Zoho Advocates for Intelligent Infrastructure in Africa

Mr. Kehind Ogundar, the country head of Zoho Nigeria, asserts the importance of intelligent infrastructure in addressing Africa's digital divide. He identifies challenges in software development, technical talent, and the costs associated with building digital tools as significant constraints.

Ogundar references the success of M-Pesa, a mobile payment platform in Kenya, as an example of innovative practices that can reshape financial inclusion across the continent. He notes that Africa's internet economy is projected to contribute $180 billion, or 5.2% of the aggregate GDP, by 2025.

Despite a 25-30% annual expansion in cloud adoption, many African companies are already experiencing AI-enabled operations. However, Ogundar warns that the human infrastructure needed to sustain this momentum is not keeping pace.

He emphasizes the urgency to find smarter, scalable ways to build digital systems, as Africa risks becoming the world's largest consumer of digital technology without adequate design and support.