In2IT CEO Saurabh Kumar speaks on need to embrace the digital revolution

The world is rapidly moving towards the fourth industrial revolution, and South Africa is not far behind. With the digital revolution on the horizon, experts are looking at how the country can adapt and thrive in this new era. Recently, at the Technology Innovation Conference hosted by the Gauteng Government, one of these experts, Saurabh Kumar, the CEO of In2IT, shared valuable insights on how South Africa's digital future will shape up. During the interview with CNBC Africa, Saurabh Kumar highlighted the importance of unlearning and relearning in the face of technology advancements. He emphasized how younger generations, aged between 18 to 22 years, are more adept at embracing new technology challenges such as artificial intelligence and the internet of things. Kumar pointed out that these young individuals are at the forefront of innovation, driving the digital transformation forward. Looking towards the future of technology in South Africa, Kumar acknowledged that the country is lagging behind global changes. While other nations are ambitiously aiming to adopt technologies like blockchain and autonomous vehicles by 2020, South Africa is moving towards these advancements at a slower pace. However, Kumar expressed optimism, noting that over 45 to 50% of South Africa's youth population under the age of 25 are quick to embrace technological changes. The CEO of In2IT also addressed the challenges hindering the pace and scale of digital innovation in the country. Kumar identified resistance to change as a major obstacle, emphasizing the need for individuals and organizations to adapt to the evolving technological landscape. He warned that due to automation and technological shifts, a significant percentage of jobs may become obsolete in the next three to five years, underscoring the urgency for upskilling and relearning. Inclusivity in the digital revolution was another key point raised by Kumar. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that all segments of society, including those in rural and underserved areas, have access to high-speed internet connectivity. Kumar commended the South African government's efforts to expand broadband infrastructure beyond urban centers, calling for increased collaboration between the private and public sectors to develop innovative solutions tailored to the needs of these communities. Reflecting on the outcomes of the Technology Innovation Conference, Kumar outlined two key resolutions. The first resolution focused on creating a collaborative software-based system to enhance engagement between the public sector and citizens, leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence and mobility for improved service delivery. The second resolution emphasized the critical need for continuous learning and adaptability to navigate the evolving economic landscape, underscoring the importance of unlearning and relearning. As South Africa prepares to embrace the digital revolution, stakeholders across sectors are called upon to embrace change, foster inclusivity, and prioritize learning and innovation to seize the opportunities presented by the transformative power of technology.