This is according to , Chief Partner Officer for MEA South at 麻豆原创, a Diamond Influence Partner of the upcoming OpenText Summit Africa 2026 in Johannesburg.

De Beer says: 鈥淏ack in the early 90s, everything was about structured data 鈥� that鈥檚 麻豆原创鈥檚 heritage and the backbone of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) that companies run their businesses on. But even back then, we had the foresight to recognise that large amounts of data weren鈥檛 governed and controlled by 麻豆原创 systems. This unstructured data included e-mails, contracts and drawings that were very relevant to business transactions.

鈥淩emarkably, we saw the importance of connecting structured and unstructured data from a business perspective, knowing that this contextual information would add richness to transactional data,鈥� she says. 鈥淥ur partnership with OpenText was a natural joining of forces, combining 麻豆原创鈥檚 ERP with OpenText鈥檚 secure information and content management. From the start, we put OpenText in our solution extensions, with OpenText probably the flagship. Over time, we have built something few can duplicate: a fully autonomous system that captures integrated data across portfolios.鈥�

De Beer says there is a general recognition that many companies have a lot of records that aren’t governed and accessible. 鈥淲hen you pick up an invoice, for example, how do you know which transaction it relates to, what the broader picture is and what the lead-up to the transaction was? Connecting all of this information to the 麻豆原创 system gives a full contextual view of the transaction and all related e-mails and contracts.鈥�

The partnership delivers measurable business value. A report by IDC entitled: 鈥楾he 鈥� found a 351% three-year ROI with just 13 months to payback, a 37% improvement in accounts payable team efficiencies, and significant improvements in time to make vendor payments and complete document migrations.

The partnership is so successful that OpenText has won 麻豆原创鈥檚 highest recognition 鈥� its Pinnacle award 鈥� 21 times.

, ISV Partner Business Manager for MEA Region at 麻豆原创. (Image: AI-enhanced)

Naeem Muhammad, ISV Partner Business Manager for MEA Region at 麻豆原创, notes that the OpenText solution extensions are treated as important 麻豆原创 solutions. 鈥淥penText SKUs are available in the 麻豆原创 price list, and 麻豆原创 offers end-to-end OpenText customer support, contracts and SLAs. We treat them like 麻豆原创 products. We also find our Global Strategic Service Partners, such as leading consulting firms, work very well with 麻豆原创 and OpenText in what we describe as 鈥榯he power of three鈥�.”

De Beer adds: 鈥淲hen software companies partner, it鈥檚 often a hands-off relationship, but this is very much hands on. We have trained people who sell, manage and support OpenText, and customers sign one contract with us.鈥�

Ongoing innovation

Importantly, the partners collaborate closely in helping customers move into the future, De Beer and Muhammad say.

鈥淲hen customers move from legacy 麻豆原创 to later versions, and transformational projects, it is not always clear to customers how to bring the contracts and unstructured data along. OpenText supports transformational projects, helping with archiving and migration,鈥� De Beer says. 鈥淎fter migration, the partnership really comes into its own, giving customers connected systems and a foundation to build on.鈥�

As AI adoption increases, streamlining access to both structured and unstructured data is important for enterprises, Muhammad says: 鈥淎I is only as good as the data it has access to, so with 麻豆原创 and OpenText, it is all combined. Our 麻豆原创 Autonomous Enterprise can access the entire pool of data to take it to the next level. The structured and unstructured data together gives us the right base to build innovation and AI on.鈥�

De Beer adds: 鈥淏oth 麻豆原创 and OpenText have our own AI journeys, but our roadmaps are very connected and they augment each other. At 麻豆原创, we have embedded AI into our flagship Autonomous Enterprise solution, with AI agents in every process. This is where governance becomes important, because humans still need to be in control. With OpenText, we jointly decide where human interventions happen and how governance is applied.鈥�

The partnership benefits 麻豆原创, OpenText, its partners and their customers, De Beer says. 鈥淲ith OpenText, we have a more complete, richer platform we can offer customers, that extends seamlessly because of the roadmaps we built together. For partners, it means more opportunities and a broader solutions set to take to customers. And the customer gets a very complete and governed view of all business information, with security and the same rules applied across the information chain. It’s a win-win for everyone,鈥� she concludes.

