Leveraging digital transformation, AI to better businesses

South African-born Darren Roos, the newly appointed CEO of IFS, recently shared his insights on leveraging digital transformation and artificial intelligence to advance businesses on CNBC Africa. Roos emphasized the importance of reskilling and education in the face of a rapidly evolving global dynamic. He highlighted the potential for companies in South Africa to compete on a global stage with the aid of technology and stressed the need for a significant focus on reskilling the workforce. Roos, based in London for the past nine years, expressed optimism about South Africa's readiness to embrace the opportunities presented by globalization. He underscored the pivotal role technology plays in enhancing competitiveness and acknowledged the growing awareness among citizens and businesses regarding the benefits of technological advancements. One of the key themes of Roos' discussion was the imperative need for reskilling in South Africa. He emphasized the transformative impact of investing in skills development and highlighted IFS's commitment to contributing to the local skills base. Roos' decision to prioritize South Africa in his global agenda reflects his belief in the country's potential for growth and innovation. Despite acknowledging the challenges surrounding conversations on transformation and inclusion, Roos remained optimistic about the country's ability to adapt to the digital age. He called for a shift in focus towards revamping the education system to align with the demands of digitization and technological transformation. Roos emphasized the value of technology companies in today's economy, citing them as the most valuable entities globally. He emphasized the need for South Africa to invest in developing the right skills and talent to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the digital era. The recent positive changes in South Africa, according to Roos, have further fueled his confidence in the country's potential. His return to South Africa symbolizes a renewed hope in the nation's ability to embrace digital innovation and drive economic growth. As South Africa navigates the challenges of a rapidly evolving global landscape, the focus on reskilling, digital transformation, and education emerges as key pillars for unlocking future opportunities and ensuring sustainable economic progress.