How technology will enable and disrupt African enterprises in 2025

How technology will enable and disrupt African enterprises in 2025

Top executives including Paul Colmer, Ralph Berndt, Andreas Bartsch, Soon-Ee Cheah, Rory Bosman, James Fisher, Dan Sommer, Giulio Airaga, share their insights on how the latest technology trends will enable and disrupt business for African enterprises in 2025.


Paul Colmer, EXCO Member, Wireless Access Provider’s Association
Paul Colmer, EXCO Member, Wireless Access Provider’s Association

Wi-Fi to deliver exponentially faster experiences

Wi-Fi technology is on the brink of a revolutionary transformation, and 2025 will likely be remembered as the year when Wi-Fi Everywhere became a reality. With new advancements and standards, Wi-Fi is poised to redefine connectivity, create unprecedented opportunities, and enable innovative applications that go far beyond fast internet access.

Since ICASA opened the lower 6 GHz Wi-Fi band for indoor use and we continue to lobby for standard power outdoor use following global trends, Wi-Fi’s potential has skyrocketed. However, the key innovation is not just about GHz speed, it is about latency. By significantly reducing latency, Wi-Fi can deliver exponentially faster and more seamless experiences.

Wi-Fi 7, for instance, leverages multi-band capabilities, using 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz simultaneously. This enables incredibly high data throughput while maintaining low latency, setting the stage for advanced applications like ultra-high-definition video streaming, real-time augmented reality, virtual reality, and extended reality, a fully immersive virtual reality.

Where this becomes interesting is that you need the advancement of the technology, which has already happened, and high throughput to deliver it. 360 degree 3D virtual reality requires around 400Mbps speed, for example, and deep immersive XR requires around 1Gbps and low latency.

Both of these technologies use compression to make the technology more efficient in throughput requirements. It is said that the human brain can only decode the equivalent of 5.2Gbps of data through vision sound and senses, which is 1Gbps when compressed into XR, so we have arrived at this point. Today’s Wi-Fi can officially handle this with ease.

OpenRoaming, a subset of PassPoint, is another ground-breaking development that promises to eliminate the traditional barriers between different Wi-Fi Hotspots and cellular networks.

This technology allows users to seamlessly transition between cellular and Wi-Fi and also roam between hotspots with seamless handover without interruptions. OpenRoaming can also use social media credentials for authentication, simplifying access. It reduces the load on cellular networks, which is crucial in areas of high network traffic.

In the US, the University of Michigan uses OpenRoaming and PassPoint across 16,000 access points, making it the first large campus where users automatically authenticate on the Wi-Fi network using their SIM credentials.

The same technology is also deployed throughout underground train stations, stadiums and airports, making their networks smarter and more user-friendly.

The upcoming 802.11bf standard promises to revolutionise Wi-Fi as we know it. Once adopted by router manufacturers, this standard will enable Wi-Fi sensing, opening up a world of applications.

These advancements are supported by powerful AI algorithms that will analyse data from Wi-Fi networks, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Imagine a business model where Wi-Fi and connectivity services are offered for free, but users subscribe to value-added services like security, healthcare, or home automation. Such a model could disrupt industries from home security to healthcare and IoT.

From Wi-Fi LED globes that talk to Amazons Alexa and Google Home, the future of Wi-Fi is not confined to homes or businesses. For example, RF networks integrated into streetlight luminaires are emerging as a key technology for building smarter cities. Building a huge mesh-type network becomes as easy as changing out the luminaires and adding some internet backhaul.

These networks can provide ubiquitous Wi-Fi access in public spaces and enable IoT applications like traffic management, public safety monitoring, and energy efficiency.

They can and will also form the backbone of advanced urban infrastructure, supporting everything from autonomous vehicles to smart waste management systems.

For Wireless Internet Service Providers, WISPs, all of these developments signal a complete paradigm shift. As Wi-Fi technology evolves, so too will network architectures. The need for extensive cellular infrastructure could diminish as Wi-Fi networks become more pervasive and reliable.

Service providers will need to adapt by offering innovative services and subscription models, leveraging Wi-Fi 7 and 802.11bf capabilities to differentiate themselves, and integrating smart city infrastructure into their offerings to stay competitive. If nothing else, it may help convince regulators that Wi-Fi, not cellular, is where the upper 6GHtz spectrum allocation should go.

As we look ahead into 2025, Wi-Fi will no longer be just a utility; it will be the foundation for smarter homes, safer cities, and better lives. From gesture-controlled lighting to AI-enhanced security, from seamless connectivity to RF-powered streetlights, the future of Wi-Fi is limitless.