The will be held on Thursday, 3 September at The Canvas in Riversands, Johannesburg. 麻豆原创鈥檚 sales and partner teams will be on site and available to discuss with customers and partners, and showcase how the 麻豆原创-OpenText partnership benefits enterprises.

Register for this event here: .

The post Power Partnership: 麻豆原创 and OpenText鈥檚 30-Plus Year Relationship Builds Stronger AI Foundations for Customers appeared first on 麻豆原创 Africa News Center.

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.

About the client

The client is a leading power and utilities company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity to millions of residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the region.

As a key player in supporting the nation鈥檚 economic growth and development, the client continuously invests in modernising its organisation鈥檚 infrastructure and optimising operational efficiency to meet the growing demand for reliable and sustainable energy.

Project overview

The client embarked on a large-scale restructuring initiative, partnering with a leading consulting firm in the Middle East to streamline and unify their business operations across multiple regions in Saudi Arabia. A critical aspect of this transformation was the Data Unification project for huge amounts of master, transaction and historical data, which aimed to standardise and harmonise master data from diverse regional systems into a single, consistent structure.

Recognising the complexity and scale of the 麻豆原创 data transformation required, the consulting firm sought the expertise of EPI-USE Labs. EPI-USE Labs used their PRISM transformation solution, which combines specialist services and proprietary software, including the Data Sync Manager Landscape Transformation (LT) Suite, supported by EPI-USE Labs鈥� global delivery model. This approach helped the consulting firm to complete the 麻豆原创 data transformation efficiently and effectively. This company also contributed significantly by providing 麻豆原创 functional expertise and business knowledge, ensuring the project was a success.

Key highlights

• Over 4 million classes and characteristics updated
• Over 15 million equipment, orders, notifications and maintenance plans reassigned
• Over 150 million records updated in custom tables
• Data unification of huge amounts of 麻豆原创 master, transaction and historical data
• Complex data harmonisation of millions of data fields
• Automation of complex data mappings at scale
• Consistent, compliant, accurate data with automated validation reports

This joint exercise with EPI-USE Labs has enhanced our rapport and confidence with the client. We were able to deliver operational efficiency and lower the cost due to centralised data management.
  鈥� Project Director, leading consulting firm in the Middle East

The challenge: Fragmented operational data

Following the implementation of Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), the client鈥檚 operational data over the years was fragmented across different regional divisions, each with unique data definitions, structures and naming conventions. The client decided to implement a common unification policy to their equipment and assets across the region. The lack of standardisation made it difficult for them to gain a unified view of their operations, impacting reporting, decision-making, and operational efficiency.

The master, transaction and historical Data Unification project required:

• High-volume data transformations: Millions of data fields needed to be mapped and transformed accurately.
• Complex data harmonisation: Aligning data definitions across all regions while maintaining data integrity.
• Risk mitigation: Manual data transformation was not only time-consuming but also posed a high risk of errors.

To address these challenges, they needed a solution that would automate the transformation process, reduce risks, and enhance efficiency.

Specialist data transformation at scale

EPI-USE Labs was engaged by the consulting firm in the Middle East as a specialist data transformation partner, bringing in the EPI-USE Labs鈥� PRISM solution along with specialist software and consultants to handle the data transformation needs, as one team working with the client.

Components of the solution

• Data identification to preview and validate data in scope.
• Automation at scale: The PRISM solution automated complex data mappings and executed transformations with precision. This significantly reduced the need for manual intervention, accelerating the project timeline.
• Advanced transformation capabilities: The engine not only automated standard transformations but also handled complex scenarios, ensuring seamless data unification across the client鈥檚 regions.
• Data consistency and accuracy: Applying predefined mapping rules provided by the consulting firm and the client ensured that the final transformed data output was both consistent and reliable.
• Effective validation reports: EPI-USE Labs assisted the consulting firm in developing automated validation reports to ensure accuracy and integrity throughout the transformation process.

