East African countries expected to shake and move continent at CIO 100 Symposium and Awards

Kenya, known as a technology hub in East Africa, is making waves in the IT sector as it dominates the CIO 100 Symposium and Awards. The event, taking place on November 21st, 2019, shortlisted 150 out of 384 companies from six East African countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Ethiopia. These awards recognize companies that have leveraged technology in innovative ways to overcome business challenges and achieve organizational goals. Harry Hare, Chairman and Founder of CIO East Africa, discussed the impact of these awards in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. According to Harry Hare, CIO 100 aims to highlight the excellence of senior IT professionals who drive technological advancements within their organizations to enhance business value and boost the bottom line. The event has been running for nine successful years, showcasing the increasing role of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in steering technological innovation and transformation within companies. The presence of a proactive CIO can bridge the gap between technology and business objectives, ultimately leading to improved results. Kenya's prominence in the CIO 100 Awards can be attributed to its robust economy and the presence of large organizations that have embraced technology to enhance efficiency and productivity. The financial services sector in Kenya, in particular, has been at the forefront of integrating technology to streamline operations and deliver better services to customers. This sector has demonstrated a keen interest in leveraging technology to stay ahead in a constantly evolving business landscape. The upcoming two-day symposium will delve into crucial topics such as cybersecurity, IoT, AI, blockchain, and cloud computing. These discussions will shed light on the growing importance of securing digital assets, harnessing the power of emerging technologies like AI and IoT, and exploring the potential of blockchain in supply chain management. The cloud conversation remains relevant, emphasizing the need for businesses to leverage cloud solutions for scalability and flexibility. In 2019, key technological drivers have significantly impacted the economy, with AI, blockchain, and IoT leading the way in innovation. AI applications have revolutionized processes in various sectors, with banks utilizing AI to automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency. Companies like Trigga have adopted blockchain technology to optimize their supply chain operations, ensuring seamless transactions from farm to store. Additionally, IoT devices have been instrumental in remote temperature monitoring, as demonstrated by East African Growers Limited, which uses IoT to regulate refrigerator temperatures across different locations. As East African countries continue to showcase their technological prowess at the CIO 100 Symposium and Awards, Kenya stands out as a frontrunner in leveraging technology to drive business success. The event serves as a platform to celebrate and honor companies that have demonstrated exceptional innovation and excellence in utilizing IT solutions to achieve strategic objectives and deliver value to stakeholders.