Experts Urge African Organisations to Embrace Digital Transformation for Economic Growth
Organisations and government agencies across Africa have been strongly encouraged to prioritise digital transformation as a critical strategy for innovation, competitiveness, and economic advancement. This call was made during the opening session of a five-day training workshop in Lagos, organised by Tetconsult for selected government agencies and business executives from Nigeria and Ghana. The event focused on equipping participants with strategies for navigating the digital age under the theme: “Digital Transformation – Strategies for the New Digital Age.”
Keynote speaker Ayofe Olatunji, Osun State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, Technology and Digital Economy, emphasised that embracing digital transformation is no longer optional but essential for boosting productivity and unlocking new economic opportunities. He revealed that Osun State is finalising its e-governance plan, aiming to fully digitise government operations within three months. Olatunji described the digital economy as vital for competitiveness and long-term economic development.
Supporting this message, Oyekanmi Elegushi, General Manager of Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), represented by Ms. Yemisi Akinnuoye, highlighted Lagos State’s achievements in digital infrastructure. He noted that an additional 2,700km of fibre optic cable has been laid, adding to the existing 3,300km network. He stressed that digital transformation enables better data-driven decision-making, which is critical for modern governance and infrastructure planning.
Dr. Edmond Katiti, a Senior Consultant from Tetconsult South Africa, defined digital transformation as a reimagining of business operations and customer engagement using modern digital tools. He urged organisations to focus on empowering both their employees and clients rather than controlling them. Katiti pointed out the shift from traditional hierarchical models to more autonomous and transparent systems driven by technology.
Shola Taylor, CEO of Tetconsult, concluded that the workshop was designed to motivate institutions to implement actionable digital transformation strategies. He emphasised that industries are rapidly evolving, and organisations must rethink their processes and objectives. Taylor said the training would guide attendees in evaluating their current digital readiness and help them lay the foundation for long-term technological integration.
Source: This DAY