For years, companies throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa have experimented with AI by testing chatbots, piloting analytics tools and exploring generative AI features. Some pilots have delivered incremental gains, while many others have stalled.

This year, AI can no longer be treated as experimentation at the edge of the business. It must become embedded at the core.

Embedded AI, intelligence that lives directly inside enterprise processes, is now one of the most powerful levers available to boards seeking profitability, productivity and long-term competitiveness. Embedded AI represents a profound shift from AI features to AI-native operations.

From AI features to AI-native operations

In the past, AI sat outside core systems, relegated to dashboards, standalone analytics tools or isolated pilots. Today, it is moving directly into transaction flows: inside enterprise resource planning (ERP), supply chain planning, finance, procurement, human resources and customer experience systems.

Embedded AI is context-aware, action-oriented and governed. It understands the role, process and underlying business data of tasks, triggers and automate processes, and operates within enterprise-grade security, compliance and data frameworks.

In practical terms, this means a chief financial officer can receive automated explanations for financial variances directly inside the closing process. A procurement leader can generate intelligent category recommendations within sourcing workflows, and a planner can optimise production schedules in real time without switching systems.

Business leaders are confronted with a range of unique regional pressures. Demographic shifts in Europe, combined with regulatory complexity, are placing demands for higher productivity on smaller workforces. In the Middle East, national AI strategies and diversification agendas require faster innovation cycles; while in Africa, youthful talent and digital acceleration present enormous opportunity, but only for companies that can scale efficiently and govern complexity.

The case for embedded AI as board-level issue

Boards are broadly asking the same questions: how do we protect margins; how do we increase throughput without increasing headcount? and how do we move from reactive decisions to predictive ones?

Embedded AI answers these questions, not as a technology initiative but as a shift in operating model. In 2023 and 2024, AI initiatives were built for experimentation. Last year and in the year ahead, the focus has shifted to unified AI platforms built on clean data foundations, and delivering measurable business outcomes.

There is one consistent lesson across our customer base: AI only works on a clean foundation.

Embedded AI requires harmonised processes, standardised ERP systems and high-quality data. That is why clean core strategies and unified AI infrastructures are so critical.

AI-native enterprises are consolidating scattered pilots into governed platforms. 麻豆原创鈥檚 ,  and  form a unified backbone where models, data, identity, security and extensibility operate together instead of in silos.

Without a unified approach, organisations face duplicated models, inconsistent decisions and uncontrolled risk exposure. With it, ERP becomes a strategic AI engine.

The measurable impact of embedded AI is already evident. In HR, embedded intelligence in  is enabling skills-based workforce planning directly within manager workflows, aligning talent decisions to strategic priorities. Across finance functions globally, AI-assisted explanations and reconciliation processes are reducing manual effort by up to 70% while improving transparency and auditability.

Board-level priorities

For boards and executive teams across southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, three priorities stand out:

1. Treat embedded AI as part of core architecture, not as an optional feature.
2. Invest in clean data and standardised processes to unlock higher value automation.
3. Measure AI success in terms of profitability, cashflow protection, throughput and resilience, and not by pilot counts.

AI is now a core lever of competitive advantage, but only when paired with process redesign, data discipline and an empowered workforce. In 2026, the companies that lead will not be those experimenting at the margins. They will be those embedding intelligence into the heart of their business, turning ERP systems into engines of prediction, optimisation and growth.

At 麻豆原创, we are committed to supporting this journey: helping organisations across EMEA South build intelligent, resilient enterprises where embedded AI drives measurable business value, today and into the future.

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The comments were made by Sunil Geness, director of global government affairs and CSR at 麻豆原创 Africa, and Sergio Maccotta, senior VP and GM for 麻豆原创 Middle East and Africa 鈥� South.

Geness and Maccotta said businesses that can sense change, make decisions and act with minimal human intervention are reshaping how companies operate and compete. According to 麻豆原创, autonomous operations 鈥� where nearly half of all business processes run independently and most operational work is听automated听or AI-augmented 鈥� are being deployed across finance, supply chain and human resources in industries including energy, retail and manufacturing.

