Every company today feels the relentless pace of tech evolution. With the growth of innovations such as enterprise AI, machine learning and digital twins, it’s clear that businesses can no longer delay discussions about digital transformation if they want to remain competitive. In Africa, the growth of startups and locally adapted digital technologies provides an opportunity to leapfrog the competition. Despite this, many companies still face the same challenges as other global enterprises: lack of infrastructure, the need for hefty investments, and a tech talent shortage that the IMF predicts will grow to 85 million people by 2030.
At Sand Technologies, we see a silver lining. As the global talent shortage grows, so does Africa’s population. Africa is home to the largest pool of untapped human capital in the world. Given that traditional sources of tech talent (e.g. China, India and the USA) are aging and expensive, Africa is well-positioned to solve the global shortage of technology talent. But first, this ‘human potential’ must be turned into ‘skilled talent’. At Sand Technologies, we’re addressing this by training 3-5 million African youth in software engineering, data science, cloud computing, and other technology skills. This technology talent can then help global blue-chip firms, governments and even startups to implement transformative digital projects.
Finding the right technical expertise is a key step to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Yet talent alone isn’t enough. Our experience has shown that to truly flourish, businesses should take the following steps:
Align digital transformation and business strategies
The best digital strategies aren’t about adopting tech. Instead, they provide a framework for evaluating how technologies will support broader business goals and deploy only those solutions that fuel business success and sustainability. Beyond being a simple plan, a successful digital strategy requires transforming operating models, talent, technology and data capabilities so they each support a company’s vision.
The approach we’ve found to be most successful begins by assessing a company’s digital readiness; conducting a data transformation audit; and crafting a roadmap for informed decision-making, meaningful change, and rapid adaptation.
Understand how AI can be applied to your entire value chain
Companies in every industry are investigating how tech innovations like AI can impact key business functions such as sales, security, marketing, customer service, operations, HR and more. While GenAI may be the hottest topic, leaders should remain focused on the full spectrum of AI and other solutions that can drive results and help build a better world.
For example, Sand Technologies has helped organizations in multiple sectors benefit from AI-driven data insights. Some of these projects include helping an insurance leader predict risks and uncover hidden profits, enabling a UK-based water utility to reduce the carbon footprint of their treatment plants, and working with Rwanda’s healthcare sector to enhance patient outcomes through a health intelligence center.
Through these and other experiences, we’ve learned that successful organizations don't confine technology to one function or just one “flavor” of AI. Instead, they explore how the latest technologies can drive efficiency and profitability across their entire business, and then deploy them accordingly.
