Driven by significant growth in smartphone adoption, Africa is poised to become the skills pool for the world. Underpinned by innovation solutions derived from trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics, the continent has become an attractive target for international investment.
This is according to Arthur Goldstuck, head of South African research consultancy World Wide Worx, speaking at an Epicor customer event.
“The digital divide between Africa and more developed economies used to be a significant obstacle that needed to be overcome for the continent to be competitive on the international stage. This is no longer the case with many examples of how African countries are using mobile payment solutions and other services being mirrored in the global marketplace,” says Goldstuck.
For Epicor Software Corporation, a global provider of industry specific software to promote business growth, these technology and business growth trends are reflected in the latest version of its next-generation enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, Epicor ERP.
Used by 20,000 customers in 150 countries worldwide, Epicor ERP helps businesses make the most of technologies such as IoT, big data and analytics, social collaboration, mobility, and additive manufacturing.
“These are exciting times for our customers in Africa that are leading the charge in embracing innovative new ways of doing business while still fundamentally focusing on people-centric manufacturing processes. In many respects, the continent is showing the world what can be done when combining world-class technology with people who have embraced the digital environment and empowering themselves with the skills needed for this connected age,” says Sabby Gill, executive vice president, international at Epicor Software.
Goldstuck agrees and says Africa will be the last human stronghold in manufacturing if the right systems are put in place, “Africa has a high-tech future but it must be built around its people. To date, this has been one of the continent’s strengths. Putting people first with technology being adapted to what works in the various markets across the continent.”
Gill feels that this reflects the exciting opportunities that Africa provides global companies like Epicor. “Africa is not one market but 54 unique ones each with different business challenges to overcome. Epicor ERP assists organisations to focus on growth. With the internet user base expected to keep growing on the continent, Epicor ERP is perfectly positioned to enable these businesses to use the cloud and make their companies more competitive, both regionally and globally,” concluded Gill.
