IDC's Upcoming CIO Summit in South Africa to Explore Strategies for AI-Driven Digital Transformation

Johannesburg, April 19, 2024 – As the continent braces for a future powered by AI, Africa's tech leaders are due to converge on Johannesburg's Focus Rooms on May 7 for the 16th annual installment of the IDC South Africa CIO Summit. Set against a backdrop of unprecedented global uncertainty, the summit promises to serve as a beacon of insight, innovation, and collaboration.

In the wake of the disruptions first sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa's CIOs are leveraging technology to chart a course toward resilience and growth. And with AI emerging as a cornerstone of this journey, the IDC South Africa CIO Summit 2024 will shine a spotlight on the transformative potential of generative AI (GenAI) and its impact on industries, economies, and societies.

Modern CIOs must play a multidimensional role as strategic architects, innovators, and collaborators. With this in mind, the IDC South Africa CIO Summit 2024 will address the theme 'The Future of IT: Rethinking Digitalization for an AI Everywhere World', with a host of expert speakers exploring strategies for building data-centric platforms, embracing cloud governance, redefining security, and nurturing digital talent.

"With AI poised to permeate every facet of business and life, CIOs must prepare for an 'AI Everywhere' future," says Jyoti Lalchandani, IDC's group vice president and regional managing director for the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa. "IDC forecasts AI-centric spending to exceed $300 billion globally by 2026, underscoring the urgency for AI readiness. Presenting actionable insights and best practices for driving sustained success, the IDC South Africa CIO Summit 2024 offers a unique opportunity for technology leaders to explore the strategic implications of AI in today's digital landscape."

Prominent industry figures will be on hand to share practical insights for navigating the changing roles, expectations, and operating models of IT organizations, with expert panelists including:

• Jaco Coetzee, Chief Information Officer, FNB South Africa
• Mohammed Gause, Chief Information Officer, Tiger Brands
• Aveena Mothilall, Chief Information Officer, Engen Petroleum
• Celia Mantshiyane, Chief Information Security Officer, MTN Group
• Ishaaq Jacobs, Chief Cybersecurity Officer, Sasol
• Thabo Mashegoane, Chief Advisor IT Architect, Eskom Holdings
• John Arends, Group Head of IT and Network Operations, City of Johannesburg
• Paul Casarin, CIO, Spur Corporation

IDC would also like to extend its gratitude to the following esteemed members of its regional CIO Advisory Council for their invaluable contribution to shaping the agenda of the IDC South Africa CIO Summit 2024:

• Sne Dlamini, CIO, Discovery Insure
• Viren Naidu, CIO, Hollard Insurance
• Jenny Mohanlall, Senior IT Director, DHL
• Louise van der Bank, CIO, AfriSam
• Luyanda Ntuane, Group CISO, Motus Holdings
• Shalin Naidoo, Chief Information & Technology Officer, DRDGOLD Limited
• Reinette Fourie, Executive IT Manager, Medihelp
• Reinhardt Gerber, Head of IT, Sea Harvest Group
• Faith Burn, CIO, Eskom Holdings
• Helen Constantinides, CIO, AVBOB

Join all of the above at the IDC South Africa CIO Summit 2024 as they navigate the future of AI-driven digitalization and chart a course towards sustainable innovation and growth in Africa's dynamic tech landscape.

For more information about the IDC South Africa CIO Summit 2024, please contact Sheila Manek at [email protected] or on +971 4 446 3154. Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) using the hashtag #IDCSACIO.