NAIROBI, Kenya- The stage is set for the 16th edition of the CIO100 Symposium & Awards, bringing together some of Africa’s most influential tech minds to dive deep into the continent’s evolving digital landscape.
Scheduled for November 20-22, 2024, at the Enashipai Resort and Spa in Kenya, the event will host CIOs, tech pioneers, and innovators to discuss the latest trends, from artificial intelligence (AI) to cybersecurity.
It’s a celebration of those leading Africa’s tech charge and a rare opportunity for participants to collaborate on pressing issues that could shape the future of digital transformation across the continent.
“By recognizing those at the forefront of integrating technology with business strategy, we’re not just celebrating innovation; we’re setting a standard for a future where technology is essential for business success and social progress,” says Andrew Karanja, Director of CIO Africa by dx5.
The event, he notes, is a platform for recognizing the tech talent driving Africa forward and is fueled by the support of sponsors like AWS, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and SEACOM, who are equally committed to fostering technological growth in Africa.
This year’s symposium will celebrate the top 100 CIOs in Africa, who have not only led transformative projects within their organizations but also set benchmarks for industry innovation.
The coveted “CIO of the Year” award will honor one standout leader among these top 100, recognizing their impact in seamlessly aligning technology with business vision and strategy.
Past winners include notable figures like Moses Okundi, CTO at Absa Bank, and Jaine Mwai, CIO at Standard Chartered Bank.
In a year marked by AI’s explosive influence on industries worldwide, the CIO100 Symposium will emphasize how AI and machine learning are reshaping businesses across Africa.
As Charles Washika, the current CIO of the Year and ICT Director at Cooperative Bank Kenya, points out, “AI has become central to everything we do, particularly in banking, where security is paramount, and data privacy is critical.”
Washika highlights the growing need for organizations to harness AI responsibly to stay ahead of cyber threats, which now increasingly use AI-driven tactics.
Alongside AI, the symposium will focus on other pressing topics such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Experts from across Africa and the Middle East, including tech leaders from South Africa, Nigeria, and the UAE, will lead engaging keynotes, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops. Explore the full event agenda.
Beyond the discussions, the CIO100 Symposium serves as an essential networking hub.
Leading up to the event, dx5 hosted a teaser session at their Tatu City offices, where past awardees, including 2014 winner Kenneth Ogwang’ of Diageo, engaged in a thought-provoking panel on AI’s role in business.
Double-nominee Gilbert Mutai, CIO of Car & General Group, expressed his excitement: “The symposium has always provided a unique platform to learn from peers and exchange valuable insights.”
As Africa’s tech leaders converge on Enashipai Resort, the CIO100 Symposium promises to be a landmark event, celebrating innovation, knowledge-sharing, and the relentless drive to shape the continent’s digital future.
