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CIO100 Applications Closes With Record 1,200 Entries
CIO Africa by dx5 has officially closed applications for the highly anticipated CIO100 Awards 2025, with a record 1,200 entries submitted. It sets the stage for one of the most competitive editions in the event’s history.
Applications poured in from across the continent, with notable participation from East African countries Rwanda, Tanzania and, of course, Kenya; Nigeria, South Africa, Mauritius, and several other countries. This strong turnout underscores how technology is no longer confined to a supporting role but is increasingly driving innovation, strategy, and transformation across diverse industries.
Entries represented a broad spectrum of sectors ranging from finance, banking, healthcare, education, agriculture, and retail, highlighting the depth and maturity of Africa’s dynamic technology ecosystem.
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While the submissions have been robust and multifaceted, only 100 organisations can secure a spot on the prestigious CIO100 list after a rigorous judging process, making the competition fiercer than ever.
“The incredible response we’ve seen this year shows technology in Africa has moved beyond a cost centre. It is shaping strategy, giving businesses a competitive edge, and even fostering national growth. As a result, the CIO100 Awards have, over time, proven to be more than a celebration. It has matured to reflect the continent’s progress and the promise of what lies ahead,” said Harry Hare, Chairman, CIO Africa by dx5.
Beyond the awards ceremony, the CIO100 Symposium will be a three-day immersion into the future of technology. Attendees can expect high-level panel discussions, masterclasses, and keynote addresses from industry thought leaders, innovators, and global partners.
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While universal themes such as cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, and big data analytics are making a strong showing as trends, the true intrigue lies in the unique, pioneering projects that will undoubtedly define Africa’s tech narrative for years to come.
The suspense builds toward 19-21 November 2025’s CIO100 Symposium & Awards 2025, where some of the brightest minds will gather at Enashipai Resort & Spa, Naivasha.
What Awaits You At CIO100 2025
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Unveiling the CIO100 Report
The Symposium will open with the unveiling of the CIO100 Mega Trends Report, a first look at exclusive research into Africa’s most forward-thinking IT projects. It will highlight how AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity and other emerging trends are steadily reshaping industries. It also brings to light the most distinctive projects that broke into the Top 100 list; initiatives that stand out for their creativity and execution, offering lessons that other organisations can learn from or adapt to their journeys.
Keynotes From Visionaries
A cross-section of stages will welcome voices from across the world-renowned leaders, innovators and futurists, industry leaders who will reflect on whether Africa’s growth is advancing step by step or moving toward a more radical transformation. Drawn from across sectors to tech start-ups, these leaders will share stories of innovation, risk, and resilience. Their conversations will not only challenge long-held assumptions but also provide practical insights into what is working and what still needs to change.
The Awards Night
CIO100 culminates in the long-awaited moment of truth: the reveal of the Top 100 CIOs list. An evening dedicated to celebrating leaders who have gone beyond adopting technology to turning it into a genuine business advantage. The awards night promises a blend of recognition and storytelling, shining a light on Africa’s brightest tech trailblazers and the journeys that brought them to this stage.
Some of the Most Innovative Company of the Year winners have included Kenya Airways (2018), Bidco Africa (2020), Diageo (2022), KTDA (2023) and British American Tobacco (Nigeria) (2024).