovation. Investing in such initiatives creates a brighter, inclusive future where everyone can thrive in the exciting world of technology”.

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32 www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵

ARTICLE by

CAROL ODERO

The Rise And Rise Of Juliana Rotich When I ask Juliana Rotich, Head of Department - FinTech Solutions at Safaricom PLC if she considers herself as either gifted or genius based on her contributions to tech, she baulks. She doesn’t think she is. “I’d have to leave that to journalists, and third parties who can make the assessment. I am grateful to have had the opportunities I have had to be able to impact Kenyan’s lives through the technology we provide as Safaricom and to work on the platforms that we provide,” she replies.

What she is though, and this no one can deny, is a rock upon which the foundation of the Kenyan, nay, African technological scape, is built. If you Google her, because I did, you get about 75,400 results. And one of them asks, rather cheekily, “What was Juliana Rotich famous for?” There is an answer, incidentally. “Rotich was a prominent public speaker on technology. She also worked as a strategic adviser for several companies, including Microsoft 4Afrika and the chemicals manufacturer BASF. Her work earned many honors, including the German Africa Prize in 2019.” It is not even remotely an apt summary.

She is no has-been. Her new role at

Safaricom, one of the leading technology companies in Africa, is to proffer solutions for all the fintech arms of the company.

As co-founder of Ushahidi, iHub, BRCK and Boya Inc (YC W22) and a board member for the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Board as well as Standard Group PLC, and an alumnus of the MIT Media Lab, Rotich’s background is as diverse as it is impactful. I first spot Rotich at iHub when Jack Dorsey is in town. The atmosphere is collegial, and everyone seems to know everyone. It has been a while; I gather, since the local techies found themselves in each other’s company. “The tech community has been evolving. One of the things I look at when I think of iHub is how it was the offshoot of what we were doing with Ushahidi. We wanted to create a space where people could meet, collaborate, and feel at home because we used to have to meet in supermarkets that had good wi-fi or any specific random places that had good wi-fi. iHub was about having a home.

We have since seen a lot of companies, careers and organisations come out of it.”

Women who were in tech then felt fully included from the get-go. Equality was woven into the DNA of iHub, and the social capital it has generated a double whammy. Women have reached out to her for mentorship, and even though Safaricom keeps her hands full, she is giving back. “Sometimes you don’t realise that some of your difficult experiences in founding companies and trying to scale them – that it can be useful to someone else. Lately I have been finding myself spending more time on meetups with female leaders keen on learning how to lead tech organisations. I really enjoy leveraging on my experiences to help them grow.”

She is an investor in several companies that speak to her. “I fund companies if I like the idea, if it fills a need and if I am already a customer. I look at the founder to see how I can help them meet their objectives and the role I can play, and, if what they are offering is something in need. I don’t just invest in tech either.”

The biggest challenge for female founders is an almost universal one – raising capital; and, naturally growth.

“Scaling is not trivial, and neither is finding a market fit. It’s ok to start with

www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵ 33

a niche market. The question is how to grow it and reach others who need your product or service. The channels people use to discover information now are highly fragmented. There are many of us who grew up in a market where we just had one or two channels, and I don’t mean TV channels. I mean there was TV, there was radio, and then there was print. But how are you going to explain your business in two minutes?

Discoverability is a challenge.” Then there is creating a support network for women leaders. “You have to be intentional about creating these especially if you have switched countries or continents. The support system does not just congeal around you. You have to play a part in crafting and cultivating that. You can work with a career coach, therapist, or mentor. Approach it with a way of giving back. Think of it as reverse coaching.”

Rotich did find her own tribe over the years. High-achieving women who have been in government, academia and health tech who have had her back. I ask if the tech industry has been friendly to her and she says “I would not say the tech industry has been friendly. I have been in rooms where I have been the only woman. I think if you know your subject matter in and out, there won’t be any questions. But I have had to dial up that subject matter knowledge.