The era of Wi-Fi Everywhere is upon us, and it will fundamentally reshape how we live, work, and connect.


Ralph Berndt, Sales and Marketing Director, inq. SA
Ralph Berndt, Sales and Marketing Director, inq. SA

Successful cloud strategies in 2025

The global cloud computing market is projected to reach the $864 billion mark by next year and continue growing at 12.8% annually. This reflects how important the cloud has become to any organisation’s strategy. To stay competitive and make the most from their cloud investment, there are several best practices to adopt that support both operational resilience and cost-effectiveness.

One of the primary drivers behind cloud adoption is security. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, organisations are increasingly prioritising environments that can provide more comprehensive security alongside the high availability of systems and data. This focus has brought major cloud providers and Content Delivery Networks, CDNs into the conversation, as businesses seek ways to modernise their infrastructure and ensure resilient security and uptime.

Another significant driver is the shift towards hybrid or private cloud environments, where businesses can control their data within secure boundaries while still benefiting from scalable cloud resources. For organisations with legacy infrastructure, this hybrid approach can be especially beneficial by enabling them to bridge the gap between traditional on-premises systems and modern cloud solutions.

This evolution toward hybrid models empowers businesses to manage data effectively across environments while ensuring compliance and data sovereignty.

Despite the benefits, migrating to the cloud can be a considerable undertaking. One of the obstacles is to effectively balance the transition from legacy systems with the need for a cost-effective, efficient migration. Moving from on-premises infrastructure to cloud-based systems can be costly and complex, and without careful planning, organisations risk overextending their budgets.

When approaching cloud adoption, the risk-versus-reward analysis is critical. Organisations need to understand what they are gaining from cloud technologies and whether the expected rewards justify the investment. This requires a comprehensive gap analysis to evaluate the current infrastructure, pinpoint areas for improvement, and assess which cloud model aligns best with the organisation’s goals.

Consultation plays a crucial role here. Having the right partners who understand the nuances of cloud migration can make the difference between a smooth transition and a costly disruption. At inq., we have seen how starting from a well-defined baseline can better define the most effective cloud migration journey.

Organisations must take stock of their existing assets, identify gaps, and set clear goals for what they aim to achieve in the cloud. This start where you are approach helps teams map a practical route to cloud integration that avoids unnecessary detours and expenditures.

Modernisation is not just about migrating data. Companies also need to build flexible infrastructure that can adapt to future changes. With 2025 around the corner, businesses are looking for cloud solutions that support scalability and interoperability across multiple environments. This means more organisations are embracing microservices and containerisation, enabling them to manage applications independently and deploy updates without system-wide disruptions.

The cloud ecosystem offers a variety of tools that empower businesses to innovate quickly. Tools like Infrastructure as Code, IaC and automation software are essential for keeping configurations consistent and minimising human error. These resources enable businesses to manage cloud environments with precision and respond to changing demands with agility. By leveraging these technologies, businesses can focus on growth and innovation rather than the complexities of infrastructure management.

One of the biggest shifts in cloud best practices is the emphasis on security and compliance within hybrid environments. As organisations balance on-premises systems with cloud deployments, protecting data at every stage of its journey becomes vital. This often requires multi-layered security strategies, including encryption, continuous monitoring, and real-time threat detection powered by AI and machine learning.

For example, Zero Trust models are increasingly popular in cloud environments, requiring users to continually verify their identities when accessing different parts of the network. This approach minimises the risk of unauthorised access and keeps sensitive information secure. In industries like finance and healthcare, where data protection is paramount, these strategies are essential for safeguarding information while maintaining compliance with evolving regulations.

A successful cloud strategy is one that evolves with the business. By 2025, cloud best practices will increasingly focus on adaptability, cost-efficiency, and strategic partnerships. Companies that embrace the cloud as a dynamic, scalable resource will be better equipped to innovate, reduce costs, and maintain a competitive edge.

With the right approach to cloud migration, organisations can unlock significant value—moving beyond basic storage solutions to build secure, agile infrastructures designed for the future.


Andreas Bartsch, Head of Innovation and Services, PBT Group
Andreas Bartsch, Head of Innovation and Services, PBT Group

Data literacy critical to unlock value of data

Artificial Intelligence is still dominating chatter about the future, and the data and analytics landscape is poised for more transformative growth. Experts from PBT Group highlight several of the data and technology trends that they expect will define the year ahead.