鈥淭his is made possible through AI embedded within enterprise resource planning processes, from finance and procurement to supply chain and HR systems, that understand context and act autonomously,鈥� said Maccotta. 鈥淪elf-optimising systems that learn, improve and adapt in real-time are matched to clean-core ERP architecture to give organisations simplified, cloud-based systems that drive profitability, reduce risk and enhance decision-making.鈥�

麻豆原创 cited data from听听indicating that the global autonomous enterprise market is projected to grow from about $49 billion in 2024 to more than $118 billion by 2030, with adoption accelerating across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The company said while few surveys use 鈥渁utonomous enterprise鈥� as a formal category, data on AI, ERP and AI agents reflects technologies underpinning autonomous models.

Recent data for the Middle East and Africa region indicates a market size set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.7%, reaching $10.2 billion by 2032.

鈥淎I is enhancing efficiency and fostering innovation across industries, from automating routine tasks to enabling complex data analysis and providing predictive insights, while also improving decision-making and optimising business operations,鈥� Geness said.

麻豆原创 added that some analysts estimate AI could contribute $1.5 trillion to Africa鈥檚 economy if the continent captures 10% of the global AI market by 2030.

Data sovereignty

麻豆原创 executives said Africa鈥檚 digital transformation continues, with data sovereignty emerging as a key factor.

鈥淔or multinational organisations and technology companies, success depends on the ability to localise without losing global efficiency, to build trust while maintaining innovation, and to invest strategically in infrastructure and partnerships that align with both regulatory demands and customer expectations,鈥� Maccotta added.

The company said Africa鈥檚 data centre market is projected to exceed $9 billion by 2029, although it remains a small share of the global total.

Executives said autonomy does not eliminate human roles but changes them, shifting employees from managing repetitive processes to supervising systems and making strategic decisions.

Maccotta advises business leaders seeking to build autonomous enterprises to start by modernising the core and fixing the data foundation for AI-driven innovation.

鈥淩emember that technology is only part of the story, and that the strategy, people and partners that businesses choose are as important to building a truly connected autonomous enterprise. Focus then on automating processes that protect revenue, improve cashflow or unlock capacity first, and take care to prepare people by prioritising reskilling and upskilling.

“Finally, collaborate with technology partners that act more as advisors than vendors, and can guide the process of redesigning core business processes for the AI era. True transformation happens when businesses combine intelligent systems with visionary leadership, skilled people and trusted partnerships.鈥�

This article first appeared in .

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The era of digitisation is giving way to something more profound: the Autonomous Enterprise听鈥撎�a business that can sense change, make decisions and act with minimal human intervention, all while empowering people to pursue revenue-driving strategic activities.

Autonomous operations are already being deployed across finance, supply chain, human resources, an in Industries like Energy, Retail and Manufacturing. In 2026, they will separate the most resilient and profitable businesses from the rest.

An Autonomous Enterprise goes beyond automating individual tasks by integrating autonomous ERP, business AI and clean data into the core of business operations. More than 50% of business processes run independently, and up to 80% of operational work is automated or AI-augmented.

This is made possible through AI embedded within enterprise resource planning processes, from finance and procurement, to supply chain and HR systems, that understand context and act autonomously. Self-optimising systems that learn, improve and adapt in real time, are matched to clean-core ERP architecture to give organisations simplified, cloud-based systems that drive profitability, reduce risk and enhance decision-making.

Crucially, autonomy does not remove humans: it redefines and empower their work. Employees move from managing repetitive processes to supervising intelligent systems, making strategic decisions and creating new value throughout the business.

2026 鈥榓 tipping point鈥�

The year ahead will be critical for organisations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In Europe, business leaders face an ageing workforce, complex supply chains, regulatory pressure, and the push for sustainability and data sovereignty. Middle Eastern nations are already deploying national AI strategies and sovereign cloud infrastructure as part of a rapid diversification from the energy sector. And despite inflation and debt pressures, a world鈥檚 fastest-growing digital economy and most youthful workforce are emerging in Africa.