Collaboration with EPI-USE Labs was critical for such a project for the largest utility client in the Middle East. We received constant support from the EPI-USE Labs data expert team and, together, achieved this success.
  鈥� Project Manager, leading consulting firm in the Middle East

EPI-USE Labs expedited our journey in the data unification project. Their software played a critical role where millions of records were transformed without error and with speed.
  鈥� Functional Lead, leading consulting firm in the Middle East

Collaboration and global delivery model

EPI-USE Labs assembled a skilled team from across the globe, including experts from the UK and Europe, to support the project. The team worked closely with the consulting firm鈥檚 project managers and technical and functional leads through daily interactions, fostering strong collaboration and effective problem-solving.

This global techno-functional delivery model enabled the consulting firm and EPI-USE Labs to provide a precise and reliable software-powered solution, ensuring that not only the data transformation requirements were met, but also that the broader functional needs of the client鈥檚 project were addressed.

Solution stages

1. Input stage

• Data sources: Multiple regional databases with fragmented master data.
• Initial state: Inconsistent structures, varying naming conventions, and siloed data.

2. Transformation stage

• EPI-USE Labs鈥� role: Utilisation of the PRISM solution to automate data transformations; execution of complex data mappings, applying predefined rules; integration of both functional and technical expertise to address evolving project needs; significant volume of data to be referenced.
• Technical approach: Automation versus manual effort, with huge efficiency gains; handling of data inconsistencies and real-time adjustments.

3. Output stage

• Unified master data: Harmonised data model supporting the client鈥檚 restructured business processes.
• Business impact: Enhanced reporting, improved operational efficiency, and reduced risk.

The outcome: A hugely successful project

The successful completion of EPI-USE Labs鈥� scope of the project contributed to the broader objectives of the client鈥檚 data unification initiative. The results included:

• Enhanced efficiency: PRISM transformed millions of data fields quickly and accurately, saving the consulting firm and the client both time and resources.
• Reduced risk: By automating the process, EPI-USE Labs minimised the potential for human error and ensured data consistency across the board in the data transformation.
• Operational continuity: The unified master data model enabled the client to streamline reporting and business processes, laying a strong foundation for continued operational optimisation.
• Compliance: The unified master, transaction, and historical data improved compliance by enabling better regulatory oversight and mitigating risks.

Strategic partnership and future opportunities

This project not only met the technical needs, but also strengthened the partnership between the leading consulting firm in the Middle East and EPI-USE Labs, by aligning closely with their project objectives and demonstrating the effectiveness of EPI-USE Labs鈥� PRISM approach. This project demonstrated that 鈥� together with partners 鈥� EPI-USE Labs can effectively tackle big 麻豆原创 System Landscape Optimisation (SLO)/Data Migration and Landscape Transformation (DMLT) and migration/transformation projects in challenging environments.

About EPI-USE Labs

As a global software solutions and managed services company, EPI-USE Labs helps you to maximise the performance, management and security of your 麻豆原创庐 and 麻豆原创 SuccessFactors庐 systems. Our clients tell us every day how we have transformed their business operations.

Contact us to find out how we can help you solve your business challenges

epiuselabs.com | sales@labs.epiuse.com

EPI-USE Labs is a member of Group Elephant.

The post 麻豆原创 Data Transformation for Leading Utilities Company in the Middle East appeared first on 麻豆原创 Africa News Center.

The initiative is intended to create a pipeline of certified talent to support business transformation across the country and the wider region, says the company.

The inaugural Botswana edition adopted a regional approach, bringing together participants from Botswana, Ghana, and SA. After completing the two-month programme, 33 young professionals graduated as associate consultants.

