Dimension Data marks over 3 decades in Africa's tech sector

Dimension Data, a major player in Africa's tech sector with over three decades of operations in the region, has recently rebranded to its parent multinational name of NTT Data. This strategic move aims to enhance its market positioning and expand its footprint across the African continent. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Alan Turnley-Jones, CEO of Dimension Data, discussed the company's vision for the future and the opportunities and challenges in the tech and AI landscape in Africa. With South Africa as its largest market, Dimension Data has been steadily growing its operations in both the Middle East and East Africa regions. Turnley-Jones highlighted the significant market size in the region and expressed optimism about the potential for further expansion in these markets to mirror the success in South Africa. Following the rebranding to NTT Data, Turnley-Jones emphasized the importance of leveraging the global company's investment and intellectual property to drive development in Africa. He noted that the combination of Dimension Data's local expertise with NTT Data's resources would differentiate the company in the global competitive landscape. The conversation then shifted to the topic of AI adoption in Africa. Turnley-Jones underscored the opportunity for accelerated AI implementation on the continent, citing the rich and diverse talent pool as a key asset. He highlighted NTT Data's choice of South Africa as a talent destination for developing AI capabilities and stressed the importance of embracing AI tools to stay competitive in the evolving tech landscape. When discussing the challenges facing the tech scene in Africa, Turnley-Jones identified the need for a transformation of the technology landscape to accommodate new innovations like AI. He emphasized the potential for technology to address sustainability and energy concerns while driving tech adoption. By adopting new technologies, including AI, Africa can create more data opportunities and further integrate AI into everyday operations. Addressing the skills shortage in AI, Turnley-Jones emphasized the importance of programming and coding skills to leverage AI effectively. He highlighted the need to develop future coders and programmers within organizations to fill the skills gap. Dimension Data is focusing on digitizing skill sets and nurturing talent to drive faster skills development and address the pressing need for AI expertise in the region. As Dimension Data transitions to NTT Data and looks to the future, the company is poised to play a key role in shaping Africa's tech sector and driving innovation in AI and technology. With a strategic approach to market expansion and skill development, Dimension Data is set to make a significant impact on the tech landscape in Africa.