While the challenges in each region are unique, at their core every organisation is seeking the same capabilities: faster decision-making, greater profitability, improved resilience, and sustainability at scale.

Businesses that fail to build these capabilities, and instead rely on manual processes, disconnected systems and spreadsheets, face growing risks: slower reaction time, shrinking margins, and higher operational costs.

This is why the business opportunity for Autonomous Enterprises is significant. The global Autonomous Enterprise market is expected to grow from听, and adoption is accelerating across EMEA.

听Global partner for business transformation

While I can see the scale of the challenge businesses face to transform into autonomous enterprises, I am equally excited at bringing 麻豆原创鈥檚 strengths in this arena to bear. Through our flagship 鈥� now more accessible than ever thanks to the RISE with 麻豆原创 initiative 鈥� we equip businesses with modern, clean core ERP systems that are upgrade-safe and AI ready.

, 麻豆原创鈥檚 generative AI copilot now supports 11 languages and features more than 400 embedded AI use cases across 26 industries, while the enables extensibility, data orchestration and clean core innovation for the world鈥檚 most critical industries.

My advice, to leaders seeking throughout the region to build Autonomous Enterprises, is to start modernising the core and fix the data foundation for AI-driven innovation. Remember that technology is only part of the story, and that the strategy, people and partners that businesses choose are as important to building a truly connected Autonomous Enterprise.

Focus then on automating processes that protect revenue, improve cashflow or unlock capacity first, and take care to prepare people by prioritising reskilling and upskilling. Finally, collaborate with technology partners that act more as advisors than vendors, and who can guide the process of redesigning core business processes for the AI era. True transformation happens when businesses combine intelligent systems with visionary leadership, skilled people and trusted partnerships.

In 2026, the most successful companies will go beyond digital transformation to achieve faster decision-making, greater operational certainty, and the ability to unlock new forms of growth and innovation.

This article first appeared in .

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Pillay joined 麻豆原创 as a graduate over 20 years ago, and has worked in roles spanning consulting, support, quality management, customer success and, most recently, as the head of the organisation鈥檚 regional partner ecosystem. She fundamentally believes 麻豆原创 has a leading role to play in helping Africa鈥檚 public and private sector companies achieve their AI and innovation ambitions.

Sergio Maccotta, senior vice president at 麻豆原创 Middle East and Africa South, says: “Nazia will bring vital expertise and leadership skills to one of 麻豆原创鈥檚 most important regions as we continue to empower youth, drive innovation within our customers and partners, and build a more inclusive, sustainable future.

“With companies across Southern Africa gearing up for an era of AI- and cloud-led innovation, we are especially excited to see how Nazia鈥檚 leadership will guide how organisations adopt technology as a strategic lever for national development and growth.”

Pillay says she will focus on three core areas in her new role, to ensure existing partnerships are strengthened and new ones cultivated, while helping customers prepare for a digital-first, cloud-first world.

鈥淭eaming up with our valued customer and partner ecosystem across the region is mission-critical for our business, especially as we showcase 麻豆原创鈥檚 latest capabilities as an AI-first, suite first technology partner. As a people-focused leader, I have also made it my longer-term ambition to make our local office the best place to work in South Africa.鈥�

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Having partnered with 麻豆原创 since 2007, the City was no stranger to 麻豆原创 deployments, but as recently as two years ago, it was still using 17-year old systems.

, group chief technology officer at City of Johannesburg, explains that the City is going ahead with major technology investments on .

No digital transformation journey goes smoothly, and Mochela says the City鈥檚 current deployment has been no different.

