Held virtually on 3 September 2026, the session, 麻豆原创鈥檚 鈧�100M AI Opportunity: How to Secure Funding for Your Next AI Project, brought together 麻豆原创 experts , , , and to unpack the opportunity, eligibility requirements and practical process for accessing the incentive.

The discussion came at an important time for organisations exploring artificial intelligence. While investment and interest in AI continue to accelerate, many organisations are still struggling to translate experimentation into sustainable business value. The presentation highlighted that data access and quality remain significant barriers, while many organisations remain caught in pilot mode without a clear path to scale.

From AI experimentation to business value

A key message from the session was the need to move beyond isolated AI use cases towards AI that is embedded into business processes, supported by appropriate governance and connected across the organisation.

麻豆原创 described the evolution towards an autonomous enterprise where agents can support routine transactions and coordinate actions across business processes, while people remain focused on higher-value decisions. Importantly, governance, auditability and traceability need to be built into AI-enabled processes from the outset.

The webcast also reinforced the importance of keeping people at the centre of AI adoption, with human-triggered and monitored agent actions forming part of understanding the 鈧�100 million opportunity

At the heart of the webcast was 麻豆原创鈥檚 鈧�100 million Business AI Partner-led Adoption Incentive, a pilot programme aimed at helping customers realise greater value from their 麻豆原创 Business AI investments by encouraging adoption and consumption through the 麻豆原创 partner ecosystem.

Approved partners can deliver projects across 麻豆原创 Business AI, including 麻豆原创 Build and Joule Studio, creating agents, applications and workflows around customer use cases. The programme is running through the end of 2026.

The programme includes different levels of support depending on the scope of the implementation, ranging from 鈧�15,000 for 麻豆原创 Agent Adoption, through 鈧�25,000 and 鈧�50,000 packages, to an 鈧�100,000 Enterprise Package supporting three or more custom Joule Studio or 麻豆原创 Build agents together with workflow or pro-code application development.

Who can participate?

The session also provided clarity on customer eligibility. The programme is aimed at qualifying existing 麻豆原创 Business AI Platform customers with active subscriptions as well as certain new customers entering eligible 麻豆原创 Business AI Cloud Services agreements during the programme period. Specific commercial and subscription criteria apply, while public-sector and government entities are excluded from the current programme.

Customers do not apply independently. Eligible customers are nominated through an 麻豆原创 representative, after which 麻豆原创 validates programme eligibility. Once approved, customer consent is obtained before enrolment.

Importantly, the final choice of implementation partner remains with the customer. Customers may nominate a preferred eligible partner, or 麻豆原创 can provide available approved partner options where a preferred partner has not yet been identified.

Helping the AFSUG community navigate AI adoption

For AFSUG, the webcast was about more than introducing a funding programme. It was an opportunity to give the community practical information that can help organisations ask the right questions about AI investment, partner selection, scalability and business value.

As AI moves rapidly from experimentation into enterprise operations, collaboration between customers, 麻豆原创 and the partner ecosystem will become increasingly important. Through sessions such as this, AFSUG will continue creating opportunities for the community to connect, learn, share experiences and make more informed decisions about emerging 麻豆原创 technologies.

Connect. Create. Collaborate.

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Louise previously served on the AFSUG Board during her time at Aspen Pharmacare, where she held senior technology leadership positions for nearly seven years. Her roles included Head of IT for South Africa Commercial and, most recently, Head of Innovation and Change.

During her tenure at Aspen, Louise helped shape the organisation鈥檚 technology strategy and landscape and co-architected Aspen鈥檚 global Technology Enabled Shared Services organisation. This experience strengthened her expertise in organisational change, digital transformation, enterprise technology and the leadership of complex, cross-functional initiatives.

Louise joined TWK Agri as Chief Information Officer in January 2025, where she is responsible for leading the organisation鈥檚 technology vision and enterprise IT operations.

