NEWS
Prosper Africa , IBM Consulting , launch pilot pharmaceutical supply chain to boost visibility
Prosper Africa ’ s Technology for Trade Alliance is launching its latest pilot in Africa to field test a digital platform intended to bring visibility to Africa ’ s drug supply chains , creating a more transparent , efficient , and safe commercial market for medications .
Prosper Africa , USAID ’ s e-Trade Alliance , IBM Consulting , and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy , NABP are collaborating to launch Pulse by NABP in South Africa .
Pulse will connect US and global pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Roche with African distributors and pharmacies in this emerging market , enabling better communication between trading partners and adding security to this evolving supply chain by enhancing the ability to identify and trace medications .
“ IBM is committed to applying technology and consulting expertise to enhance transparency and foster trust across critical industries like healthcare . The launch of Pulse by NABP demonstrates the power of digital solutions in transforming the pharmaceutical supply chain .” said Riaz Osman , Managing Partner , Southern Africa and Africa Growth Markets , IBM Consulting .
“ By leveraging AI and data we aim to create a secure , transparent environment that enables pharmacies and distributors to make more informed , data-driven decisions . This partnership underscores our dedication to help build resilient ecosystems that drive economic growth and societal impact .”
British Robinson , Prosper Africa ’ s Coordinator , said “ Through Prosper Africa ’ s Technology for Trade Alliance , under the Digital Trade for Africa initiative , we support partnerships between companies to leverage technology and create products , services that catalyse financial and social returns for
Riaz Osman , Managing Partner , Southern Africa and Africa Growth Markets , IBM Consulting
Africans and Americans alike . We are excited that IBM will use their Watson AI capabilities in this pilot to help improve the traceability of drugs exported to Africa .”
The African pharmaceutical market size was estimated at $ 26.85 billion in 2023 and is expected to expand by 3.4 % from 2024 to 2030 .
Axiz and Hitachi Vantara partner to sell out digital infrastructure into Africa
Axiz , one of Africa ’ s premier IT distributors has announced a strategic alliance with Hitachi Vantara , the data storage , infrastructure , and hybrid cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi . The partnership enhances Hitachi Vantara ’ s channel-focused approach , expanding its reach through Axiz ’ s extensive network across South Africa and 22 African countries .
The collaboration supports Hitachi Vantara ’ s goal of increasing channel-driven sales within the EMEA region , building on its current 76 % and aiming to exceed 90 % in the coming years .
Craig Brunsden , CEO Axiz
The alliance reinforces Hitachi Vantara ’ s commitment to empowering Axiz ’ s channel partners with advanced data solutions that support organisations in key sectors , such as finance , telecommunications , manufacturing , and government .
Through the collaboration , Hitachi Vantara ’ s partners and customers will gain improved access to sustainable , advanced technologies including
Virtual Storage Platform , VSP One solutions , data centre modernisation , hybrid cloud infrastructure , and cloud services , enabling them to scale and innovate in Africa ’ s fast-growing digital economy .
“ Our strategic partnership with Hitachi Vantara enables us to significantly expand our digital infrastructure offerings ,” said Craig Brunsden , CEO of Axiz .
The partnership enhances the Axiz product portfolio , allowing its channel partners to leverage Hitachi Vantara ’ s extensive services capabilities , including data migration , managed services , and consulting . These services will support partners in helping customers modernise and manage complex data environments more effectively .
Hitachi Vantara and Axiz will offer training , certifications , and incentives to enable Axiz ’ s channel partners to effectively integrate Hitachi Vantara ’ s solutions .
Partner enablement programmes will focus on building deep technical knowledge in key solutions areas such as VSP One and Hitachi Vantara ’ s cloud offerings , allowing Axiz ’ s partners to address emerging customer needs and capitalise on growth opportunities within the infrastructure space .
10 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com