鈥淚 had a virtual dinosaur, on a physical dinosaur, that has been sitting in the data centre for years,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e had to revamp the environment, and to do that, we had to shut down 麻豆原创 for 21 days. The system had serious challenges, and if we hadn鈥檛 made that decision, the City鈥檚 environment might have collapsed.鈥�

The City was running on 麻豆原创鈥檚 version 4.7 for 15 years 鈥� and it had been customised almost beyond recognition. 鈥淟ast year we finally upgraded to ECC6 鈥� which many customers did years ago,鈥� Mochela says. 鈥淭his was so we could transition to S/4HANA.鈥�

, senior vice-president for 麻豆原创 Middle East and Africa South, had his first interaction with the City two years ago.

鈥淣ot only was the system down, but we had no contract with the City at that stage either,鈥� he remembers.

But three priorities came out of the first meeting: a sense of urgency in that the City was unable to access its data; a vision to adopt innovative technology; and the need to see a return on its investment.

So 麻豆原创 and the City of Johannesburg formed a public-private partnership that allowed them to first stabilise the system, then migrate the technology, and thirdly to start changing processes to engender innovation.

Mochela contextualises how previous system upgrades had adopted old processes, and this had to change.

鈥淲hen we were transitioning from 4.7 to S/4 HANA, we had to re-implement processes, and we had to work with the business because a smart solution and a smart city can鈥檛 be built on old processes

鈥淭reasury gives us precepts, and industry gives us best practices 鈥� and these two must align. Technology will disrupt the business, and those that won鈥檛 change will be left behind.鈥�

麻豆原创 is able to leverage best-practices end-to-end thanks to its work with more than 400 000 customers around the world, Maccotta points out.

One of the early challenges that Mochela had to overcome was a resistance to putting HCM on the cloud.

Maccotta explains that the cloud conversation has moved beyond whether it should be done or not.

鈥� A lot of customers still don鈥檛 know how to approach innovation, to modernise their business. And there is still the question of whether they should move to cloud.

鈥淚 suggest that the cloud is not in question anymore,鈥� he adds. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like the dilemma 30 years ago, whether to build or buy software. Today, the speed and innovation offered by the cloud transcends what can be done on-premise.

鈥淎nd cloud releases customers from mundane IT administration, so the IT organisation can be closer to the business and become a business adviser,鈥� Maccotta says. 鈥淲ill you continue to spend your time trying to keep the lights on, to keep the status quo running? Or will you put the effort into innovation?鈥�

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听JOHANNESBURG, South Africa 鈥� June 2, 2025 鈥� 麻豆原创 experts, partners and customers are converging this week at 麻豆原创HILA 2025, the flagship user conference for 麻豆原创鈥檚 Africa ecosystem.

, says: 鈥淎frica is a vital region for 麻豆原创鈥檚 vision of bringing out the best in every business. As our incredible customers, partners and experts gather at this year鈥檚 麻豆原创HILA, we are excited to explore new opportunities to help organisations take advantage of the latest cloud and business AI innovations to power growth and success throughout the region.鈥�

麻豆原创HILA is the premier conference by the African 麻豆原创 User Group (), an independent, non-profit organisation representing 麻豆原创鈥檚 customers and partner communities in Africa. is held biennially in collaboration with 麻豆原创. The event is currently underway at the iconic Sun City Resort & Convention Centre.

Exploring AI, cloud possibilities

麻豆原创HILA 2025 takes place as organisations across the continent increasingly leverage cloud and AI-powered technologies to break through traditional limits and explore new frontiers of innovation.

, Head of Global Customer Engagement & Services and Member of the Extended Board at 麻豆原创, notes the critical importance of a holistic approach to business transformation and cloud adoption to unlock the full value of innovations like AI. 鈥淥rganisations are under pressure to stay agile and foster innovation across the entire enterprise. But this is much more than just a technology shift, it鈥檚 about capabilities, tools, and methodology to accelerate business transformation and deliver faster time to value.鈥�

found that cloud and AI skills were the most prized among African organisations when recruiting tech talent. All companies that formed part of the Africa鈥檚 AI Skills Readiness Revealed report expected the demand for AI skills to increase this year.

, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Support & Cloud Lifecycle Management at 麻豆原创, highlights how companies adopting an AI-first and suite-first strategy are revolutionising their business operations. 鈥淥rganisations are unlocking smarter decision-making, seamless collaboration and innovation-fuelled growth by embedding systems of AI agents and leveraging a unified data layer enabled by 麻豆原创 Business Data Cloud. For our customers and partners, the journey to unlocking the power of cloud is accelerated by RISE with 麻豆原创, the most effective route to transforming their on-premise ERP landscape to a cloud-first model.鈥�

Biggest gathering yet

This year鈥檚 麻豆原创HILA is the biggest yet, with over a thousand delegates in attendance. In addition to keynote speeches and insightful presentations from local and global experts, there are also a range of interactive sessions, including an Ask Me Anything session, product deep dives through a personalised digital portal, and several practical sessions.

, Interim Managing Director for South Africa at 麻豆原创, says 麻豆原创HILA is the most important networking event for 麻豆原创鈥檚 ecosystem this year. 鈥淎s our customers and partners explore new realms of possibilities with powerful business AI and cloud technologies, this year鈥檚 麻豆原创HILA will provide invaluable insights and guidance on how to best take advantage of this new era of innovation. We thank AFSUG for driving this essential event in this year鈥檚 calendar and look forward to sharing our latest insights and solutions with the broader 麻豆原创 ecosystem.鈥�

AFSUG CEO adds: 鈥淭his year鈥檚 麻豆原创HILA is an unmissable event for every company and partner that leverages 麻豆原创鈥檚 technologies to transform their operations and drive innovation. Thank you to our friends at 麻豆原创 for their support and for the incredible lineup of local and global experts sharing their invaluable learnings with our delegates.鈥�

For more information about 麻豆原创HILA 2025, please visit

ENDS

Visit the 麻豆原创 News Center. Follow 麻豆原创 at .

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A number of leading local organisations will take to the stage to share their successes, challenges and lessons learned in leveraging 麻豆原创 technologies at the upcoming event, which听is set听to听take place from 01 to 03 June 2025 at Sun City in South Africa鈥檚 North-West Province.

Day one of 麻豆原创HILA features an Executive Fireside Chat, where听, 麻豆原创鈥檚 SVP and GM for Middle East Africa 鈥� South, will host a panel discussion with听,听the City of Johannesburg鈥檚听Group Chief Technology Officer, and听, Deputy Director-General: eGovernment and Chief Government Information Officer at the South African Department of Public Service and Administration.

Also on the first day of the conference听, Head of Applications, and , Chief Information Officer (CIO) of , will discuss how the pharmaceutical retail group effectively de-risked and accelerated its S/4HANA RISE transformation. In addition, , 鈥檚 麻豆原创 Extended Services Manager, will highlight Aspen鈥檚 metamorphosis.

Day two of 麻豆原创HILA continues the customer-centric theme, with several prominent African organisations set to share their 麻豆原创 journeys.

