dxNova: A Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative

dx⁵ (formerly CIO Africa), has launched dxNova, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiative. Born out of a need for DE&I in the tech space and sustainable digital transformation, dxNova is a three-pronged approach to inclusion. Uniting women, youth and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in digital transformation, dxNova strives to stretch beyond the dx⁵ walls, reach out to those who have historically been excluded and raise awareness in the tech industry as a whole.

Speaking on the launch of dxNova, Harry Hare, Co-Founder and Chairman, dx⁵, disclosed that, “Diversity, equity, and inclusion are three pillars of a modern workplace. Together they create an environment that’s transformative, inclusive, and truly representative of the world around us. But getting there doesn’t have to be a struggle. By embracing these principles at every level of our sector, everyone can feel valued and respected for who they are.”

There is a strong business case for DE&I. Diversity, it has been proven, wins. A 2020 McKinsey report on the same reveals that “The relationship between diversity on executive teams and the likelihood of financial outperformance is now even stronger than before.” Companies that are making huge strides in diversity are also adopting “systematic, business-led approaches to inclusion and diversity.”

Kelly Bentley, Co-Founder and Group CEO, dx⁵, says that dxNova will run in tandem with the dx⁵ mission and vision, “Diversity, equity, and inclusion shouldn’t just be a company value. It needs persistent action, engagement and commitment and it involves every person, at every level, in every business. As dx⁵ we believe our responsibility lies in using the platforms that we have created to amplify this message to the growing tech communities we have the privilege to serve across the continent”

The three pillars of the initiative will drive unique engagement and messaging relevant to each group represented. Part of the barriers experienced across the industry relate to relevance and understanding, a 55-year-old woman in the tech industry is treated very differently to a girl who is going into her first year of a degree in information technology.

“We are not looking to reinvent the wheel. Becoming agents of change involves partnering with organisations and individuals across Africa who drive an agenda around women in tech, youth in tech and disability in tech to see how we can leverage our network to build awareness in these three areas. Adding that, “This is vital for us not only as an organisation but also as individuals looking to be part of something meaningful and impactful.”

The dxNova vision is to foster belonging and empowerment in digital transformation across Africa while the dxNova mission is:

Listen and engage
Embrace and amplify
Respect and celebrate

In line with this vision and mission, dxNova will now become part of every dx⁵engagement platform in an effort to play a part in driving transformation across the industry and the continent. Over the next 12 months dx⁵ will be taking specific action launching:

The inclusion of dxNova engagement in all dx^5-owned events
Partnership with key organisations and individuals driving the same agenda across the three pillars – women, youth and disability in tech
A dedicated monthly segment in the CIO Africa magazine
An ongoing social media campaign across multiple dx⁵ platforms highlighting and educating specific issues and challenges related to each pillar
The creation of a dxNova Advisory Council including individuals from across Africa

To start off, dxNova will make its 2022 debut with an Influencer Panel and an Ideation Session as well as the celebration identifying a winner for the dxNova Award For Women In Digital Transformation at the Digital Transformation (dx100) Symposium & Awards from 23- 25 November 2022.