CIO100 Awards 2024 Set To Hold Discussions On AI Use For Business

The 16^th edition of CIO100 Awards and Symposium is set to bring together IT leaders from across the continent with discussions revolving around emerging technologies. The event is slated for 20^th to 22^nd of November 2024 at Enashipai Resort and SPA, Naivasha.

In a year that Artificial Intelligence has been the main talk of the town in technology spaces, the event will also focus on how it has affected businesses in the continent.

dx⁵, the organizers of the event, held a teaser session at their offices in Tatu City, bringing together CIOs who have been part of technology growth in Africa. The session involved a panel discussion around the use of AI in businesses with the current CIO of the Year, Charles Washika, Director ICT and Innovations at Cooperative Bank Kenya, this year’s CIO of the Year nominee, Gilbert Mutai, CIO Car & General, the 2014 CIO of the Year winner Kenneth Ogwang’, Head of Digital and Technology at Diageo. The session was moderated by Peter Kanda, the cofounder of TruSource.io

Washika talked about the growth of Artificial Intelligence and the need for companies to adopt these emerging technologies.

“Looking at the banking sector, for instance, security is very important because we handle a lot of data from customers. This is data that is targeted a lot by attackers who are now also using AI in their attacks. We also need to use these technologies to ensure that we are always ahead of them, and that all our systems are working well, and the customer’s data is protected,” Washika, who is the current CIO of The Year, noted.

On his part, Ogwang’, echoed Washika’s statement adding that a lot of companies are now investing heavy on emerging technologies because they want to stay updated and ahead of the curve.

Speaking to media at the session, Andrew Karanja, the Director of Dx5, talked about the CIO100 event. He further talked about the history of the event and why it is important to recognize tech talent and fuel the growth of technology in the country.

“This event is not just a celebration; it’s a testament to the relentless spirit of innovation that drives our continent. By recognizing those at the forefront of integrating technology with business strategy, we are setting a standard and inspiring a future where technology is a pivotal part of business success and societal advancement in Africa. Our journey towards technological excellence is made possible by the support of our sponsors. Their commitment to fostering innovation and supporting our vision is invaluable,” Karanja noted.

The major highlight of the event is the ‘CIO of the Year’ award, celebrating an individual who has led a project that integrates technology with the organization’s vision and business strategy. Past winners include Moses Okundi, CTO/CIO of Absa Bank; Tom Mboya, Technology Lead for East Africa at Unilever; George Njuguna, Director of Information Technology (CIO) at Safaricom PLC; Jaine Mwai, CIO at Standard Chartered Bank; and Kenneth Ogwang’, Head of Digital and Technology for Eastern and Southern Africa at Diageo.

Last year’s and this year’s nominee of the CIO of the Year Award, Mutai supported Andrew’s statement adding that he has always been part of the event. According to Mutai, who is the CIO of Car and General Group, the event has always provided him with an opportunity to learn from peers and engage with them as well.

The event’s sponsors include AWS, Freshworks, BUI, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Westcon Comstor, Manage Engine, Africa Data Centres, SEACOM, Relational FS, Servercore, Radware, IP River, and Cloud Plexo.