Which is not a problem. I have had to take up my space to represent myself and my organisation. And what you do in that particular space is, you do your thing, do it well, and do it to the best of your ability. In terms of whether it is friendly or not, I think sometimes you just have to focus on what needs to be done. Some environments are conducive, some environments are not.

You face reality as is, not as you wish it would be. Just go for it and do what you need to do.”

Female investors such as Rotich are rare. As a founder, she is aware it is about taking a risk on a person that a business may or may not succeed so “you may not always see an upside.

There are a lot of opportunities to

invest in financial services, and in unmet needs.” McKinsey report of fintech in Africa identifies white space opportunities around wealth management, insurance, supply chain technology and health tech. Areas where value can be created and that as Safaricom, they are investigating.

that I really enjoy. Having us work together, to deliver something that hasn’t been delivered, reveals Rotich who has all those start-ups to thank for picking up lessons. “With time, you grow this muscle and see what works and doesn’t work.” What works? Being purpose driven and customer focused.

“The transition from tech entrepreneur to employment was actually quite smooth. Safaricom are evolving into a tech company and the idea is to transform lives and fill a need. We build software and solutions which we take to market. There’s a lot in common doing what I do now and what I did then.” Some of the powerful platforms Safaricom is building include the plug and play Daraja, a developer’s portal where they work with M-Pesa APIs, and the M-Pesa app that does more than offer payment solutions. “At the core of it, I’m a nerd. I like to see how things work. I’ve put together highperformance teams. That is something

“One of the things I want to mention,” concludes Rotich, “is the challenge of the evolving context of technology, innovation and data privacy and how we use tech. As Safaricom, we have been innovating around the data privacy question. How does a company interact in a way that a customer completes a transaction without their data being compromised? I just want CIOs and techies to know that it is possible to innovate around data privacy. We have done it and continue to do it and protect customer data end to end by collaborating and working to make our APIs better, train and develop talent for all of us, for the whole ecosystem.”

34 www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵

ARTICLE by

What’s Trending

The Latest News From The Continent

2023|| CIO CIOAfrica AfricaMagazine Magazine||by bydx⁵ dx⁵ 36 www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023

STEVE MBEGO & KEVIN Namunwa

the round-up

Boost For Agritech As SC Ventires Launches Tawi In Kenya

SC Ventures, the fintech, investment and ventures arm of Standard Chartered, launched a Kenyan-based Tawi, a B2B agritech marketplace for secure e-commerce transactions for smallholder farmers in Kenya. This provides a major boost in the country’s agritech sector as Tawi aims to provide farmers with a viable and consistent, market, price transparency and efficient supply chain management.

The agritech marketplace also aims to help Kenyan farmers improve crop quality, scale, and make the food and agriculture value more sustainable.

The platform sources fresh produce directly from farmers. In line with promoting diversity and inclusion, Tawi will also ensure that at least 25 percent of the farmers it partners with are women and youth.

“Tawi will connect our farmers to an estimated $1.6 billion market opportunity,” said Cherotich Rutto, Founder and CEO of Tawi, “Through this platform, farmers will earn more for their produce while also improving the supply-chain efficiency of high-quality produce to commercial clients.

We are doing this by aggregating demand and simplifying the process for selling and buying fresh produce at a commercial scale.”

SC Ventures started incubating Tawi in 2022 to address some of the smallholder farmers’ challenges, such as lack of viable marketplaces, which resulted in post-harvest losses. Other challenges that Tawi is tackling include poor quality produce, fragmented supply chains due to inappropriate infrastructure and too many middlemen. Since Tawi started testing the platform in February, it has onboarded over 1,000 farmers, 250 commercial kitchens and fulfilled over 1,000 deliveries.

The agritech platform is starting off by supplying commercial kitchens, which represent around $210 million in consistent and predictable market opportunity. Tawi has adopted a phased approach to building its marketplace and business model. In the future, Tawi plans to embed financial services including loans and micro-insurance, and value-added services including offering agronomic support for best agricultural practices. www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵ 37

Pesapal Gets License To Operate In Rwanda

Microsoft Moves Cloud Security Product To Nairobi’s ADC

Pesapal, a start-up focusing on online payments in Africa, has now been officially licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) as a Payment Service Provider (PSP).

