FEATURE: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

What are the expected trends in cloud computing in 2025 that African CIOs and IT administrators need to know across innovation, adoption strategies, and emerging skills requirement.

Top executives from Alteryx,

Bentley Systems, Cloudera, Globant, ManageEngine, Tenable, Zoho, seek to provide these answers.

Edge computing will minimise latency by processing data closer to users, enabling faster real-time responses,” says Ram Vaidyanathan, Chief IT Security Evangelist, ManageEngine.

Cloud platforms will focus on hybrid and multicloud deployments, AI integration, and robust data management in 2025. Innovations will drive energyefficient infrastructures, cost-effective AI solutions, and stronger data governance. Hybrid cloud models will gain traction for flexibility, with machine learning tools enhancing data insights.

recent IBM survey revealed that 65 % of UAE IT leaders accelerated AI implementation in the past two years, highlighting the need for CIOs in 2025 to prioritise a unified and agile cloud strategy integrating SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS to drive innovation and business success. CIOs need to start by aligning cloud adoption with business objectives, leveraging SaaS for scalable applications, IaaS for flexible infrastructure, and PaaS for accelerated development and customisation.

By 2025, cloud platforms will evolve exponentially. AI will become the neural network of cloud initiatives, intelligently managing costs and resources while anticipating load and performance requirements. Integrating AI-enabled edge devices with cloud systems will optimise response times and deliver realtime analytics into user preferences.

“ Driven by the need for increased agility and scalability, cloud-native architectures will become the default for businesses in 2025. With the emphasis on intelligent decision-making in businesses across various sectors, cloud-native analytics will dominate, with companies increasingly adopting multi-cloud strategies to avoid vendor lock-in,” says Karl Crowther, VP of MEA, Alteryx.“ In 2025, cloud platforms are set to undergo major advancements. AI and machine learning will automate the management and optimisation of cloud resources, enhancing efficiency. The rise of serverless computing will offer businesses scalable solutions at lower costs.

In 2025, innovations in cloud platforms will continue to transform how infrastructure projects are delivered. Cloud-based technologies like digital twins continue to evolve to offer better quality real-time data integration and AI-powered insights, improving decision-making and sustainability efforts.

“ Cloud sprawl has become a fact of life for most organisations. While having a cloud security platform is critical, its power is exponentially amplified when treated as part of a comprehensive exposure management approach,” says Maher Jadallah, Vice President, Middle East and North Africa, Tenable.

“ Quantum computing will start to be incorporated into mainstream cloud workflows, handling specialised workloads. Additionally, hybrid and multi-cloud environments will become the standard, driven by compliance, data sovereignty, and specialised needs,” says Federico Pienovi, Chief Business Officer and CEO for New Markets, Globant.

Where is cloud innovation heading?

Multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud models will gain traction, providing businesses with more flexibility in their infrastructure. Furthermore, quantum computing will begin shaping cloud technologies, allowing for quicker processing of complex data. These innovations will make cloud services more efficient, affordable, and accessible for businesses.

34 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www. intelligentcio. com