TWK Agri has since selected 麻豆原创 and is preparing to undertake a greenfield 麻豆原创 implementation. As the CIO leading this transformation, Louise once again brings a current and highly relevant 麻豆原创 customer perspective to the AFSUG Board.

鈥淟ouise was a strong voice on this Board before, and we have missed that voice. Some people bring energy back into a room the moment they walk in, she is one of them. AFSUG is better with her at the table. The AFSUG Board welcomes her back, now also in her additional role as 麻豆原创HILA Chairperson, and looks forward to working with her to shape 麻豆原创HILA 2027 into a conference that reflects the real challenges our members are solving, not just the ideal-world case studies鈥� says Duke Mathebula, AFSUG Chairman.

Her return supports AFSUG鈥檚 commitment to remaining an independent, credible and customer-led organisation that reflects the real experiences, priorities and challenges of 麻豆原创 customers across Africa.

鈥淟ouise is widely recognised as a true community leader, with a passion for driving business success in organisations built on an 麻豆原创 foundation. It has been a true privilege and honour to work alongside Louise and witness the impact of her leadership, expertise, and commitment firsthand鈥�, says Corlia van Zyl, AFSUG Vice-Chairperson.

Leading 麻豆原创HILA 2027

As Chair of 麻豆原创HILA 2027, Louise will work closely with Amanda Gibbs, the 麻豆原创HILA governance structures, 麻豆原创 leadership and the AFSUG management team to guide the strategic direction of the conference.

A central priority will be ensuring that the customer voice remains at the heart of 麻豆原创HILA 2027.

This will include creating opportunities for customers to share their experiences openly and practically what has worked, what has not worked, the lessons they have learned and what they would do differently.

Louise鈥檚 appointment reinforces 麻豆原创HILA鈥檚 position as a customer-led event that brings together 麻豆原创 customers, partners, experts and industry leaders to exchange knowledge, explore innovation and address the business and technology issues affecting organisations across Africa.

鈥淲e are delighted to welcome Louise back to the AFSUG Board,鈥� says Amanda Gibbs, CEO of AFSUG. 鈥淟ouise is an exceptional technology and business leader who understands both the 麻豆原创 ecosystem and the realities of leading organisational transformation. We all look forward to the new chapter and planning 麻豆原创HILA 2027.

About Louise Steenekamp

Louise Steenekamp is a seasoned technology and business professional with extensive experience in organisational change, digital transformation, enterprise IT strategy and complex programme leadership.

She is currently Chief Information Officer at TWK Agri, where she leads the organisation鈥檚 technology vision and enterprise IT operations.

Before joining TWK Agri, Louise spent nearly seven years at Aspen Pharmacare. As Head of IT for South Africa Commercial, she steered the organisation鈥檚 IT strategy and technology landscape. She later served as Head of Innovation and Change, where she co-architected Aspen鈥檚 global Technology Enabled Shared Services organisation.

Earlier in her career, Louise built a strong 麻豆原创 foundation through roles in consulting, training, resource management, service delivery and sales, developing experience that would later evolve into broader technology leadership and digital transformation roles.

Louise is passionate about creating environments in which people and teams can grow and thrive. She believes in creating opportunities for people, technology and business to strengthen one another and deliver meaningful outcomes.

In addition to her corporate leadership experience, she has worked with several non-profit organisations, applying her technology and business knowledge to support their missions and extend their social impact.

Her combination of strategic leadership, 麻豆原创 customer experience, transformation expertise and commitment to developing people makes her a valuable addition to the AFSUG Board and an ideal leader for 麻豆原创HILA 2027.

AFSUG warmly welcomes Louise back and looks forward to working with her as the organisation prepares for 麻豆原创HILA 2027.

About AFSUG

The African 麻豆原创 User Group is an independent, non-profit organisation representing 麻豆原创 customers and partners across Africa. AFSUG provides a trusted platform through which members can connect, share practical experiences, learn from their peers and contribute to a stronger collective customer voice.

