The GBM sustainability survey , in partnership with the International Data Corporation ( IDC ), was conducted among C-suite executives across multiple sectors in UAE , Qatar , Oman , Kuwait , Bahrain and Egypt . The findings of the survey were released in GBM ’ s ESG report at the IDC Middle East CIO Summit recently .

According to the findings , only 13 % of regional organisations have a sustainability practice that is deeply rooted across their operations . 16 % of the surveyed organisations are still in the planning phase of their sustainability programs and 57 % are at the early stages of their sustainability journey . 76 % of regional organisations also identified environmental impact as the top driver of their organisation ’ s sustainability strategy .

In this regard , we continue to cover articles in the magazine that address the issue of ESG and the environmental impact technology is having .

“ Technology is a key growth driver for the business and supports its ultimate goal of improving food security in Africa ,” says Vaughan .

Among the many insights , Vaughan shares that : “ Over the years , our organisation – and probably many others with operations as diverse as ours – had been running a set of highly complicated consolidated budgets on an annual basis . This is a mammoth task and there wasn ’ t much scope for in-depth scenario planning – or at least at the level that an organisation needs to be agile and proactive .” You can read more by turning to page 50 .

Elsewhere in the magazine , we look at how CIOs can build strong foundations for AI . You will find this feature on page 34 .

As usual , we have all your favourite features , opinion , insight pieces and analysis articles from the African continent . You can also read daily news updates on our website at www . intelligentcio . com / africa /.

And kindly , don ’ t forget if you would like to get in touch , please email me at manda @ lynchpinmedia . com . Once again , I would like to wish you a great month . Enjoy the read !

Gracing the cover of this month ’ s edition is Graeme Vaughan , CIO , Meridian Group , who outlines how the company is unleashing operational efficiency through an overhaul of processes and the use of the Corporate Planning software solution .

Manda Banda Editor

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