Big Names Make CIO100 Awards List

African technology driver, dx⁵ has released the shortlist for its signature annual technology awards, CIO100 Awards. British American Tobacco (BAT) Nigeria, Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), and Sarova Hotels & Resorts are among the big companies that have made the list and will be feted in this year’s awards.

CIO100 Awards will recognise the top 100 companies using technology in innovative ways that deliver business value. These 100 companies were selected from an array of over 600 applications that dx⁵ received from across the continent.

Speaking about this year’s shortlist, dx5’s Chairman and Co-Founder, Harry Hare expressed his enthusiasm for the diversity and range of this year’s edition of CIO100 has given the awards an edge over previous years. “We received applications from over 600 organisations across the continent, which reflects Africa’s growing embrace of technology and its positive impact. Technology is the ultimate winner here, and it’s inspiring to witness our continent’s technological evolution,” Hare noted.

Now in its 15^th edition, the CIO100 Awards has always aimed to celebrate and recognise companies, and the individuals in them, that have successfully leveraged technology to impact on lives and bottom lines in African organisations. The awards which have also been referred to as The Oscars of Tech in Africa will fete the leaders of tech in different sectors.

This year has 14 different categories with the most sought-after awards being CIO of the Year for the individual who has led the most compelling project that not only successfully incorporated technology but has also merged business strategy with the organisations vision. Last year’s winner, Moses Okundi, CIO/CTO, Absa Bank Kenya has been nominated for the second year in a row and will compete against 10 other outstanding nominees.

He will be defending his title against James Nyakomitta, Group CIO, APA Insurance, Martin Mwarangu, Group General Manager – ICT/SAP Project Manager, KTDA, Peter Kanda, CIO, Gertrude’s Children Hospital, Gilbert Mutai, Head of IT, Car and General Group, Sachin Samat, Director – Group IT, NCBA Bank Kenya, Charles Washika, Director ICT & Innovation, Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Debra Ngina, IT Manager, Sarova Hotels & Resorts, James Muigai, Director Information Technology & Operations, Sidian Bank, Edgar Okioga, Area Head of DBS, West & Central Africa, BAT-Nigeria, and Kwame Makundi, Chief Technology & Digital Transformation, NMB Bank Plc.

Additionally, county governments will not be overlooked as shortlisted candidates for the Local Government award are regions such as the County Government of Kitui, the County Government of Nyandarua, and the County Government of Makueni. Similarly, different government corporations such as the Ministry of Water & Environment Uganda, Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, and the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) make a strong appearance.

Other award categories are the Education Sector Award, Health Sector Award, Manufacturing Sector Award, SACCO Sector Award, Insurance Sector Award, and Banking Sector Award. Noteworthy accolades to watch out for are the dxNova Woman of the Year Award, Company of the Year Award and the CXO Influencer of the Year Award.

The winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner at the Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort in Diani on the evening of 24 November 2023. This will be a fitting end to the three-day CIO100 Symposium at the same venue.