The inaugural Global Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Summit , held earlier this month in Cairo, Egypt, has spotlighted Africa as a powerhouse in the advancement of digital public infrastructure. The event, which gathered delegates from over 100 countries, was a call to action to harness safe, inclusive, and resilient DPI for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while propelling economic growth. Over three dynamic days, world leaders, innovators, and policymakers exchanged ideas and strategies to amplify the impact of DPI. The summit culminated in a powerful outcome statement that identified seven transformative actions to shape Africa’s digital future: Fostering knowledge sharing and cross-border collaboration through technology exchange. Embedding universal safeguards to ensure DPI remains inclusive and secure. Championing innovative solutions for developing local DPI technologies. Empowering local digital ecosystems to thrive. Integrating green and sustainable practices into digital infrastructure development. Exploring innovative financial models to support scalability. Ensuring interoperability in digital ID and payment systems through robust frameworks and policies. “The Global DPI Summit served as a springboard for strategic partnerships and collaborations. These efforts are pivotal in unlocking DPI’s full potential to accelerate sustainable development and enhance societal well-being,” an iAfrica report summarized. Showcasing Success Stories The […]
Accenture acquires digital twin platform for banking modernisation
Accenture has announced the acquisition of a digital twin technology platform developed by Singapore-based fintech company Percipient. This move is expected to improve Accenture’s capabilities in modernising banking systems across the Asia-Pacific region. The platform aims to assist financial institutions in upgrading their core systems, supporting both innovation and growth strategies. Accenture has announced the acquisition of a digital twin technology platform developed by Singapore-based fintech company Percipient. Digital twin technology importance in streamlining core banking Percipient’s platform creates a virtual replica, or ‘digital twin,’ of banks’ legacy and modern systems. It consolidates data from disparate systems into a single real-time hub, helping banks address challenges associated with core modernisations. This approach allows institutions to simplify data integration, develop new products and services more quickly, and avoid significant disruptions to existing operations. The integration of Percipient’s technology into Accenture’s offerings aims to further improve its ability to support banks in transitioning from legacy systems to cloud-enabled and AI-driven services. Recent research from Accenture suggests that banks adopting modern digital cores could experience up to 60% higher revenue growth and a 40% increase in profitability. In the company press release, officials from Accenture noted that the addition of Percipient’s technology […]
Leading the digital charge: Inspiring innovation and fostering a culture of excellence
Digital transformation promises big rewards, but without bold leadership, collaboration and risk-taking, it could quickly derail. Are you ready to lead the way? Credit: Ajith Chandrasekharan Organizations look at digital transformation as an opportunity to radically improve operations and increase the value of a product or service to the customer by embedding technology into the decision-making fabric and building automation into its functions. This involves the integration of digital technologies into its planning and operations like adopting cloud computing to sustain and scale infrastructure seamlessly, using AI to improve user experience through natural language communication, enhancing data analytics for data-driven decision making and building closed-loop automated systems using IoT. For the employees, this freed-up human capital helps to invest more time in activities that require human expertise, judgment and creativity, and obtain better work-life harmony. Leading any major change initiative is a daunting task, particularly the ones in which the result is unclear, the turnaround timelines are vague, and the value erosion rate with time is high. In almost all these transformations, one must prove the justification for change and navigate resistance to it, and go above and beyond to develop the business case. When talking about leading a […]
BJ’s Wholesale Club Partners with Genpact to Drive Efficiency
Rhea-AI Sentiment (Very Positive) Tags partnership Rhea-AI Summary Genpact (NYSE: G) has announced a multi-year partnership with BJ’s Wholesale Club to enhance operational efficiency and support growth initiatives. The collaboration encompasses expertise across finance and accounting, indirect procurement, HR, merchandising, and other support functions . The partnership leverages ServiceNow as the core platform for managing and integrating workflows, focusing on strategic technology investments and optimized operations. Genpact will apply its expertise in finance and accounting, digital adaptations, and data-driven process governance to position BJ’s for long-term success through continuous innovation. Positive Multi-year partnership secured with major retail chain BJ’s Wholesale Club Expansion of service offerings across multiple business functions Implementation of ServiceNow platform for workflow integration Negative None. Insights This partnership marks a strategic shift in BJ’s operational model, leveraging Genpact’s expertise across multiple business functions. The integration of ServiceNow as the core workflow platform signals a sophisticated approach to digital transformation. The collaboration spans critical areas including finance and accounting, indirect procurement, HR and merchandising , indicating a comprehensive operational overhaul rather than a narrow focus. This positions BJ’s to achieve economies of scale while maintaining operational flexibility. For investors, this represents a calculated move to enhance BJ’s […]
Kalp Blockchain Partners with The Gambia to Drive Digital Transformation
The Kalp Foundation has entered a landmark partnership with The Gambia to develop a blockchain-driven digital public infrastructure (DPI) named Gambia One. This initiative, which represents a first on a global scale, aims to modernize public services, streamline government operations, and foster inclusive growth. Gambia One is designed as a decentralized platform leveraging Kalp Blockchain’s advanced capabilities to facilitate secure data exchange, digitize essential services, and improve overall governance efficiency. The Kalp Foundation, a non-profit entity dedicated to fostering inclusive development through digital infrastructure, is spearheading this collaboration. The partnership not only introduces blockchain-powered DPI but also incorporates capacity-building programs for government officials and skill development initiatives for Gambian youth in blockchain and related technologies. This approach underscores the shared goal of empowering underserved communities, narrowing the digital divide, and creating scalable solutions that align with global regulatory and ethical standards. Commitment to Innovation and Inclusivity The Foundation’s founder, Tapan Sangal, expressed pride in contributing to The Gambia’s journey toward becoming a digitally advanced nation. He highlighted the initiative as a testament to Kalp Foundation’s dedication to delivering compliant, transparent, and scalable solutions that help governments enhance citizen services and promote equitable development. Sangal emphasized that this collaboration is […]
Malaysia prepares workforce for digital transformation
Government analysis showed that over 30% of jobs in Malaysia will be affected by artificial intelligence (AI) in the next decade, with manufacturing, services and information technology expected to undergo significant transformation, said Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Chang Lih Kang. Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Chang Lih Kang. Photo courtesy of Internet. Talking with the press, Chang said statistics had revealed that more than 600,000 workers must undergo reskilling training within 3-5 years to remain relevant in the increasingly competitive job market. The Government is actively ensuring that the courses and training offered are aligned with international standards and the needs of Industry 4.0. This includes courses in cybersecurity, smart systems management, and data analytics, the minister said. He added that MBOT already established the Technology and Technical Professional Development Council (TPDC). Through the TPDC framework, the training provided for Malaysian workers is recognized by the local industry and meets professional standards, ensuring that the skills acquired align with the ever-evolving needs of the global industry.