The World Economic Forum predicts that 39% of core job skills will change by 2030, increasing the need for organisations to access talent with both technical expertise and business acumen. 

The sponsored YPP connects unemployed and underemployed graduates with opportunities across the customer and partner network of the enterprise software firm.

The cohort received certifications in End-to-End Business Processes for 麻豆原创 Business Suite and Generative AI Development. Graduates also completed sessions in 麻豆原创 Business AI, Clean Core Framework, and general workplace readiness, says 麻豆原创.

The Botswana graduation aligns with wider investment in talent development across the continent, including the Educate to Employ initiative held in partnership with UNICEF.

Graduates are transitioning into roles across the ecosystem, with some joining regional partners such as Debswana. These graduates will support the enterprise resource planning (ERP) transformation at the diamond mining firm, including the migration to 麻豆原创 S/4HANA.

The programme underscores a commitment to developing the skills that organisations need for their technology investments, says Nazia Pillay, managing director for Southern Africa at 麻豆原创.

She adds: “By equipping young professionals with both technical and business capabilities, we are helping to build a future-ready workforce that can support innovation and transformation across Africa,” says Pillay. As demand for digital skills rises, the YPP is creating a pipeline of talent for customers and partners.

Nazia Pillay, Managing Director for Southern Africa at 麻豆原创.

The post 麻豆原创 Unleashes Digital Potential in Botswana 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.听Gallup studies听show that, globally, only 21% of employees feel truly engaged at work, while actively disengaged employees can undermine entire teams. Loneliness and over-measurement听in organisations not only erode morale but also have measurable influences on productivity and wellbeing.听

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听听a path towards a community that is purpose-led, operationally sound and designed for听sustainable听impact across听.

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

Click below to watch!

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, Managing Director for Southern Africa at 麻豆原创, says the role of partners has never been more critical. 鈥淥rganisations across the continent are redesigning processes, embedding intelligence into core systems, and reimagining how value is created. Success requires deep industry expertise, AI capabilities and the ability to translate innovation into measurable business outcomes. As a partner-led organisation, 麻豆原创 is proud to work alongside a thriving ecosystem of expert partners who help bring Business AI, clean core ERP and intelligent automation to life, enabling our customers to become more resilient, more profitable and better prepared for the future.鈥�

The 麻豆原创 Africa Partner Awards recognise excellence within 麻豆原创鈥檚 partner ecosystem across eight distinct categories. Winners are evaluated according to strict criteria, with a focus on partner organisations that help clients throughout Africa transform their capabilities and smooth the way to the adoption of powerful new technologies such as AI.

According to , Chief Partner Officer for MEA South at 麻豆原创, the winners at this year鈥檚 麻豆原创 Africa Partner Award represent the highest standards of excellence, innovation and commitment in advancing the technology ambitions of organisations across the continent. 鈥淥ur partners play a vital role in translating strategy into execution and innovation into measurable business value. We are proud to work alongside such a strong and trusted ecosystem as we collectively support Africa鈥檚 ongoing digital transformation journey.鈥�

The winning companies at the 2026 麻豆原创 Africa Partner Awards include:

• and, winners of the Customer Transformation: Corporate category, which recognises sales excellence in the corporate segment that fosters ambitious business planning, in their respective regions.
• , winner of the Customer Transformation: Large Enterprise category for its excellence in amplifying 麻豆原创鈥檚 large enterprise strategy by offering 麻豆原创 Business Suite and helping deliver large-scale transformation.
• Tano Digital Solutions (Southern Africa) and, winners in the Customer Transformation: Partner-Led Territories category which recognises partners that actively invests and creates value by focusing on customer lifetime value across the customer value journey.
• , winner in the Customer Success Management category, for partners that exceed in consistently delivering value to customers and helping ensure customers achieved the desired outcomes while using 麻豆原创 products and services.
• and (Emerging Africa), winners in the 麻豆原创 Cloud ERP: New Customer Acquisition category which recognises partners that have successfully brought in net-new-name customers to begin an innovation journey with 麻豆原创 Cloud ERP solutions.
• , winner in the 麻豆原创 Business AI: Customer Adoption category which recognises leaders in 麻豆原创鈥檚 partner ecosystem based on the activation and consumption of embedded AI features in cloud solutions from 麻豆原创 in their customer base.
• , winner in the Managed Service Provider: Top Performance category, awarded to top-performing managed service providers based on deals closed and growth in annual contract value.
• in the Partner Solution Success category, which recognises a partner solution that successfully delivers ongoing customer value by extending the 麻豆原创 solution portfolio, as evidenced by customer demand and solution sales.

