FINETO Addis’ Post

We have observed that the digital divide is a major challenge for businesses in Ethiopia. 💥 Many businesses still struggle with access and skills. 👩🏽💻 What do we mean by that❓ Even though Safaricom has entered the market, and Ethio-Tele insists on providing better services and access, many of their customers still lack reliable, high-speed internet. 🌐 It is true to say that sometimes it is the companies themselves that do not understand that internet has become essential in this time and age. They do not provide the infrastructure. 🛜 However, internet in Ethiopia is not as affordable as it should be. Hence, not every business has internet access. ‼️ If a business decides to set up internet for all their branches and decides to buy an economic internet router, then in most cases, it is not a good one. ⚠️ The cost of purchasing and maintaining digital tools can restrict many businesses, especially smaller ones. 💸 If they come over this hurdle though and they set up the internet in all their offices, there is the other main issue at hand AKA unskilled employees. 👩🏽💻 Unfortunately, in Ethiopia in many companies, digital platforms are seen as something very complicated. Something that can create great havoc that can be undone. A big monster that will take away all our data and expose the company. 🐲 There is a knowledge gap. Training is essential. Employees need to be able to trust digital systems and trust themselves with it. They should be empowered. 🔋 This will ease the process of transitioning to digital solutions. 📲 It is a well-known international fact that improving digital literacy and infrastructure will lead to more efficient operations, better customer reach, and higher growth potential. It has been proven time and time again. 🚀 Businesses that adapt quickly can gain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital world. Even in Ethiopia💯 #DigitalDivide #TechForGrowth #DigitalTransformation #BusinessGrowth #DigitalSkills #BridgingTheGap

Nepal is an underdeveloped country. Like other sectors, we are moving slowly towards technological development. In some sectors of IT, especially in software development and its implementation, Nepalese companies are trying their best to fulfill national demands. Few locally developed software's are stable enough and trying to cover their own domain needs, but lots of work is still left in the security and performance aspects. Highly simplified workflows for better user experience and amazing user interfaces are still far behind in our locally developed software. This is a very small market for locally developed software. Widely accepted and few stable locally developed software are unable to make a complete financial ecosystem as a successful leader. With multiple products, limited resources, and limited customers, the companies are facing crises to make a great product because of insufficient focus and investment. Nepalese software companies are found struggling to survive every day, every week, every month, every year, and even one decade to see a day of success celebration. Organizations and business leaders may not make data-driven decisions, most decisions are assumption-based, reactive, and instant. Success is taken as a result of fortune rather than the result of continuous effort and the right decision. This kind of activity and attitude devalues the software, automation, and digitization. The banking sector is somehow automated due to the compliance of Nepal Rastra Bank and tough market competition. The government and private sector of Nepal are still virgin digitally but are getting older day by day.  Some global software companies located in Kathmandu are making world-class software and enterprise-level services and are working for the international market with great revenues. Nowadays, lots of teams of young software engineers of 5-10 people are outsourcing their skills directly or indirectly to the global markets and making Dollar income from their small office home offices. The Nepalese IT industry is waiting great sunny day after a long foggy winter…

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, many businesses across Kenya and Africa are struggling to keep up with the rapidly evolving tech tools that are transforming industries. The constant introduction of new IT solutions can be overwhelming, especially when companies lack the training or resources to adapt. However, the impact of digital transformation is undeniable, businesses that embrace these changes can unlock new efficiencies, streamline operations and gain a competitive edge. To stay ahead, companies must invest in ongoing training and upskilling for their teams. This is not just about adopting new tools but understanding how to fully leverage them to drive growth and optimize processes. Whether it’s automating supply chains or integrating advanced data analytics, every tool offers unique opportunities to improve efficiency and decision-making. Businesses need to foster a culture that encourages curiosity, continuous learning and adaptability, ensuring employees are empowered to explore and use the latest tech. For organizations in Kenya and across Africa, staying afloat in this ever-changing environment requires strategic foresight. By aligning tech adoption with business goals and focusing on solutions that bring tangible benefits, companies can not only survive but thrive. As an advocate for digital transformation, my goal is to help businesses navigate this journey, ensuring that they harness the right tools to drive sustainable growth and remain competitive in their industries. #DigitalTransformation #TechInBusiness

🌟 I’m happy to share my new research report on Impact of Digital Transformation on Small Businesses in Pakistan.📊 This report talks about how companies like Khaadi are using digital tools to grow and improve their business. In the report, you will find: How many small businesses are going digital. The good things about using digital technology. The challenges small businesses face. A case study about Khaadi's success. I hope this report helps more businesses see the benefits of going digital. I would love to hear your thoughts on digital transformation. #DigitalTransformation #SmallBusiness #Pakistan #Research

USAID’s Digital Ecosystem Framework is revolutionizing how people access services, connect with others, and seize economic opportunities! Through key pillars like Digital Infrastructure, Digital Society, and the Digital Economy, and tackling crucial topics like Inclusion and Cybersecurity, this framework is designed to bridge digital gaps and drive growth. Developed with insights from Colombia, Kenya, Serbia, and Nepal, it’s paving the way for a more connected and equitable world.