Network International and Money Fellows Join Forces to Revolutionize Digital Payments in MEA
This partnership marks a pivotal milestone for Egypt’s burgeoning fintech sector, aligning with the Egypt National Vision 2030, which focuses on digital transformation and economic growth. Image Credit: Credit: ChatGPT Network International ( www.Network.ae ), a premier enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa, has announced a strategic partnership with Money Fellows, the leading money circles app. This collaboration aims to transform the fintech landscape by integrating advanced payment solutions and enhancing user experience through cutting-edge technology. Under the agreement, Network International will provide Money Fellows with its state-of-the-art ‘Digital Payments as a Service’ platform. This includes: Enhanced Fraud Prevention: Advanced systems to secure user transactions against fraud. Secure Payment Functionality: Robust mechanisms to ensure seamless and secure transactions. Managed Back-Office Services: Comprehensive operational support to optimize efficiency. The collaboration also leverages Network International’s pan-regional expertise, supporting Money Fellows’ expansion plans into the broader Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. Significance in the Fintech Ecosystem This partnership marks a pivotal milestone for Egypt’s burgeoning fintech sector, aligning with the Egypt National Vision 2030, which focuses on digital transformation and economic growth. Dr. Reda Helal, Group Managing Director – Processing, Africa & Co-Head Group Processing at Network […]
Navigating digital transformation: the pivotal role of the Chief Data Officer
Image Credit: Shutterstock (Image credit: Shutterstock) In today’s fast-evolving world, the drive for digital transformation has become more complex and nuanced than ever. Organizations aiming to harness the benefits of this transformation now face a landscape shaped not only by technological advances but also by economic uncertainly, an unstable geo-political landscape and environmental challenges. It’s why the role of the Chief Data Officer (CDO) has never been more important. Tasked with guiding organizations through this digital overhaul, CDOs are pivotal in aligning data management with strategic objectives. However, the challenges that come with this task are so vast and intricate that they cannot meet these demands alone – technology in all its forms, partners including governments, and employees – all play a role in modernizing organizations to drive value for all stakeholders. Johanna Hutchinson Chief Data Officer at BAE Systems. Harnessing new technology – the role of AI One of the most powerful tools in the CDO’s arsenal today is artificial intelligence (AI). With intuitive, code-free interfaces, AI offers immense potential to streamline data management and bridge gaps in technical knowledge across teams. Tech Radar Pro Generative AI, in particular, can greatly enhance user experiences by quickly synthesizing and […]
Q&A with South Bend CIO Denise Linn Riedl on city’s digital transformation
Listen to this story Subscriber Benefit As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now 0:00 0:11 Denise Linn Riedl (photo courtesy City of South Bend) SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Among several cities with 75,000–125,000 residents, the city of South Bend, was named the No.1 Digital City at the 2024 National League of Cities Conference. Established by the Center for Digital Government to recognize cities improving constituent services through innovative technology, South Bend won first place for incorporating generative AI, expanding the Open WiFi Network, and the revamped Police Transparency Hub. Inside INdiana Business spoke with South Bend Chief Innovation Officer Denise Linn Riedl about the digital transformation that is occurring within city government. This article has been edited for length and clarity. Speaking about the Digital Cities Awards, what key strategies propelled the city from not making the top 10 in 2014 to being No. 1 a decade later? We’ve done a lot since then. We built up a whole new cybersecurity program in the last three years. We turned on 311 digital requests. People can submit requests online, in addition to calling 311, for any of […]
Himachal Pradesh’s Employment Surge: Global Opportunities and Digital Transformation
This image is AI-generated and does not depict any real-life event or location. It is a fictional representation created for illustrative purposes only. Himachal Pradesh has made significant strides in employment, creating 39,220 jobs over the past two years, including 13,704 government positions, according to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. In a recent review of the Labour and Employment Department, Sukhu unveiled plans to fill existing vacancies and expand overseas employment opportunities for skilled individuals. An MoU with Dubai-based EFS Facility Services promises job placements abroad. The government prioritizes digital transformation, urging the digitization of data to enhance job matching and operational efficiency statewide. (With inputs from agencies.)