CIDO Jimmie Mwangi shares insights on the IT landscape in Kenya, and the alliances he’s built and maintained during his time in South Africa.
In part two of CIO South Africa’s exclusive interview with Diamond Trust Bank chief information and digital officer (CIDO) Jimmie Mwangi, he offers insights into the IT landscape in Kenya and the connections he’s cultivated during his time in South Africa.
“The IT landscapes in Kenya and South Africa have unique characteristics shaped by their respective social, economic environments, infrastructure and governmental policies,” Jimmie highlights. In Kenya, there is a well-formed fintech ecosystem, supported by the ‘Silicon Savannah’ and other innovation hubs, which has been instrumental in incubating and managing tech startups. The other important factor is mobile money innovations which, after being born in Kenya, have now revolutionised financial transactions in most parts of the world.”
Jimmie explains that the Kenyan government actively fosters the growth of the tech landscape through targeted support and policymaking. In contrast, he noted that South Africa benefits from being a larger economy with well-developed physical and virtual infrastructure.
“These are important inputs into tech landscape growth as they assure resources deployment and ability to support a broad range of IT services respectively,” he adds.
According to Jimmie, the size of the economy has also seen South Africa get a more vibrant corporate sector which, in turn, drives the demand for innovative and diverse IT solutions.
From a networking perspective, Jimmie reflects on the privilege of having worked closely with many of South Africa’s current CIOs and CTOs. He has maintained strong relationships with these individuals, regularly engaging with them to exchange insights and experiences.
He maintains that formal collaborations between the two countries would drive digital transformation for both countries in “a scenario where Kenya would leverage the advanced tech landscape in South Africa, while South Africa would benefit from expertise in driving financial inclusion through mobile solutions”.
Jimmie emphasises how beneficial collaboration around cybersecurity is, especially in the current age of AI.
Lessons from Mzansi
Jimmie completed a BCom (Hons) in informatics at Unisa, and holds a master of commerce in information systems from the University of the Witwatersrand. His work experience in South Africa has been instrumental in building relationships with local technologists and shaping his perspectives as a tech leader.
“I’ll start with diversity, South Africa has a diverse community and as the expression goes, ‘Companies are a microcosm of society.’ Working in South Africa over the last almost two decades and managing teams in the country has enhanced my cross-cultural management skills, which are valuable in any leadership role,” he notes.
By implementing and managing enterprise solutions at multiple corporates in South Africa, Jimmie has gained great exposure in driving efficiency in Kenya’s growing business and technology landscapes.
Banking from Kenya to the rest of the world
According to Jimmie, while the rate and impact of change may differ between Africa and more advanced economies, he believes current disruptions will eventually reach every corner of the globe. These changes will redefine banking and further integrate it into society’s everyday lifestyle. “This will truly make banking something we do, not somewhere we go!” he says.
He anticipates a future where technology will converge to provide seamless services to customers. “These will include, but not be limited to the application of blockchain to enable transparent transactions, AI for enhancing customer service, robotics and automation platforms to provide efficiency, ensure compliance and expand digital financial services to reach the previously disadvantaged members of the population, while driving financial inclusion,” Jimmie concludes.
