Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 55 | Page 38

CIO OPINION
Digital Transformation is no longer a concept but a reality for businesses around the world striving to remain competitive and differentiate their products and services .
Chris Norton , Regional Director – Africa , Veeam

Africa : a youthful continent with immense potential

Chris Norton , Regional Director – Africa , Veeam , explains how a focus on education and ICT infrastructure would go a long way towards making the continent and its young population more competitive on the global scale .

Africa is a vibrant , diverse and innovative continent . According to the Brookings Institution , a research think-tank based in the US , Africa is underestimated and misunderstood but holds immense potential to contribute positively to the global economy and drive prosperity for its people .

As Africans , we must agree we are often misrepresented by regions that don ’ t understand our diverse culture and local nuances , but we cannot neglect the incredible innovation and development throughout the continent .
Africa has the youngest population in the world meaning that the continent has the dynamism and energy to become a substantial force as the future workforce comes of age . However , there is a degree of urgency to unlock this potential because other regions , both to the East and the West , are hurtling ahead with technological advancements that not only provide more convenience for consumers on those shores , but it also gives their businesses a competitive edge .
It is certainly possible for Africa to become more competitive internationally and help generate jobs , especially for the youth , but at the very minimum , it
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