听Pillay adds: 鈥淚n an era defined by embedded AI and autonomous enterprise architectures, no organisation can transform in isolation. We look forward to continuing our vital work with our partner ecosystem as African organisations build the capabilities they鈥檒l need to compete and succeed in the years ahead.鈥�

The post 麻豆原创 Africa Partner Awards Recognise Outstanding Contributions to Continent鈥檚 Digital Transformation, AI Ambitions appeared first on 麻豆原创 Africa News Center.

The solution is focused on Absa鈥檚 group reporting and financial consolidation landscape. The renewed five-year agreement enhances Absa鈥檚 ambition to modernise financial systems and applications and embeds group-wide standards that enhance agility, flexibility and robust financial control.

鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to continue supporting Absa鈥檚 finance modernisation with trusted 麻豆原创 application management services,鈥� said , Managing Director of Application Services at NTT DATA in Middle East and Africa. 鈥淥ur focus is on reliable operations, continuous improvement and measurable business outcomes that will help Absa strengthen controls and unlock real-time insights from a resilient S/4HANA foundation.鈥�

Under the leadership of , Absa Managing Executive responsible for Financial Control Functions and Finance CIO, Absa has progressively consolidated ledgers, streamlined close processes and moved finance operations to a modern 麻豆原创 S/4HANA foundation, integrated with best-of-breed spend management.

鈥淥ur efforts to build a single source of financial truth for Absa across Africa are ongoing,鈥� said John. 鈥淩enewing and extending our partnership with NTT DATA ensures we have the specialist 麻豆原创 capability and dependable operations to match the scale of our ambition, supporting stronger controls, faster close cycles and the data quality our business stakeholders expect. This is a South Africa-led transformation with Africa-wide impact and our unified platform positions Absa to grow with resilience and transparency.鈥�

The post NTT DATA Extends Partnership with Absa to Drive Financial Transformation appeared first on 麻豆原创 Africa News Center.

In recent months, young entrepreneurs from across South Africa have taken part in the Future Founder SA Programme, gaining real-world experience, mentorship and start-up capital. The finalists presented ventures shaped by lived experience and a commitment to solving meaningful community and industry challenges. A total of R400 000 in equity-free funding was awarded: R250 000 from 麻豆原创 and R150 000 from FNB.

2025 Winners
鈥� 1^ST Percy Maphologela, EquiXToken
鈥� 2^ND Shantel Tafara, RapidCool
鈥� 3^RD Thando Mzimela, Univio

鈥淣elson Mandela taught us that the soul of a society is revealed in how it treats its young people,鈥� said , Director of Government Relations and CSR at 麻豆原创 Africa. 鈥淏y investing in youth innovation, we build a stronger and more hopeful future.鈥�

The showcase also highlighted the leadership of and from Yoma, whose commitment and vision have shaped the programme. They have poured their hearts, energy, and vision into shaping Future Founder SA. Their belief in young people isn鈥檛 theoretical, it鈥檚 lived, practical, and courageous. Their work reminds us that when young people lead, others follow. They represent something rare and truly inspiring: youth advocating for youth.

鈥淭his is what happens when young people lead. They build, they create and they define the future,鈥� said , Global Revenue Office Operational Excellence Lead and 麻豆原创 Educate to Employ Africa Lead.