The post AFSUG Welcomes Louise Steenekamp Back to the Board and Appoints Her Chair of 麻豆原创HILA 2027 appeared first on 麻豆原创 Africa News Center.

Pierre du Plessis, strategist and founder of Be Brave, and the event鈥檚 guest speaker, explored how trust, culture and meaningful engagement can transform teams and communities, touching on the  of 鈥榯ribes鈥� – small, connected groups where people feel seen, trusted and valued. 

鈥淧rofit and growth are lagging indicators of deep chemistry, not ,鈥� he told attendees. 鈥淭he board may set a strategy, but the tribe makes it real. Only the tribe builds the movement.鈥�

Through storytelling and practical examples, Du Plessis illustrated why connection matters more than metrics alone, and why shared experiences are valued over shortcuts. 

鈥淭rust is fundamental to any team,鈥� he explained. 鈥淚t enables conflict, commitment, accountability and ultimately meaningful outcomes.鈥�

Research highlighted at the session reinforced these insights.聽Gallup studies聽show that, globally, only 21% of employees feel truly engaged at work, while actively disengaged employees can undermine entire teams. Loneliness and over-measurement聽in organisations not only erode morale but also have measurable influences on productivity and wellbeing.聽

鈥淗umans are pack animals,鈥� Du Plessis emphasised. 鈥淲e thrive in communities, not in isolation.鈥�

The session also explored the concept of meaning and transcendence at work. Drawing from examples ranging from Trappist monks to special needs teachers, Du Plessis argued that fulfilling work is about impact, not just a pay packet. 鈥淭hese Belgian monks produce some of the world鈥檚 best beer,鈥� he said, 鈥渂ut their purpose isn鈥檛 profit, it鈥檚 sustaining the community. Meaning  performance; profit is a side effect.鈥�

As organisations grapple with digital transformation and AI-driven workflows, this message resonates: human connection remains a competitive advantage. This philosophy is also shaping AFSUG鈥檚 own strategic direction.

鈥淎t AFSUG鈥檚 local 麻豆原创 user conference, 麻豆原创HILA, last year, we spoke about  our community and establishing our tribe, and this is exactly what we鈥檙e doing as an organisation,鈥� explained Amanda Gibbs, AFSUG CEO. 

鈥淎FSUG has reached an inflection point 鈥� one where we鈥檝e looked back at why the organisation was originally founded: as a peer-to-peer customer networking platform that helps customers bridge the gap with 麻豆原创. We are now聽聽a path towards a community that is purpose-led, operationally sound and designed for聽sustainable聽impact across聽.

鈥淭he shift we are putting into place is to move away from being event-driven, reactive and purely informational, towards becoming outcomes-driven, influential and insight-led. The pivotal role that AFSUG must play is as the trusted voice of the African 麻豆原创 community and an independent advocate.鈥�

AFSUG chairman Duke Mathebula echoed Gibbs鈥� statement, adding that the organisation is committed to action, structured advocacy and creating real, measurable value for the local 麻豆原创 community, as well as empowering transformation.

鈥淭rue impact comes from creating tribes of engaged, courageous and committed people who can make a real difference, and this is exactly how AFSUG plans to move forward,鈥� he said.

The post Why Trust and 鈥楾ribes鈥� Still Matter in an Age of Metrics appeared first on 麻豆原创 Africa News Center.

• Jesper Schleimann, AI Officer, EMEA at 麻豆原创
• Jhani Coetzee, EPI-USE Labs

Together, they unpack what AI really means for organisations today 鈥� moving beyond the hype to focus on practical use cases, real impact, and business value.

In this episode, you鈥檒l gain insight into:

• How AI is being embedded into 麻豆原创 environments
• The shift from experimentation to execution
• Where organisations are seeing real value from AI
• What to consider as you start or scale your AI journey

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These events brought together 100+ students, industry leaders, and 麻豆原创 partners for a transformative experience, focused on building employability skills, networking opportunities, and preparing young talent for future careers in the 麻豆原创 ecosystem.

