Is Digital Transformation All About Technology?

dx100 Symposium and Awards started out successfully with an array of discussions around digital transformation topics. Tech leaders from all around the continent turned up for the tech event that aims to recognize the efforts that tech leaders put into revolutionizing the continent.

The highlight of the event was the first panel that focused on how Africa can leverage on different aspects of digital transformation for growth. For this specific panel, there was a heated discussion on whether technology is all that is needed to have a successful project leveraging on digital transformation.

Moderated by dx5 Chairman, Harry Hare, the panel also embroiled key tech leaders who have influenced the growth of digital transformation in Africa in one way or another. The panellists included Prof Louis Fourie (Deputy VC at Cape Peninsula University), Allan Kipsang’ (Tribe Lead, Enterprise Solutions, Safaricom Plc), Catherine Muraga (Managing Director, Microsoft Africa Development Centre), and Steve Kamuya (Executive Director, Huawei Technologies Kenya).

In as much as technology is important in Digital Transformation, the panelists agreed that it is not the only thing that companies need to focus on to have a successful digital transformation journey. There are other aspects of digital transformation that, together, will help companies run projects backed on digital transformation.

The panellists further talked about how technology is the backbone of digital transformation but to continue growing in the digital transformation journey, we need to also look at the People, the Culture, and other factors that affect the growth of the company.

The most difficult part of digital transformation is ‘the people’, not the technology. Culture also plays a big role in the development of digital transformation and it is crucial to look at transformation of the culture,” Prof Louis Fourie, Deputy VC at Cape Peninsula University, said in part during the panel discussions.

Another aspect that companies’ leaders fail to focus on is the definition of digital transformation itself. The definition will also mean that you understand what it all takes to successfully leverage on it for the growth of the company.

The Microsoft ADC Managing Director, Catherine Muraga, views technology as one of the key things that make a successful digital transformation project.

“For me, digital transformation is really about selling a vision. Take an analogy of building a cathedral. In this case it’s explaining to the people who will cut the stones, those who will curve the doors, and those handling other areas. So that’s how I view technology in digital transformation, it’s one of the things needed to have a successful digital transformation journey,” Catherine said.

The three-day event started off with a golf tournament; the afternoon involved the official opening of the event; and a couple of important topics were discussed, led by different tech leaders from across the continent. It will be capped off with a gala night on Friday where various tech leaders will be feted for their contribution towards digital transformation in Africa.

The 14^th edition of the Digital Transformation awards has brought together different tech leaders from across the continent, making it the most widespread edition of the annual awards. With just the first day, the attendees are already getting the ultimate magical Diani experience with coupled with engaging tech conversations.