• Dinesh Ramasamy of Said Salim Bakhresa & Company, the flagship company of the Bakhresa Group, will present on its experience in the deployment, consumption and adoption of 麻豆原创 technologies.
• Sasol鈥檚 Vice President of Supply Chain Services and Leverage Sourcing, Hendrik Steynberg, will unpack the company鈥檚 story in a session titled 鈥楾ransforming Procurement: Sasol鈥檚 Journey to Innovation and Efficiency with 麻豆原创 Solutions鈥�.
• From Mozambique, Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos (ENH) 鈥� the country鈥檚 national energy company 鈥� will share its success with 麻豆原创 S/4 RISE and SuccessFactors, presented by Director of Information Systems, In谩cio Mateus Fumo.
• In the local transport sector, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa鈥檚 (PRASA) Vukile Nduli will explore how it is leveraging 麻豆原创 to digitise and track assets, creating a digital twin framework that enhances visibility and control.
• Further insights will be shared by Nick Jackson, CIO of the Royal Swaziland Sugar Corporation, discussing the expansion of the company鈥檚 public cloud ERP system with 麻豆原创 SuccessFactors.
• Dis-Chem returns to the stage with Dawid Oelofse, Supply Chain Executive, revealing how the group has implemented over 100 automated warehouse management processes.
• Tatenda Mandeya, Group IT Manager at Northern Tobacco will co-present with Carsten Friedman of 麻豆原创 on how IT supports sustainability in tobacco sourcing in rural Zimbabwe.
• Tiger Brands鈥� Ntsako Ngobeni, S&OP Capability Manager, will explain how the food and beverage giant has reimagined its planning function to enable end-to-end optimisation and improved working capital efficiency.
• Nedbank鈥檚 Justin Tobias will present with Felix Chebeli from Strafore Tech the bank鈥檚 success in test automation using Tricentis and 麻豆原创 Solution Manager.
• Simon Marlin, GM of IT at Toyota South Africa Motors, will walk the audience through Toyota鈥檚 S/4HANA transition.
• Ashlita Barlow, Head of Retail Technologies at the Shoprite Group, will showcase how 麻豆原创 Fiori and BTP are driving business听changeby improving stock availability, ensuring transaction accuracy, and reducing waste.
• Rounding out the customer stories, Regardt Wolvaardt, Solutions Architect at PG Group, will share insights on how digital supply chain planning has enabled unified operations.
• Finally, Chris Kien, Enterprise Solution Architect at Implats, will present on driving efficiency and agility through the organisation鈥檚 麻豆原创 S/4HANA transformation.

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Ravi Kumar, Chief Corporate Officer of Crescent Petroleum and Board Member of the Crescent Group, said, 鈥淗aving completed the Phase 1 of the 麻豆原创 roadmap in a record 8 months, we set out to integrate Crescent Petroleum鈥檚 operations, providing a seamless flow of data, from Wellhead to Customer, in Phase 2. The benefits are significant as we have integrated data across disparate parts of the plant allowing us to seamlessly integrate plant systems with 麻豆原创 systems, and ensure a single source of truth across the Company.鈥�

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Sergio Maccotta, senior vice-president for Middle East South and Africa at 麻豆原创, says Makhohliso joins the company at a pivotal time.

“Organisations throughout Southern Africa are uncovering new capabilities and efficiency gains through the smart use of intelligent technologies, thereby accelerating business transformation and sustainability efforts. As the region shifts to more agile and resilient business processes to power growth across multiple industries, Kholiwe鈥檚 technology and leadership expertise will be a great asset to our business.

Makhohliso’s background

With more than 20 years’ technology experience and previous leadership roles that span both the public and private sectors, Makhohliso started her career as an auditor. During her illustrious career, she has worked in IT, consulting and sales for blue chip companies that include Accenture and Oracle. Most recently, Makhohliso was the vice-president and country MD for German software company, Software AG, where she served as an executive director board member.

Passionate about education and youth skills development, Makhohliso is also chairperson of the Sparrow Trust, a non-profit organisation working to provide young, disadvantaged South African youth with education and learning opportunities.

‘A fantastic time to join 麻豆原创 ‘

Speaking of her new appointment Makhohliso comments, 鈥淭his is a fantastic time to be joining 麻豆原创, as the organisation takes significant strides on its cloud leadership journey that is embracing the potential of AI and sustainability in the Southern African marketplace. I鈥檓 excited for this next chapter in my career as the region has a well-established installed base of 麻豆原创 customers, and I look forward to further engaging both customers and partners to generate ongoing positive impact, powered by technology.鈥�

鈥淥rganisations are navigating a new era of change and uncertainty and the role that technology plays in unlocking value is critical,鈥� adds Maccotta.

鈥淜holiwe鈥檚 appointment to this strategic leadership role will be invaluable in further leading 麻豆原创鈥檚 efforts in Southern Africa to power innovation and ultimately fuel economic growth.鈥�

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