Embracing Network Modernization: A Pathway for CIOs in Africa

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in Africa face the dual challenge of driving growth while managing complex IT infrastructures. As organizations expand rapidly across the continent, the demand for robust, secure, and efficient network technologies has never been greater. To navigate this intricate environment, the Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model emerges as a compelling solution, enabling CIOs to implement new network technologies effectively.

The Need for Modern Networks in Africa

Organizations aiming for growth in Africa require networks that can adapt to rapid expansion, support a distributed workforce, and facilitate the adoption of cloud services and enterprise applications. The continent’s diverse economic landscape necessitates a flexible approach to IT strategy, one that aligns with business objectives while steering digital transformation towards innovative technologies.

Having collaborated with numerous business leaders and CIOs across Africa, we understand the critical importance of a reliable and secure network. Our advocacy for network modernization focuses on addressing technology and business challenges in three key areas: connectivity, security, and network operations.

Cost-Effective Connectivity: A Necessity for Growth

The quality of internet connectivity in Africa varies significantly across regions, and the associated costs can be prohibitive. In 2023, Africans spent an average of 6.5 percent of their monthly income on just 2GB of mobile data. For organizations that rely on high-quality enterprise connectivity, especially at the edge and branch levels, the financial burden can be substantial.

Legacy systems exacerbate these costs, making it challenging to integrate modern network technologies such as Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), which enhances network speed. Additionally, many organizations grapple with disparate network management solutions from various providers, further complicating their modernization efforts. Comprehensive and sustainable solutions are essential to contain costs and support a seamless transition to modern network architectures.

Prioritizing Security with SASE

Cybersecurity remains a paramount concern for organizations across Africa. The INTERPOL African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2024 highlights a staggering 23 percent year-on-year increase in cyberattacks per organization. To combat these threats, robust cybersecurity measures must be implemented at every level, including firewalls, encryption, and multifactor authentication.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is gaining traction globally as a network architecture that integrates wide-area network capabilities with cloud-native security. This unified approach simplifies network management while providing fast, reliable, and secure access from anywhere. SASE not only enhances user experience for a distributed workforce but also offers greater flexibility and scalability compared to traditional MPLS solutions, which are often constrained by on-premises infrastructure.

As organizations increasingly recognize the benefits of SASE, recent studies indicate that 40 percent of African organizations have either implemented or plan to deploy SASE solutions. However, establishing an effective SASE architecture requires careful planning. CIOs can benefit from collaborating with external experts who provide managed SASE services, ensuring a smooth transition to a more secure network environment.

Leveraging AI and Automation for Enhanced Productivity

Once organizations have established a secure network foundation, they can explore the potential of next-generation technologies like AI-enabled automation. These innovations can significantly improve network uptime and productivity. Autonomous operations streamline network management, reducing the burden on IT teams, particularly when managing cross-continental sites in Africa.

Transitioning to platform-driven networks allows organizations to scale their network capacity dynamically based on demand, a crucial advantage for businesses experiencing rapid growth. However, many organizations lack the in-house skills and budget to manage digital transformation comprehensively. According to McKinsey Africa, 60 percent of African CIOs cite financial constraints as a significant barrier to organization-wide digital transformation.

The Cost of Inaction: A Call for Network Modernization

Despite the challenges, the cost of inaction is high for organizations seeking sustainable, long-term growth. CIOs are increasingly turning to expert service providers to upgrade their hardware and software, integrate cloud solutions, redesign network architectures, and enhance network security.

The NaaS model offers an ideal framework for CIOs looking to implement new network technologies efficiently. By consuming network infrastructure through flexible operational expenditure (opex) subscriptions, organizations can access hardware, software, management tools, licenses, and lifecycle services without the burden of capital expenditure (capex) associated with traditional network models.

NaaS enables organizations to scale their network capabilities up or down as demand fluctuates, deploy services rapidly, and eliminate hardware costs. This subscription-based model not only enhances business performance but also provides ongoing access to innovation—an essential factor for African enterprises grappling with the high costs of implementing new technologies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, network modernization is pivotal for CIOs in Africa striving to navigate the complexities of digital transformation. By focusing on cost-effective connectivity, prioritizing security through SASE, and leveraging AI and automation, organizations can position themselves for sustainable growth. The NaaS model stands out as a powerful enabler, allowing CIOs to implement new network technologies efficiently and effectively. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, embracing these strategies will be crucial for organizations seeking to thrive in Africa’s dynamic market.

This article was written by Prashil Gareeb, the Vice-President of Managed Network and Collaboration Services at NTT DATA Middle East and Africa.