On the lighter side of things , we ask the industry experts what makes them tick . . . .

From a macro perspective , the IT industry has a critical skills shortage , particularly in cybersecurity . There is a notable surge in investment in education initiatives that aim to address this challenge . Locally we have identified that skills development and cybersecurity awareness are trending topics especially within East and West Africa .

investments are being directed towards these regions to capitalise on the opportunities they offer .

High growth and emerging markets , particularly with regards to the Middle East , Africa and Turkey markets , present opportunities for investment .

What are the challenges when implementing new technologies in Africa ?

Tactically , we see customers are increasingly making substantial investments to transition from on-premises infrastructures to cloud-based solutions . This shift reflects the evolving needs of organisations seeking to optimise their operations and leverage the benefits of cloud technology . Governments are also playing a pivotal role in driving investments by enforcing regulations , policies and compliance measures . This heightened focus on governance and infrastructure improvements not only attracts investors but also enhances investor relations .

Consequently , East and West Africa have emerged as highly attractive markets , currently receiving significant attention and resources from forward-thinking vendors and next-generation thinkers . Recognising the potential of these key African markets , substantial

• Infrastructure limitations .

• Digital divide .

• Skills shortage .

• Country specific regulatory environments .

• Cultural and contextual considerations .

Addressing region-specific challenges requires a holistic approach that involves collaboration among stakeholders , including governments , businesses and technology providers .

What are the overall changes in your job role ?

Change is constant in the diverse economic landscape of Africa . Vendors , distributors and channel partners need to invest in understanding how the economy is

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