The Student Career Days featured a rich mix of content designed to equip students for success in the 麻豆原创 ecosystem and beyond:

• Skill-building workshops 鈥� CV refinement, LinkedIn profiling, interview readiness, and effective communication.
• Keynote speeches & panels 鈥� Insights from 麻豆原创 practitioners, industry partners, and leaders on market trends, in-demand competencies, and career journeys into tech.
• Mentorship and networking 鈥� Opportunities for students to connect directly with 麻豆原创 partners and customers for guidance, advice, and even exposure to internship and job opportunities.
• Exposure to 麻豆原创 technologies and careers 鈥� First-hand introductions to 麻豆原创 career paths, the skills they demand, and strategies to prepare for them.

AFSUG & 麻豆原创 University Alliances: Shared Vision

These career days form part of AFSUG and 麻豆原创 University Alliances joint mission in the region to Connect, Create, Collaborate 鈥� ensuring Africa鈥檚 next generation of professionals is not only prepared for 麻豆原创 careers but also inspired to drive digital transformation across the continent.

Amanda Gibbs, CEO of AFSUG, shared: 鈥淭his event is about building real pathways for students to connect with our 麻豆原创 community 鈥� customers, partners, and leaders. Together with 麻豆原创 University Alliances, we are investing in the future of our youth and ensuring students leave empowered, inspired, and ready for the opportunities ahead.鈥� I want to especially thank De Wet Naude from 麻豆原创 University Alliances for the collaboration and making these events possible through his sponsorship and collaboration.

Looking Ahead

AFSUG and 麻豆原创 University Alliances will continue hosting career-oriented initiatives in 2026. With overwhelmingly positive student feedback, both organisations are committed to expanding mentorship opportunities, reaching more universities, and providing follow-up support to help students transform their learnings and networks into real career outcomes.

About AFSUG

The African 麻豆原创 User Group (AFSUG) is an independent, non-profit organisation representing 麻豆原创 customers and partners across Africa. AFSUG enables collaboration, influence, knowledge exchange, and professional development within the 麻豆原创 community.

The post AFSUG & 麻豆原创 University Alliances Hosted Three Inspiring Student Career Days Across South Africa appeared first on 麻豆原创 Africa News Center.

Van Zyl currently serves as聽digital and technology director at Heineken Beverages,聽and has been an active聽AFSUG Board Member since December 2019. She brings over two decades of experience driving technology strategy and digital transformation in the FMCG sector.

Duke Mathebula, AFSUG chairman, shares:聽鈥�Corlia has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, commitment to innovation and a deep understanding of what 麻豆原创 users need in order to thrive in a changing digital landscape. Her appointment as vice chair strengthens AFSUG鈥檚 ability to deliver even greater value to our community.鈥�

Throughout her tenure on the AFSUG board, Van Zyl has been instrumental in shaping customer engagement strategies, strengthening special interest group participation and advocating for real-world 麻豆原创 value in business transformation journeys.

鈥�It鈥檚 an honour to step into the vice chair role,鈥澛�says聽Van Zyl.听鈥�AFSUG plays an essential role in helping 麻豆原创 users navigate complexity and unlock business value. I look forward to continuing this journey, working alongside our members, 麻豆原创 and partners to build a more connected and empowered user community.鈥�

The post AFSUG Appoints Corlia van Zyl as Vice-chair appeared first on 麻豆原创 Africa News Center.

These individuals bring a combined wealth of leadership, strategic insight and deep industry knowledge to further AFSUG鈥檚 mission of fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange and 麻豆原创聽聽across the African continent.