Even though it may seem an oversimplification, the most accurate answer for what lies ahead in the world of data in 2025 would be access to more quality data and an ongoing emphasis on AI. Many of the data related trends highlighted in 2024 are still relevant.

These include building a data literacy culture, prioritising data governance, the increasing adoption of DataOps, streaming data processing from the edge, and of course AI everywhere. However, there are some nuances to be mindful of for 2025.

Data literacy is critical for organisations to unlock the real value of their data, make more informed decisions quickly, and foster collaboration between technical and non-technical teams. By embedding data literacy into their cultures, companies can improve both data quality and analytical capabilities, ultimately gaining a competitive edge.

Improving data quality and implementing robust observability strategies will be vital in 2025. Data literacy will be important as companies look to ensure that data products align with business standards and expectations while fostering continuous improvement.

Organisations are still grappling with governance challenges, from compliance and transparency to sustainability and bias mitigation. Responsible AI development will be central to gaining trust and ensuring long-term viability.

AI-powered tools will help improve regulatory compliance and data quality while providing actionable insights that enhance customer service and unlock new revenue streams. The ability to automate tasks using AI will significantly enhance efficiency and decision-making. From disease detection in healthcare to predictive maintenance in manufacturing, the potential applications are vast.

AI has reached a stage where broader adoption is possible, allowing automation efforts to become more intelligent and adaptable. This evolution will open new opportunities for businesses to optimise processes and improve outcomes.

Real-time data capabilities are becoming a reality. Advancements in IoT, 5G, cloud computing, and edge technologies are driving this shift. Real-time analytics will enable immediate insights and operational efficiencies. Complementing these capabilities with advanced data visualisation tools will further empower organisations to make informed decisions.

Guardrails will address key challenges like compliance, transparency, and human oversight, ensuring that AI models deliver trustworthy outcomes.

Generative AI, if used responsibly, holds immense potential for boosting productivity. These technologies should serve as assistants, not replacements. By educating employees to be AI-literate, organisations can harness the benefits of Generative AI without compromising quality. Quality data remains the cornerstone of any AI initiative.

However, this can only be enabled with the necessary expertise of AI literate data specialists who can define the supporting data architecture and execute data pipelines based on best practice data engineering.


Soon-Ee Cheah, GM of AI Products, Xero
Soon-Ee Cheah, GM of AI Products, Xero

How a device fits into our lives and helps achieve goals

Remember when the world shifted from paper to computers? Or from desktops to mobile devices? We are on the cusp of a similar revolution with AI. What once felt like a futuristic, magical tool is quietly weaving itself into our daily lives. In the same way, we now wonder how we ever lived without the Internet; soon, we will wonder the same about AI.

In 2025, AI will no longer be something we discuss in abstract terms. It will be something we interact with as naturally and routinely as checking an email or getting directions. It will become the new normal, so embedded in our lives, humming along in the background, that it will hardly be noticed.

AI is on the same path. Tasks once seen as futuristic, like automatic meeting summaries or real-time suggestions to improve our emails, are now everyday conveniences and increasingly commonplace. And, instead of engaging with AI through dedicated chatbots, we will encounter it passively — woven into conversations and experiences across our devices, applications, and workflows.

AI is moving from a tool that stands out to one that just works, improving our experiences without drawing attention to itself. The shift will be gradual, but next year, AI will be so seamlessly integrated into our lives we will not think twice about its presence.

For small businesses, this could mean AI embedded in their accounting software, automatically reconciling transactions or flagging anomalies in real-time, without requiring direct input. It will work quietly in the background, providing insights, making decisions, and taking actions, all while letting us focus on what matters most.

In the technology world, we have traditionally been obsessed with specifications: processing power, storage capacity, or in the case of cameras, megapixels. But over time, we have come to realise these only tell part of the story.

What really matters is how a device fits into our lives and helps us achieve our goals. When was the last time you considered the number of megapixels on a camera? Now, we care more about the photos it takes and the memories it helps capture.

Similarly, AI will shift from being judged by its technical specifications to the real-world value it brings. It will not matter if your AI uses the latest LLMs; what will matter is whether it makes your life easier. That is the new benchmark.

For businesses, this means shifting focus from AI’s flashiness to its outcomes. Asking questions like how can I use AI to improve customer service? How can I save time in administrative tasks? How can I use AI to streamline workflows and reduce costs?

Remember, return on investment, ROI is not just about rands and cents. For small businesses, AI’s non-financial ROI – like freeing up an hour to watch your kid’s soccer game or reducing the mental load of repetitive work — can be just as valuable.

