BrazilKPMG holds Harvey Nash CIO survey in Nairobi
Following the latest edition of its Harvey Nash survey in Nairobi, Big Four accounting and advisory firm KPMG has revealed the results, highlighting that businesses across East Africa are moving to digitalise their operations. The survey was conducted amongst C-Suite executives from across East Africa.
Results were launched on the 25th of September, after a number of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) took a survey that indicated the level of digital adoption within their organisations. The survey included questions about the intentions behind digital investments.
“Almost half (44%) of organisations expect to change their products and / or services offering or business models fundamentally in the next three years using technology, spear headed by the chief digital officers who are fast overtaking the CIOs,” revealed Gerald Kasimu, Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Kenya.
The firm reported that more than 60% of the executives surveyed have set aside budgets in their organisation under the head of ‘business-managed IT’ expenditure, entailing a targeted move towards a more digital profile in general. The results confirm a trend that many have reported in recent months.
A PwC report from August this year revealed that businesses in East Africa, and across the rest of Africa, have registered a remarkable shift in attitude towards digital integration. Where most were earlier weary of the extra costs involved, many are investing in digitalisation.
Nancy Mosa, Head of IT Advisory Services at the firm, commented “The survey provides direct insight into the priorities, strategies and careers of senior technology leaders around the world in this digital age.” The survey also revealed that more than 30% of the executives plan to automate over 20% of the roles in their organisations in the coming years.
“IT leaders are reporting budget increases today than at any other time in the last 15 years, but what are they using this for? How are they managing the balance between the huge opportunities that disruptive technologies such as AI bring and the risks of cyber security, data privacy and regulation?” added Mosa.
Cybersecurity has been a particular cause for concern in a digitalising Africa, as most newly digitalised businesses remain vulnerable to malicious cyber attacks. Spending on cyber security is also likely to increase in the near future as a result.
