Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 16 | Page 45

“Disruptive technologies, because of digital transformation, have the potential to meet Africa’s development needs, enabling the different countries to be among some of the fastest-growing economies. This is where the protection of intellectual property, ICT related innovation and start- up activities is paramount.” Digital transformation is impacting people’s everyday life and has the power to transform communities and even whole economies in Africa. “Access to mobile phones, especially smartphones, is growing exponentially,” added Mbonambi. www.intelligentcio.com “ WE KNOW THAT ORGANISATIONS THAT DO NOT TRANSFORM RISK BEING LEFT BEHIND OR FORCED TO SHUT THEIR DOORS. “This has made information more accessible to people and has changed their lifestyles considerably. This is evident in the growth of online stores, the rise of online transactions through banking apps, access to transport and accommodation and the use of social media to reach customers directly. “Digital currency, such as mobile money, is also a key consideration on the African continent and FinTech’s are disrupting the way traditional banks operate.” He says the change in effective business models because of digital transformation is creating new rules of engagement, that more traditional organisations must take heed of. INTELLIGENTCIO 45