Gerald Majoni’s Post

It's #TechTidesTuesday! 🌍 "Design with me, not for me" - The key to successful digital transformation in Africa's public sector? 📰 This week's TechTides column in Business Report and African Tech Roundup features insights from Marcus Rance, a digital transformation lead at Quantum Leap Consulting. With 14 years of experience and an impressive track record, including co-leading the Western Cape Government's award-winning digital strategy, Rance offers an earnest take on why many digital strategies in Africa fail to deliver expected impact. 🔗 Link to the op-ed in the comments! Key takeaways: 1. Digital transformation is more about human behaviour than technology 🧠 2. Empathy and citizen-centric approaches are crucial 🪪 3. 73% of the Western Cape's population is considered vulnerable - a statistic mirrored across much of Africa 📊 4. The Ubuntu philosophy aligns perfectly with co-creation in digital transformation 🌟 5. Rebuilding trust between governments and citizens is essential for success 🏛️ Rance argues that understanding citizen pain points and designing solutions WITH them, not FOR them, is the path to meaningful digital transformation. This approach could be the key to creating a digital future that truly improves lives across the continent. What are your thoughts on this citizen-centric approach to digital transformation? Have you seen successful examples in your country or organisation? #DigitalTransformation #AfricanInnovation #CitizenCentric #PublicSector #TechForGood 📸 : Wits School of Governance

Data is emerging as the key driver of future economic power. Advancing robust digital infrastructure and data frameworks on the African continent will reshape global dynamics and requires collaborative efforts. The seventh edition of our conference #TheAfricaRoundtable brought together diverse perspectives across sectors to discuss innovative approaches to strengthen digital sovereignty and improve data control on the continent. The Africa Roundtable convenes European and African leaders twice a year to tackle critical issues shaping both continents' futures. This edition, “Foundations for Africa’s Future: Digital Infrastructure, Digital Public Infrastructure and Data Sovereignty for Economic Growth”, delved into strategies to enhance digital infrastructure, empower local data ownership, and unlock Africa’s immense potential in the digital economy. Join the conversation by visiting https://lnkd.in/d_CwJn3w Thanks for joining Veronica M. Nduva, CBS, Jochen Flasbarth, Eng.John Kipchumba Tanui,CBS,MBS, Anna Sophie Herken, Catherine Muraga, Pren-Tsilya Boa-Guehe, Sunil Geness Rainmaker AI4GOV, Gerald Chirinda, Esther Masese Waititu, and Anna Ekeledo, among others. Thank you to our partners Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Mo Ibrahim Foundation BDI - Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie e.V. Smart Africa Credits: Mutunga Alamin, Wakitanga Visuals

🌍 Exciting insights from the recently concluded 7th edition of the African Roundtable! My illustrious fellow participants and speakers, delved into the pivotal role that data plays as the key driver of future economic power in Africa. The discussions highlighted that advancing robust digital infrastructure and data frameworks across Africa is essential for reshaping global dynamics. 🌐 As we continue to campaign to harness the power of data to unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth and development in Africa, it is through the work of fantastic organizations like the #GlobalPerspectivesInitiative that we are able to engender an increased lobby and momentum for Africa’s continued prosperity! Let’s continue to collaborate and innovate for a brighter African digital future! 💡✨ #DataForAfrica #DigitalSovereignty #Collaboration #Innovation #EconomicGrowth

The #AfricaCentreofCompetence: Leading Africa’s Digital Transformation! The #AfricaCentreofCompetence is driving change across the continent by equipping public servants with cutting-edge digital skills and AI expertise to lead Africa into a digitally connected, innovative, and prosperous future. 🚀 In a world where digital transformation is redefining economies and governance, empowering Africa’s public leaders is key to: ✔️ Enhancing service delivery through smarter, more efficient systems. ✔️ Fostering innovation to solve local and global challenges. ✔️ Boosting government efficiency for stronger, more responsive institutions. This groundbreaking initiative, powered by @MoICTKenya, @KSGKenya, @Microsoft, @googleafrica, @UNDPKenya, and other visionary #PartnersAtCore, will officially launch on 6th December 2024! 🌟 📌 Together, we’re building a future where Africa isn’t just a consumer of technology but a global leader in innovation and digital governance. Let’s make this vision a reality! 👉 Are YOU ready to embrace the digital revolution? Please share your thoughts, questions, or experiences with us as we count down to this transformative event. #AfricaDigitalCentre #AIforAfrica #DigitalSkills #JiendelezeKidigitali #InnovationAfrica #EmpoweredGovernance

Driving Growth in the Digital Industry Through Local Innovation The digital economy is transforming how we live, work and do business. For South Africa to thrive, we must understand and adapt to this digital landscape. Embracing digital innovation in both the public and private sectors is key to unlocking opportunities There is no shortage of remarkable ideas or people, but we need to harness local innovations to open new economies, scale businesses and compete internationally. The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) leverages the digital economy to support various sectors. We provide earth observation data, supercomputing capabilities and high-speed networks to enhance research. Our partnerships also connect isolated communities to affordable internet, fostering productivity. Find out more. Talk to us and we’ll make sure it’s possible. bit.ly/3KZhVnu #digital #digitaleconomy #digitaltransformation #bigdata #aitechnology #innovativetechnology #DSI

