Digital transformation not a priority of S.A's business leaders

South African business decision-makers are falling behind when it comes to digital transformation, according to new research conducted by Citrix. The study revealed that a significant number of companies are not prioritizing digital transformation, with 53% of respondents admitting to only using technology to 'keep the lights on.' This lack of focus on digital transformation is especially concerning given the sluggish business growth rates in the country. Brendan McAravey, Country Manager for Citrix South Africa, highlighted the disconnect between technical and business respondents, with technical teams showing greater alignment with digital transformation initiatives. However, despite this, only 31% of companies reported that leaders are actively driving digital change within their organizations. This reluctance to embrace digital transformation could leave companies vulnerable to being left behind in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. McAravey emphasized the importance of adopting technology to stay relevant and competitive, particularly in the face of disruptive technologies like Airbnb and Uber. He stressed the need for companies to embrace digital transformation from the top down, with leadership playing a crucial role in driving change. Companies that fail to keep pace with the digital age risk facing serious consequences, including potential closure. Citrix is working with companies in South Africa to facilitate their transition to the cloud and mobile platforms, enabling them to leverage their existing technology in a digitally-driven environment. The study also highlighted a skills gap in the market, with many companies lacking the expertise needed to rewrite applications for digital transformation. McAravey urged businesses to explore innovative solutions to bridge this gap and adapt to the evolving digital landscape before it's too late.