The newly appointed AFSUG board members are:

• , Chief Operating Officer, Discovery Ltd – Sing brings four decades of expertise in operational leadership and business transformation, with a deep commitment to strategic innovation and developing future 麻豆原创 talent across Africa.
• , Senior Manager ERP, South African National Blood Service (SANBS)聽聽– Thupana offers a distinctive blend of 麻豆原创 technical depth and public sector insight, with a passion for building collaborative communities that elevate user experience and solution adoption.
• , Group Vice President: Technology and Digital, AECI Limited – Dlamini contributes a visionary approach to digital transformation, platform modernisation and mentoring future leaders, driven by her strategic mindset and experience leading large-scale enterprise initiatives.
• , Senior Associate Partner 鈥� 麻豆原创 Practice Co-Lead Africa, EY – Somaru brings strategic influence, 麻豆原创 expertise and an unmatched commitment to inclusion, knowledge sharing and mentorship for women and youth in the 麻豆原创 ecosystem.

厂补测蝉听 , AFSUG CEO: 鈥淲e are honoured to welcome these exceptional individuals to the AFSUG Board. Their leadership, industry depth, and dedication to community-聽will play a critical role in shaping the future of 麻豆原创 users across聽.鈥�

鈥淲e are entering a bold new chapter at AFSUG,鈥� adds AFSUG Chairman, . 鈥淚 am thrilled to welcome Kammy, Nthabiseng, Sne and Tejal to the Board. Their diverse experiences and shared passion for driving transformation will help us expand our impact, amplify our members鈥� voices, and accelerate聽聽across the 麻豆原创 ecosystem in聽.鈥�

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In this episode, we unpack the role of ERP systems and smallholder farmers in global agricultural supply chains 鈥� and how technology can bridge the gap between sustainability and productivity.

Hosted by:
Guests: 鈥� Solution Manager Agribusiness, 麻豆原创 and Carsten Friedland 鈥� Product Manager Agribusiness, MSG Global

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With more than

Celebrating community and connection

AFSUG CEO Amanda Gibbs opened the conference with a heartfelt message about the power of community. 麻豆原创HILA, she noted, is not simply a conference but a movement 鈥� a living, breathing platform designed to enable knowledge-sharing and drive transformation across industries. Her words set the tone for a gathering built on purpose and progress.

Duke Mathebula, technology leader and AFSUG chairman, joined Gibbs in opening 麻豆原创HILA 2025 with a resonant message: 鈥淲e are Africans.鈥� That sentiment echoed throughout the event, capturing the essence of a proud, purposeful and visionary community committed to transcending the present and reimagining the future.

A special tribute was made to the late Reg Barry, a foundational figure in the 麻豆原创 ecosystem and former 麻豆原创HILA chair. Barry鈥檚 enduring legacy was respectfully acknowledged throughout the event 鈥� a reminder of the power of collaboration and community that continues to shape AFSUG and its members.

A sporting start and an immersive experience

麻豆原创HILA 2025 began with a relaxed networking day on Sunday, offering attendees the chance to connect over golf, Padel championships and other sporting activities. It set a friendly, collegial tone ahead of the more structured insight sessions on 2 and 3 June.

Morning plenary sessions were followed by dynamic workshops and demonstrations, while the expansive Expo Centre served as a major highlight, featuring 53 sponsors with visually impressive and engaging stands. The exhibition floor created invaluable opportunities for delegates to explore technologies, engage with vendors and experience first-hand the innovation driving 麻豆原创鈥檚 ecosystem forward.

The call for visionary leadership

Nazia Pillay, MD at 麻豆原创 Southern Africa, delivered a powerful keynote exploring 麻豆原创鈥檚 34-year journey with AFSUG. She highlighted the importance of togetherness as a unique strength within the African context.

鈥淚n Africa, success travels at the speed of connection,鈥� Pillay stated. She called on leaders not to fall back during times of uncertainty but instead to embrace bold, visionary thinking. Reflecting on 麻豆原创鈥檚 recent Sapphire events in Madrid and Orlando, she emphasised the company鈥檚 AI-first and Business Suite strategies.

Pillay also introduced attendees to the evolution of Joule, 麻豆原创鈥檚 AI assistant, noting the roll-out of new Joule agents capable of orchestrating real-time business data across functions to drive autonomous, intelligent decision-making.