Pesapal Rwanda can now roll out affordable, convenient, and secure digital financial services, making it easier for Rwandan businesses and customers to make and accept payments.

“We have imagined and are passionate about building Africa’s digital future. Our on-the-ground team looks forward to working with the Rwandan authorities and customers to roll out digital tools for ticketing, reservations, and reporting that suit their needs,” Agosta Liko, Pesapal Group CEO and Co-Founder said.

Businesses struggling to accept digital payments in Rwanda have found that it is making it difficult for them to grow and compete effectively. Pesapal Rwanda will provide digital payment solutions, including mobile money Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), online and Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, enabling cash deposits and withdrawals, execution of certain transactions, issuance/acquisition of (insert type) instruments, and money remittances.

Speaking after receiving the license, the Pesapal Rwanda Country Manager, Leonard Towwet, said that the fintech will provide Rwandan businesses with stand-alone POS terminals that can accept payments in-store. “Our online payment gateway allows easier integration on business websites supporting mobile money and card transactions.”

The policy goals of the Rwanda Fintech Strategy 2022-2027 – promote customercentric financial inclusion and financial sector development and position Rwanda as a regional financial center.

Microsoft has increased its investment in the Africa Development Centre (ADC) by transferring ownership and continued product development of Azure Active Directory Domain Services to ADC in Nairobi. The Azure Directory Domain Services is a Microsoft security product with yearly revenue of $40 million and 300,000 enterprise global customers.

This milestone forms part of Microsoft’s continued commitment to leveraging and contributing to the advancement of technology skills and talent in Africa via its premier engineering arm on the continent.

Catherine Muraga, Managing Director, Microsoft ADC, stated that the increased investment in the centre demonstrates the company’s faith in the existing talent at ADC. “Not only do we want to grow product ownership within ADC, but we also want to develop more experts in the field.

This is an opportunity to highlight the ADC’s growth and impact,” she said, as the Engineering Director, who will lead the teams that will be working on this product.

Azure Active Directory Domain Services is a group of features that enable Microsoft customers to create

38 www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵

and manage their organizations identities on Azure cloud services.

These identities enable customers to transfer or operate software applications that are run from their physical servers to Azure cloud services.

An Azure AD DS-managed domain lets organizations run applications that cannot use modern authentication methods in the cloud.

Organizations can lift and shift these legacy applications from their on-premises environment into a managed domain, without needing to deploy, manage or patch domain controllers.

The announcement came shortly after a visit by Igor Sakhnov, Microsoft Executive Vice President, Engineering, which included a review of the ADC’s operations and a review of its partnerships aimed at building capacity for tech talent.

The centre recently announced the completion of a joint curriculum review process with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and is currently providing skills training to university lecturers as part of efforts to improve the tech talent pipeline.

Visa Innovation Centre Marks One Year Of Operation In Africa

The Visa Innovation Centre, launched in Nairobi in April 2022, just celebrated its one-year anniversary on 16 May. With a clear vision for the 21st century, Visa aims to make paying with their platform in the digital world as simple, if not simpler, than physical transactions.

They strive to ensure that digital payments are secure, rewarding, and convenient, aligning with the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.

Recognising the enormous potential to accelerate the global adoption of digital payments, especially considering the staggering $17 trillion still in circulation in cash and checks, Visa’s innovation strategy is driven by this compelling opportunity. By leveraging technology and fostering collaboration, Visa is determined to shape the future of commerce and provide individuals, businesses, and economies with the access they need to thrive.

The Visa Innovation Centre in Nairobi serves as the perfect hub for this ambitious undertaking. Kenya boasts a thriving community of start-ups,

incubators, and accelerators, making it an ideal environment to nurture innovation and drive meaningful change in the payments industry. By harnessing the local entrepreneurial spirit, Visa aims to tap into the existing ecosystem and create a platform for collaboration and co-creation.

