Business, tech leaders examine AI, data cloud

South Africa’s business leaders, technology experts, and SAP partners gathered in Johannesburg on Thursday to examine how cloud, data, and artificial intelligence innovations are transforming enterprises and creating new growth opportunities.

Managing Director, Southern Africa at SAP, Nazia Pillay, said in a statement that South African organisations were at a turning point.

“The convergence of data, cloud, and AI technologies presents an extraordinary opportunity to rethink how we operate, innovate, and grow. By combining new thinking with AI-enabled skills and the latest technologies, companies across the region can unlock a new era of accelerated growth and innovation,” she said.

Tech skills development has gained renewed attention as companies compete for skilled workers capable of unlocking the potential of AI and other emerging technologies.

Research conducted by SAP found that nine in 10 African organisations are already suffering negative effects from a lack of AI skills, including failed innovation projects, delayed implementations, and the inability to take on new work.

“This digital shift is empowering organisations to make faster, data-driven decisions, close the skills gap, and build more resilient, future-ready enterprises. We must equip our workforce with the right skills to fully harness the potential of these emerging technologies,” said SAP Solution Architect at Nedbank, Genni Barnes.

Keynote speaker and Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Professor Bonang Mohale, stated that South Africa’s competitiveness in the digital age depends on decisive leadership.

“Innovation is a necessity for national competitiveness. Collectively, we must ensure we’re not just adopting global technologies but adapting them to our unique context to create lasting value for our businesses, our people, and our economy,” he said.