The question for small businesses is not just does this save money? but also does this help me live and work better? AI’s true value lies in its ability to do both.

As with any major technology shift, regulation will start to catch up. Building trust and striking a balance between protecting users and empowering them is the foundation for AI’s adoption as the new normal. For AI, this will mean addressing significant concerns around privacy, bias, and misuse.

There is broad agreement that AI harms should be mitigated and innovation should be supported, but no authority or country has finished its legislative efforts yet. The European Union leads the way with its AI Act, adopting a risk-based approach to ensure high-risk applications meet stringent safety and fairness standards.

And in 2025, we can expect AI regulation to address critical issues like bias, disinformation, copyright infringement, and job displacement.

Businesses will need to prioritise transparency in their AI use — such as disclosing AI-generated content or customer interactions — while keeping pace with emerging compliance requirements. Staying compliant means auditing AI tools for bias, ensuring ethical data practices, and selecting vendors with robust governance frameworks.

Proactive measures, like embedding ethics into workflows and investing in employee training, can not only mitigate risks but also build trust with customers and employees, turning compliance into a competitive advantage.


Rory Bosman, Executive for Sales and Marketing, Ecentric Payment Systems
Rory Bosman, Executive for Sales and Marketing, Ecentric Payment Systems

In-person payments continue to play a pivotal role

Physical retail is as important as ever, which means that in-person payments continue to play a pivotal role in South Africa’s retail landscape. In light of this, continued investment has been directed toward in-person payment innovation, a trend that is expected to persist well into the foreseeable future.

2024 has seen a marked move towards a true omnichannel experience, where in-person and online payments are integrated. This convergence of in-person and digital payments, facilitated by innovative mobile point-of-sale solutions, represents a key evolution in the broader payments landscape.

Financial inclusion is an important theme in the payments industry, where innovative partnerships give merchants and customers more opportunities to transact. However, innovation around financial inclusion extends beyond just in-store payment solutions, with use cases limited only by imagination.

In an effort to formalise and digitise the minibus taxi industry, the Wealth On Wheels, WOW initiative, led by the Eastern Cape Transport Tertiary Cooperative Limited in partnership with Ecentric and FORUS Digital, leverages innovative technologies such as digital cash payments and distributed ledger technology to help minibus owners enhance operations and maximise their revenue, while creating a safer and more secure environment for the travelling public.

Cryptocurrency, and being able to accept cryptocurrency payments, is certainly also a hot topic. It is definitely gaining some traction in the market but it is not yet a major driver in South Africa. Payment service providers with an eye on the future are no doubt building partnerships to enable cryptocurrency payments.

While there is not massive demand yet from merchants, there is a very vocal customer base demanding it, but this segment is still relatively small. Regulation has had an impact here. Every crypto exchange or crypto payment enabler – anything to do with crypto – now needs a license. Choosing the right partners in this space will be crucial.

What was the preserve of the largest merchants before, loyalty and rewards programmes are definitely on the upswing in the mid-market retail space. Looking at the economic benefits around customer attraction and retention, mid-market players have recognised that they are big enough to introduce a loyalty and rewards programme.

This demand will continue to grow as more retailers seek to build loyalty in an increasingly competitive environment. Facilitating the acceptance of these programs as tender for payments, is a key component of the payments service provider offering.

It is clear that there is a definite surge in innovation and alternative payment methods. One of the consequences of this is an increased need to be on top of security – fraud detection and other security measures need to keep pace with innovation. A good way to see it is that each new payment method provides a new door and these new doors need to be secured with increased diligence.


James Fisher, Chief Strategy Officer, Qlik
James Fisher, Chief Strategy Officer, Qlik
 Dan Sommer
Dan Sommer

Authenticity, value, autonomous agents to drive business potential says Qlik

Qlik has shared its outlook for the trends that will shape the future of AI and data-driven business in 2025. Drawing on its expertise and deep market analysis, Qlik identified three transformative themes for the year ahead: Authenticity, Applied Value, and Agents.

In an era dominated by Generative AI, businesses must address a growing crisis of authenticity. It is imperative that organisations seek trust building and verification of sources, said Dr Rumman Chowdhury, CEO and Founder of Humane Intelligence. Authentic output – based on real data produced by real people with real perspectives, rather than artificially generated ones – will be at a premium in the very near future. Tackling this issue will be critical for organisations aiming to maintain trust and relevance.

