| | June 20209CIOReviewThere are four common success factors that are not negotiable in the African region--relevance, affordability, security, and accessibilitycustomers, predict churn, innovate on products, enhance services, lower costs and robotic process automation.· Retail ­ analytics to measure customer loyalty, e-Commerce disruption, in-store experience (digital signage, AR/VR), Operational rationalization ­ IoT, blockchain, AI.· Healthcare - Integrated patient records, Patient analytics, "Zero waiting time", remote doctor on-demand, telemedicine, Intelligent Automation in core areasFour Pillars for Digital Transformation Success in AfricaOver the last 20 years many new technologies have been implemented in the African region ­ some with resounding success ­ think the mPesa payment platform, while others have floundered and died. IDC has noted four common success factors that are not negotiable in the region - we call this the RASA filter. Relevance The African region has unique operating environment characteristics ranging from diverse consumer preferences to specific line of business expectations. If a solution is promoted purely based on technological attributes such as speeds and feeds and ignores the direct impact that the application of the solution will have on the ultimate user, then it is bound to stutter. The relevance of the solution must map exactly to a business outcome such as increased customer satisfaction, higher production output, or improved sales volumes. The question to ask is "How does this solution immeasurably improve what aspect of the business?"AffordabilityCost is an inevitable aspect of any technology implementation and more so in the African context. Local currency values fluctuate wildly and buying power versus stable international currencies is typically weak while pricing is denominated in these currencies. In many cases the technology is desired and will make a significant impact on the business yet is not affordable when measured against returns expected.SecurityAs the variety and complexity of technology increases, so does the security threat surface available for malicious exploitation. Africa is well connected to the global ecosystem in terms of finance, banking and commerce so cyber and physical security threats originating internationally and, more importantly, locally, must be considered whenever a new technology is implemented. AccessibilityWhile much has been made of the significant improvements in global connectivity via undersea and satellite communications around Africa in the last 10 years, there are notable gaps in terrestrial access across the continent, especially in rural and semi-rural areas. Affordable connectivity via reliable, high-speed fiber is typically limited to urban or metropolitan areas while rural connectivity remains expensive and inconsistent. IDC suggests that by applying these four, simple common-sense filters at the outset of any digital transformation project, much frustration is prevented and will help African CIOs and IT strategists to identify and overcome challenges before they occur.
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