At the core of the Visa Innovation Centre’s objectives are three key focus areas: accelerating digital issuance, empowering small merchants, and developing and deploying new technologies. These technologies include innovations such as scan-topay solutions, which are revolutionizing the way people make transactions. By providing digital issuance capabilities, Visa enables faster and more seamless access to digital payment options.

Empowering small merchants is another critical aspect of the centre’s mission. Recognizing that these businesses play a vital role in local economies, Visa is committed to providing them with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in the

digital age. Through tailored solutions and support, small merchants can enhance their operational efficiency and expand their customer base, ultimately driving economic growth and financial inclusion.

Moreover, the Visa Innovation Centre is designed to facilitate collaboration and idea sharing among employees, clients, and partners. The centre embodies the workplace of the future, where innovation and creativity can flourish. By providing a conducive environment for solution creation and user experience development, Visa aims to spark transformative ideas and forge valuable partnerships.

By empowering African innovators, nurturing collaboration, and leveraging emerging technologies, Visa is actively shaping the future of commerce in Africa and beyond. With its unwavering commitment to simplicity, security, and convenience, Visa is paving the way for a digital payment landscape that benefits individuals, businesses, and economies alike.

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ARTICLE by

40 www.cioafrica.co | MAY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵

MICHAEL MICHIE

thinking aloud

For All The Tools Out There Could it be there is a step or two missing in software development? And what, pray tell, does gaming have to teach us about it?

For all the tools out there, we used to secure our data. Now, we continue to see threats that successfully materialise and cause data loss. Several high-profile institutions have fallen victim to threat attackers who have made away with their data and were holding it ransom.

There is, naturally, the same old song about solutions and tools we could use.

Zero trust, the new kid on the block, is not a threat prevention or detection tool. It is a security model operating on the principle of “Never Trust, Always Verify.”

A lot can be said about zero trust and its value, but not today. More accurately, not during this article. Preparation always wins in my book. Vulnerable systems are created from the source with vulnerable code. While we cannot completely remove all vulnerabilities from all code, it is important to try and reduce the attack surface and chances of harbouring vulnerable code with exploits waiting to be discovered.

It’s just that other old song of security by design that we will sing about today.

And, in particular, code hygiene. Code hygiene refers to best practices in software development that contribute to creating clean, maintainable, secure, and efficient code. We always say that we should know what we want to protect. A lot of the time we focus on the data we have collected, processed and/or stored, then turn away from the software involved in all these processes.

Only to add on more tools and software for additional protection. Does this bloat feel like the purpose of strong security? Strong may just be the wrong term. The industry has taught us it is not about how high your walls are, but about how high they are relative to your competitor. We build these walls with

new security solutions. But what value is there in protecting vulnerable code?

Code hygiene should be part of any product or service and a part of its pipeline. Not just any ol’ checkbox before go-live. An environment with good code hygiene can sustain its strength over time, monitor for weaknesses, create trust for the developers, and improve cyber resilience. It starts in the first test, no doubt. Code is often written, then tested. However, the right practice is to write the test first and then the code for that test. From there, iterate to more complex tests and more complex code.

This first step allows for the automation of tests allowing for faster and more accurate tests during the build phase of the software. This is Test Driven Design.

The tests traditionally have included mostly user tests. It is time to expand this to cyber security tests.

The worst thing about software development could be said by others to be the annoying architecture diagram.

The latter is hard to prepare and modify.

It is the blueprint for the software and how we think it would look. If the design is wrong, or we alter it without record, how can we know what we know to be true? Our knowledge base becomes the catalyst to poor code and introduction to vulnerabilities. As software evolves, we must successfully and continuously update this architectural diagram and not just with the traditional boxes and arrow keys, but with a true diagram.

When changes happen to the software, this diagram is updated within the pipeline as part of the release notes.