At the Africa Economic Summit this morning, I had the privilege of addressing the critical need for African ownership and control of our digital future. It's time we ask: Who is hosting our data? Can we trust them? 🤔 We must build data centers for Africa by Africans, ensuring that our data remains in our hands. Let's ignite the passion for a digital future that leaves no African behind, securing generational wealth and fostering responsible stewardship.  Together, we can turn our challenges into strengths and build a thriving tech ecosystem for the continent. 🇿🇦🚀 @ICAN4IR  #africatechsummit #africatechweek #africanleaders

At Preston Associates International Development, our work is not just about data – it is about driving impact and shaping the future of Africa. We’re proud of our work experiences which reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier solutions. Our team’s competence and ability to generate evidence-based insights have consistently led to transformative change. From evaluating large-scale projects to providing strategic monitoring, evaluation, and learning support, our work is fueled by integrity ensuring transparency and accountability at every step. The heart of Preston Associates International Development lies in our values of 🔑 Integrity – We stand by ethical data practices and transparency in all our projects. 🎯 Competence – Our team of experts continues to lead in delivering top-notch results for clients and partners. 💼 Excellence – We are relentless in our pursuit of quality, always striving to exceed expectations. Looking to the future, we are committed to unlocking the potential of AI and data in Africa’s development. As the continent continues its digital transformation, Preston Associates International Development envisions a future where artificial intelligence and data-driven strategies serve as the cornerstone of economic growth, social impact, and sustainable development. Our vision is bold: to be a foremost authority in Africa-focused data generation, management, and use. We believe in building a future where data empowers decision-makers, fuels innovation, and drives Africa toward sustainable and inclusive growth. Together, we can shape Africa’s future with data, technology, and unwavering commitment. 🌟 Join us in this journey toward excellence! UNICEF World Health Organization The World Bank Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Ecorys Mastercard Foundation USAID USAID Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Activity #DataForDevelopment #AIAfrica #SustainableGrowth #PrestonAssociates #InnovationInAfrica #BusinessIntegrity #ExcellenceInAction #AfricaDevelopment #AIandData

Where Innovation Meets Opportunity: Exploring Africa's Digital Economy   Journalists have an incredible opportunity to tell fresh, impactful stories by exploring new and rising markets. Innovation in payments and the digital economy is not just happening, it’s accelerating in regions like Africa. Last week, we were in London with Wiza Jalakasi, Director of Africa Expansion at EBANX, to talk with reporters and dive deep into the transformations taking place in countries like Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria. We love these conversations because they foster mutual learning: we provide journalists with direct access to an expert source in a promising market like Africa, while the executive and the company they represent gain valuable insights into the needs of those covering topics of public interest. This exchange not only enriches the storytelling process but also helps refine messages to make them more precise, impactful, and aligned with the audience's expectations. Africa’s youthful population, 60% under the age of 25, is redefining consumer behavior and fueling exponential growth in e-commerce and digital payments. By 2030, 250 million Africans will join the consuming class, making the region a powerhouse of opportunity for global digital businesses. These stories aren’t just about statistics; they’re about people gaining access to the global digital economy in ways never before possible. Let’s keep the conversation going!

🌟 Exciting News! The Special Issue on the Digital Divide in the Middle East and North Africa, Co-edited by Glenn Muschert and me, is Now Published! 🌟 https://lnkd.in/d_HjMsw4 After a long journey, Glenn and I are thrilled to announce that our special issue on Digital Divide in the MENA region is finally out. We had the privilege of collaborating with brilliant colleagues and authors to explore the intricate digital disparities in MENA. This collection of articles explores the complexities of digital disparities within MENA, taking into account cultural, economic, and historical factors. 📚 Highlights from the Issue: Multicultural Arab Context: Fahed Y. Alsumait, Ellen Helsper, and Miriam Rahali delve into digital inequalities in Kuwait, emphasizing the need to adapt survey methodologies to local contexts. https://lnkd.in/ds6TMfKH Journalism Sector: Noha Mellor examines the evolving role of technology in the Arab region, highlighting how digital divides perpetuate offline power dynamics and the impact of Big Tech on journalism. https://lnkd.in/ddf9_fcy Rural Turkey: Veysel Bozan and Emiliano Trere' focus on digital disconnection, revealing how infrastructure, geography, and socioeconomic conditions shape digital practices in rural Turkey. https://lnkd.in/dhXaUYSj North Africa: Hasnain Bokhari and Evans T Awun analyzes digital inclusion in Tunisia and Morocco, showing persistent inequalities despite improvements and emphasizing the link between digital inclusion and socioeconomic well-being. https://lnkd.in/dPigXVSg This thematic issue aims to encourage international study and address social challenges stemming from digital divides in MENA by critically discussing these disparities and their effects. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this special issue. Let’s keep the conversation going and work towards bridging the digital divide! Here our Introduction: https://lnkd.in/d_HjMsw4 #DigitalDivide #MENA #DigitalInclusion #ICT #Research #DigitalLiteracy #SocioeconomicImpact

By leveraging advanced technologies and employing rigorous research methodologies, we curate a wealth of data that empowers our clients to gain invaluable insights into potential investment opportunities, market trends, and competitive landscapes. Whether you’re a multinational corporation seeking expansion opportunities or an investor looking to capitalize on Africa’s burgeoning economy, Africa ExplorX equips you with the intelligence needed to navigate the complexities of the African business terrain confidently. #databases #dataanalytics #companies #africa