NTT DATA 鈥� building momentum through collaboration

Lauren Wortmann, vice president of applications and cloud at NTT DATA Middle East and Africa, praised 麻豆原创HILA 2025 as a critical platform for collaboration and insight.

鈥淎s Diamond Sponsor, we valued the opportunity to engage with clients, partners and industry leaders,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he event created opportunities to strengthen both new and longstanding relationships. We鈥檙e excited about the momentum coming out of 麻豆原创HILA and look forward to continuing the conversations.鈥�

NTT DATA used the platform to explore enterprise transformation and share its strategic vision for the future, cementing its leadership role in 麻豆原创-managed services.

Deloitte 鈥� aligning purpose with technology

As Executive Suite and C-suite Sponsor, Deloitte Africa demonstrated how purpose-driven innovation can accelerate real business outcomes. Koosh Panday, senior manager and 麻豆原创 project director at Deloitte and chair of 麻豆原创HILA 2025, reinforced the event鈥檚 role in shaping Africa鈥檚 technology journey.

鈥淒igital transformation is not just about technology; it鈥檚 about people, collaboration and purpose,鈥� said Panday. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why 麻豆原创HILA is so impactful.鈥�

Deloitte鈥檚 Executive Lounge offered an immersive space for attendees to explore solutions including 麻豆原创 S/4HANA, Rise with 麻豆原创 and the Business Technology Platform. Guests connected with Deloitte subject matter experts to explore the latest ERP trends and discuss shared challenges in a relaxed, focused setting.

From legacy to leadership: the City of Johannesburg journey

A standout session focused on the City of Johannesburg鈥檚 transformation journey, where public-private collaboration was explored in depth. Featuring a discussion between CoJ group CTO Aubrey Mochela and Sergio Maccotta, senior vice president for 麻豆原创 Middle East and Africa (South), the panel detailed how the CoJ migrated from 麻豆原创 4.7 to S/4HANA in a bold, 21-day full shutdown.

The CoJ has been an 麻豆原创 customer since 2007 and recently embraced AI and cloud innovation to modernise systems and improve service delivery. National treasury has expressed support for the CoJ鈥檚 transformation, validating the project鈥檚 strategic importance.

Maccotta reflected on the urgency and complexity of the shift, citing three priorities: urgency, vision and financial clarity. The team had to implement rapid change, agree on governance principles with 麻豆原创 and innovate in a tightly bound timeframe.

Emerging insights and conversations

Across the event, recurring themes included legacy system modernisation, the growing importance of enterprise architecture and the power of AI to drive smarter decision-making. Joule was presented as a key enabler, reinforcing 麻豆原创鈥檚 position as a leader in contextual, embedded intelligence.

Delegates heard thought-provoking commentary about the future of smart cities, the importance of OEM relationships, and how technology can reshape revenue collection and operational resilience. As one speaker aptly said, 鈥淣ew Gen is conversations with the systems.鈥�

A shared future

麻豆原创HILA 2025 was more than a gathering; it was a collective commitment to Africa鈥檚 digital future. With support from the likes of Google, AWS, Microsoft and a strong 麻豆原创 delegation from Germany, the event highlighted the depth of expertise and investment in the region.

That sentiment shared by Duke Mathebula in the opening session. 鈥淲e are Africans鈥� continued to resonate long after the final session, reminding all in attendance of the unique opportunity the continent holds to lead, collaborate and transcend.

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Episode 07 of AFSUG Conversation Starters is live!
Join as she chats with , Business Development Chief Expert at 麻豆原创, about 鈥淎doption Catalyst 鈥� Unlocking the Shift to Cloud鈥�.

Whether you’re navigating your cloud transformation journey or looking for inspiration to get started, this episode dives into the key strategies, mindset shifts, and best practices driving successful cloud adoption.

Hosted by the , this conversation is a must-listen for anyone in the 麻豆原创 ecosystem looking to embrace the future of innovation.

Tune in now and be part of the shift:

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