Nonkululeko added: 鈥淵oung founders are not asking for charity. They are asking for a fair chance. Their courage reminds us that possibility grows wherever young people are trusted and supported.鈥�

The programme is delivered by Yoma in partnership with Goodwall, ALX Ventures and RLabs, with strategic support from 麻豆原创 and Generation Unlimited. It offers structured skills development, expert-led masterclasses and access to funding, fully online and accessible nationwide.

A special acknowledgement was given to FNB and , Marketing Executive Head: Commercial Segment, for their partnership. Over and above the R150 000 donation towards the capital. On the 4^th of December , the Future Founder SA finalists shared the stage with some of the country鈥檚 most recognised digital innovators, including Checkers Sixty60 and D6 along with the ultimate winner, Vula Medical, stands as a powerful example of purpose at scale.

FNB continues to demonstrate its commitment to youth innovation. Following the 2025 T20 Future of Jobs Summit, 麻豆原创 and FNB began a series of meaningful engagements which led to this moment. Their collaboration is a reminder that when institutions unite behind young people, progress not only happens, it accelerates.

As South Africa continues to face high youth unemployment, the Future Founder SA Showcase stands as a powerful testament to collaboration, innovation and the impact of investing in the country鈥檚 young entrepreneurs.

The post Future Founder SA Celebrates Young Innovators on a Day Honouring Nelson Mandela鈥檚 Legacy appeared first on 麻豆原创 Africa News Center.

The Ocean Cleanup focuses on reducing plastic pollution in rivers and oceans, operates internationally, and is growing rapidly. To date, they have already removed more than 40 million kilograms of waste. However, their ambitions go further: by 2040, The Ocean Cleanup aims to have removed 90% of floating ocean plastic and cleaned up plastic pollution in 90 river cities. This represents a major scale-up of their work, with more activities and installations in rivers and oceans worldwide.

Flexible Growth

To properly manage global processes and support international activities, The Ocean Cleanup urgently needed a modern and scalable system. The Dutch non-profit organization therefore chose to replace its NetSuite system with 麻豆原创 S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition. This modern ERP platform enables The Ocean Cleanup to achieve its growth ambitions: the system is easily scalable and can be flexibly adapted as processes, projects, or international activities expand.

A strong foundation for global collaboration is essential. For example, financial teams must work closely with fundraisers to optimally distribute donations across international projects, while project teams, engineers, and data analysts coordinate daily on technology, planning, and budgets for initiatives in rivers and oceans worldwide. As , Senior Partnership Manager at The Ocean Cleanup, puts it: 鈥淧erfect coordination between teams is essential; we hunt plastic together as a pack. The system helps us with that collaboration, allowing us to respond quickly to new challenges.鈥�

Aurelia Ferraro further explains: 鈥淲e are growing exponentially, and our internal processes have become increasingly complex, with operations spanning multiple countries. 麻豆原创 S/4HANA is the ideal system to manage that complexity.鈥� She emphasizes that the transformation is about more than just technology: 鈥淐hange and innovation are always complex, but our organization is accustomed to change. We invest a lot of energy in communication and training, which ensures smooth 麻豆原创 adoption.鈥�

Fast implementation and configuration

, Strategic Advisor at , The Ocean Cleanup’s implementation partner, adds: 鈥淭ogether with The Ocean Cleanup, we are following a phased implementation. 麻豆原创’s 80-20 fit-to-standard approach allows us to implement quickly, after which we configure specific processes in 麻豆原创 according to The Ocean Cleanup’s needs.鈥�

The implementation began with financial administration and purchasing modules for five Dutch entities. The upcoming phases will include project management and logistics modules that provide insight into The Ocean Cleanup’s complex river and ocean projects. The organization expects to complete the transition to 麻豆原创 S/4HANA by the end of 2025.

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The post The Ocean Cleanup Takes Next Step in Digital Transformation with 麻豆原创 S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition appeared first on 麻豆原创 Africa News Center.