Yesterday, Canada’s federal government made a funding announcement intended to bolster Canada's position as an #AI leader. The government’s interest in AI is a positive sign because AI has the potential to improve our competitiveness by enhancing productivity, innovation, and the quality of the goods we produce and services we deliver.   It’s ultimately industry that will drive this change, which means it’s important that government policies enable businesses in Canada to make the transformative investments to deliver these outcomes, attract new investment, and improve the standard of living for Canadians.   The good news, if you’re one of the 20 millions Canadians in the workforce, is that AI has the potential to significantly improve your work lives. We are seeing that our AI Adoption service is a critical enabler to AI success because much of the challenge is in getting the user comfortable with how to interact with AI. I have great faith in what I am seeing from Canadian youth, but we can't afford to have a lost decade while we wait for them to enter the workforce, we need everyone comfortable using AI.   Another positive is the support for small and medium sized businesses to take the first steps towards AI implementation. I have talked with dozens of business and IT leaders over the last 6 months that are waiting to have the perfect conditions and feel stuck. But if we wait for perfect conditions then the global economy will pass us by, we need to find a real use case and do that one thing really well right away. When organizations do that they learn from it and can build on it. That's what we did at Softchoice, and what we are helping hundreds of other companies do right now.

While casually perusing social media, I came across an old post about COVID-19 and realized that South Africa's economy was significantly less affected than that of first-world countries. I attribute this to several factors. Firstly, the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry experienced substantial growth as company executives recognized that the work-from-home setup wasn't as undesirable as previously thought. This realization led them to consider forming teams from other countries to save not only on staff costs but also on infrastructure expenses. The BPO industry's rapid adaptation, coupled with the implementation of AI-driven dialers, has increased the salesperson's dial-per-hour rate by eliminating the manual dialling process. Additionally, advancements in AI and CRM, along with improved video conferencing capabilities, further contributed to the industry's resilience. South Africa's workforce also played a crucial role in weathering challenges. Despite issues like load-shedding and natural disasters, the workforce adapted seamlessly. Whether faced with power outages or the need to work remotely, South Africans have developed a knack for thinking on their feet and finding solutions, emerging stronger each time. Reflecting on my personal experience during the onset of COVID, I transitioned from in-class learning to online studies in high school. Similarly, my father's business initially faced a setback due to his close ties with China. However, within a month, he adapted by continuing projects and planning for operations during and after lockdowns. It's remarkable to witness how everyone has adjusted. The adaptability factor is evident in South Africans and extends to the BPO industry. This ability to navigate and adapt to challenges, whether on an international or local scale, results in a reliable and highly capable workforce for all back-office needs.

The world of work is evolving following the #SocioEconomic and #technological trends shaping the nature of work, workplace, and workers of the future, both globally and in Kenya. A combination of macro and micro factors including the war in Ukraine, inflations, climate change and the need for sustainability strategies, digital technology transformation, globalization, the need for inclusivity and mental wellness, innovation, and youth employment crisis, etc are driving these shifts in the future of work. This has propelled enterprises and employers to adopt strategies that will ensure business continuity as well as productive and stable employment relations. Join us in shaping the #futureofwork in Africa by participating in the engaging discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions at the Future of Work Summit 2024 happening on the 14th and 15th of March 2024, at the University of Nairobi. To participate, please register via the link by 12th March 2024: https://shorturl.at/jCSXY Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)

The ongoing disruptions in Pakistan's digital connectivity are not just setbacks, they are critical threats to our professionals and our global image. In today’s world, reliable internet is the backbone of economic growth, especially for tech and remote work sectors. To ensure Pakistan remains competitive and trustworthy on the international stage, we must urgently establish a resilient, politics-free digital infrastructure...

Consider investing in Pakistan's software services for these compelling reasons: 1. **Talent Pool:** Pakistan boasts a robust pool of skilled IT professionals, offering a diverse range of expertise in software development, data science, and cybersecurity. 2. **Cost-Effective:** The cost of labor in Pakistan is relatively lower compared to many Western countries, making it an attractive destination for cost-effective software development without compromising quality. 3. **Growing Tech Ecosystem:** Pakistan's tech ecosystem is rapidly evolving, with a surge in startups and innovation hubs. This dynamic environment presents ample opportunities for collaboration and investment. 4. **Outsourcing Hub:** Recognized as a prominent outsourcing destination, Pakistan has proven capabilities in delivering outsourced IT services, including software development, maintenance, and support. 5. **Government Support:** The Pakistani government is actively promoting the IT sector, offering incentives, tax breaks, and supportive policies to encourage investment in technology-related industries. 6. **English Proficiency:** With a large English-speaking population, communication barriers are minimal, facilitating seamless collaboration with international partners and clients. 7. **Strategic Location:** Positioned at the crossroads of South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia, Pakistan provides a strategic location for businesses looking to expand their reach globally. 8. **Emerging Markets:** Investing in Pakistan provides access to untapped markets in South Asia and beyond, creating opportunities for businesses to scale and diversify. 9. **Stable Economic Growth:** Despite challenges, Pakistan has experienced steady economic growth, offering a stable environment for businesses to thrive in the long term. 10. **Innovative Solutions:** Pakistani tech companies are increasingly known for their innovative solutions and contributions to emerging technologies, making it an exciting landscape for tech-driven investments. Explore the potential of Pakistan's software services sector and capitalize on the opportunities it presents for growth and innovation. 🚀 #TechInvestment #PakistanIT #SoftwareServices"