As AI adoption scales, the pressure to demonstrate clear ROI has intensified. We have passed the initial excitement that came with the breakthrough of Generative AI, and we are now in a space of figuring out its practical applications, noted Kelly Forbes, Co-Founder and Executive Director of AI Asia Pacific Institute.

We are not yet using AI to its full potential, but through awareness, education, and careful stewardship, we will work toward that in the year ahead. Organisations embedding AI within real-world contexts while balancing cost and value will lead in driving tangible business outcomes.

Autonomous agents are poised to transform workflows and operations. It will not happen next year, but by 2030, multi-agent architectures will not be revolutionary; it will be ordinary, explained Nina Schick, Author, Advisor, and Founder of Tamang Ventures.

Businesses, from Fortune 500 giants to two-person startups, will harness this intelligence at their fingertips. To prepare, companies must focus on building robust data fabrics, interconnected systems, and strategic deployment of agentic technologies.

Dr Michael Bronstein, DeepMind Professor of AI, University of Oxford, emphasised the critical role of human agency in shaping AI’s future. AI is not some force of nature, but our creation, and we need to shape it for our benefit. It is not about machines replacing humans, but rather amplifying human potential and taking us to the next level, he said, underlining the transformative opportunities AI presents when developed responsibly.

As businesses grapple with the realities of AI integration, success will come to those who approach it as a strategic imperative, not a trend, said James Fisher, Chief Strategy Officer at Qlik. Building smart, interoperable data ecosystems lays the groundwork for operational excellence while enabling businesses to uncover entirely new opportunities for growth and innovation. This is the tipping point for organisations ready to lead.


Giulio Airaga, Director, Desco Electronic Recyclers
Giulio Airaga, Director, Desco Electronic Recyclers

Transformative year for IT asset disposition and e-waste management

As we approach 2025, the call for businesses to prioritise sustainability and accountability has never been louder – or more urgent. With stakeholders demanding tangible action, IT asset disposition, ITAD emerges as a critical area where responsible recycling and sustainable practices can drive meaningful impact.

This pivotal shift challenges companies to rethink how they manage end-of-life IT assets, transforming potential waste into opportunities for environmental stewardship and innovation.

Precious metals like gold, silver, and palladium, found in printed circuit boards, PCBs, are gaining renewed attention. Recovering and reusing these materials allows businesses to reduce reliance on virgin resources and create sustainable products, from ICT equipment to jewellery. Effective e-waste recycling ensures these materials are diverted from landfills, supporting a more sustainable future.

Businesses are increasingly marketing their sustainability efforts to appeal to eco-conscious consumers. Highlighting initiatives like using recycled materials or recovering e-waste components not only strengthens brand image but also aligns with broader environmental goals.

Africa’s digital divide underscores the importance of affordable IT solutions. Refurbished IT equipment is emerging as a vital resource for schools, businesses, and individuals with limited budgets. Providing cost-effective refurbished devices helps extend technology lifecycles while promoting digital access in under-resourced areas.

Governments are tightening regulations around electronic waste to hold businesses accountable. Policies like Extended Producer Responsibility, EPR require companies to manage the end-of-life disposal of their products. Non-compliance risks fines, reputational damage, or even market bans. Navigating these regulations requires careful planning and compliance-focused solutions.

The rise of public scrutiny, amplified by social media, leaves no room for environmental neglect. Companies that mishandle e-waste risk losing consumer trust and tarnishing their reputation. Proactively addressing these challenges is essential for maintaining credibility.

Sustainability is no longer optional – it is essential. Stakeholders, investors, regulators, and consumers alike demand concrete efforts to reduce waste and embrace circular economy principles. Businesses are now expected to deliver robust sustainability reports that showcase tangible environmental progress, particularly in managing IT waste.

Providers of ITAD services play a pivotal role in this transition. By enabling companies to track environmental impact, reduce emissions, and recover valuable materials, ITAD solutions empower organisations to align with these rising expectations.

The demand for detailed sustainability reporting will intensify in 2025. Companies must provide clear data on waste management, emissions reduction, and material recovery to meet compliance standards and build stakeholder trust. ITAD providers that integrate advanced reporting capabilities offer businesses the tools to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability effectively.

The circular economy is reshaping industries, especially recycling and refurbishment. Extending the lifecycle of products and minimising environmental impact are becoming central to business strategies.

2025 will be a transformative year for ITAD and e-waste management. Businesses must embrace sustainability, leverage circular economy practices, and comply with increasingly stringent regulations. These trends are not just challenges – they are opportunities to drive positive environmental change while meeting the growing demands of a conscientious marketplace.

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