It then ensures every version of the software has its accurate diagram. This may not seem like much. However, when looking for security solutions, we

use our architecture diagrams to help understand weak spots. Think of it this way. How can you use your neighbours’ blueprints to determine changes in your own plumbing?

That takes us to coding standards.

Most development teams get to see this only once during orientation. From then on, ‘write the code that works’ practice takes over. Enforceable coding standards all through is critical for code hygiene. It is how you can be sure you are actively writing code that will not have known vulnerabilities. They can be checked via automated tools within the pipeline. These reaffirm even if the code works, it cannot pass into production without meeting those standards.

Design by subtraction, the design philosophy of Fumito Ueda from game development, can help with code hygiene. Simply put, this principle encourages that less is more. In the gaming space, it speaks to the lack of over information in the players HUD (heads up display). With code hygiene, it speaks to less code, less vulnerabilities.

Writing more optimised code makes it harder to include known vulnerabilities.

In game development we say, “A game is never finished. Only released.” The same ought to be said for software development. Sustainability then means these practices and others to remain constantly in use not just during the development of a product or service, but throughout its lifetime.

We say charity begins at home. Well, so does preventing data breaches. It starts with us and how we build our software.

Only then can we add on all the fancy tools and the latest models out there to safeguard.

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ARTICLE by

ROBERT YAWE

hard talk

The End Of Life As We Know It

AI just does not seem to register Africaness. Tell ChatGPT for instance, to write prose like a great African writer and it will be lost. No one has trained AI to think that way.

On or about September 2022, an artificial intelligence (AI) large language model was released into the zoo for public viewing in preparation for its imminent release into a wide, wild web as the latest invasive species.

Ecologists had warned us over centuries about the dangers of bringing foreign animals and plants into an ecosystem as they tend to destabilise, realign, and at times, totally destroy an ecosystem.

But, as usual, we have wholly ignored them until it was too late to reverse the damage. At which point, we try to adopt the environment to the new species.

When the Russian walloping of Ukraine kicked off, many African countries suddenly realised they were wholly dependent on wheat and sunflower oil from the waring region. Yet every African country’s first independent presidents’ rallying call, from Cameroon to South Sudan, was about food security for all. Clearly, it was nothing more than “leap” service.

What is the relevance of this to the release of an AI, you must be asking yourself. Wheat and maize, which during colonialism become the staple for

most African populations, are generally foreign to the region. Thus, needing to keep pumping our farms full of artificial fertilisers and spraying pesticides to keep the crops from being devoured by indigenous protectors of the ecosystem; wrongly branded as parasites.

Due to this, many African countries have been unable to become food secure. Thanks to the exponentially increasing costs of artificial fertilisers and related chemicals required to keep the local soils from rejecting the foreign implantation.

As we move into this new and uncharted waters of AI, let us keep in mind what has happened to Africa’s food security as a result of our dependence on foreign producers of our new staples. This, accompanied by our refusal to accept our indigenous foods.

The kind that fed our ancestors for eons, as the solution.

I was fortunate to get on the AI bandwagon early enough. I spent enough time exploring its capabilities when it came to text prompts all the way to implementation that enabled for text to images as well as text to video,

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the latter being the scariest.

What I realised with all the AI applications was that none included any African relevance. For example, telling ChatGPT to write me an article in the style of Wole Soyinka or Ngugi wa Thiong’o, it couldn’t. It was not trained on their writings.

With the text to image models, the default creation is Caucasians with one having to specify either African or add melanin to have the description for the prompt generate African features either facial or anatomical. Never mind the fact that when you do that, all the characters look predominantly West African or preMalcom-X US. What that means is that Africa has little to no input in the training of the various AI models. It means our progress since independence to try and create our own identity is about to turn to nought.

So, expect to start feeling like you live in pre-colonial Africa with images that surround you and the articles you read, except for this one, to have the voice of our colonisers. As usual, mine is but a cry in the wilderness.

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