Sylvia Mulinge
Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the MTN ICT Expo at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. This event was an incredible gathering of customers, experts, and thought leaders, all exploring how digital transformation is shaping various sectors like health, education, banking, ICT, and even the public sector. Among the many fascinating talks, one that truly resonated with me was Dr. Shikoh Gitau’s keynote on the transformative power of digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Dr. Gitau, who heads Qhala, a digital innovation company based in Nairobi, challenged us to think beyond just digitizing what already exists. She made a compelling case for using technology not just to automate old processes, but to completely reimagine how we operate. Her message was clear: for digital transformation to be successful, it needs to be more than just about the tech. It requires a holistic approach—one that weaves together people, processes, customer experience, and data.
One of the major takeaways from her talk was the role AI plays as a driving force in digital transformation. AI isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s a game-changing tool that’s reshaping industries worldwide. Dr. Gitau pointed out that a staggering 90percent of companies are ramping up their AI investments in 2024, and a whopping 94 percent of business leaders see it as crucial to their success.
AI has unparalleled potential to spark innovation, boost efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction—but it’s not just about having the technology. Success requires a strategic approach that blends technology with a clear vision and the agility to adapt.Her insights hit home, especially in today’s fast-paced world where businesses face a simple choice: embrace digital transformation or risk being left behind. The right digital strategies can help businesses run more efficiently, innovate constantly, and grow sustainably.
Technologies like cloud services, unified communications, IoT, and AI aren’t just upgrades—they’re revolutionary tools that can elevate organizations to new levels of operational excellence and market dominance. The Expo was a showcase of how digital technologies are already transforming businesses across different sectors. This year’s theme, “Accelerating Business Transformation using Digital Technologies,” couldn’t be more relevant for Uganda’s quickly evolving ICT landscape.
The discussions highlighted an urgent need for businesses to rethink how they’re using technology to fuel growth and innovation.Personally, I believe AI has the power to be a transformative tool for any business. Its ability to sift through massive amounts of data, predict trends, and automate decision-making makes it invaluable for staying competitive. But, unlocking AI’s full potential requires businesses to adopt a data-driven mindset and invest in strong digital infrastructure. Building this infrastructure is not something businesses can do alone—it needs collaboration between the public and private sectors.
By nurturing innovation ecosystems and supporting startups through funding and mentorship, we can drive AI innovation forward. Moreover, promoting STEM education and boosting digital literacy are critical steps in developing the talent and skills needed to thrive in a digital economy. These strategies are key to ensuring that AI and other digital technologies are used effectively to transform industries and improve lives. Of course, digital transformation isn’t without its challenges.
Integration issues, data security concerns, and the need for ongoing employee training are real hurdles that require thoughtful planning and execution. A careful approach, with strong data security measures and tailored training programs, will help teams navigate this digital landscape with confidence.The global pandemic has shown just how vulnerable traditional business models can be, underscoring the importance of resilience.
Digital technologies offer the flexibility needed to quickly adapt to disruptions and keep operations running smoothly. More than that, these solutions have the potential to bridge gaps and promote inclusivity, creating opportunities for everyone to succeed.In the end, the future belongs to those who are ready to innovate and adapt.
Digital transformation isn’t just about staying ahead of the curve; it’s about driving real change that improves lives and strengthens communities. By embracing and leveraging advanced technology, businesses can unlock incredible opportunities, ensuring long-term success and sustainability. The time to invest in digital transformation is now, and as digital leaders, it’s our responsibility to lead the way.
Ms Sylvia Mulinge is the CEO, MTN Uganda
