Another year of growth for TATA International Africa

Tata International Africa, a subsidiary of Tata International, has recorded another profitable year despite the challenging economies, shrinking markets, and a pandemic plaguing the region and the world. The group provides skills, expertise and various products in automotive, engineering, mining, farming and farm equipment, in 12 countries across Africa.

Strong growth in turnover was achieved from 2017 onwards to the extent of 40% growth year-on-year and by 2018 the company managed to break even. The strong growth of 40% plus continued from 2018 to 2019 and returned healthy profits. The focus and resolute business strategy in place is certainly working for Tata International Africa, as the company grows its expertise and strengths in their markets.

“Our efforts of the last four years since starting at the helm have begun to bear fruit. Piece by piece the changes in strategy, people, processes and product offering are beginning to come together to deliver meaningful profits,” says Len Brand, Chief Executive Officer at Tata International Africa and Head of Distribution Vertical, headquartered in Johannesburg.

“Our continued growth is also driven by having the right team in place. We are fortunate to have a resilient hard-working group of people that I am constantly impressed by. In order to achieve our vision, we developed a strong strategic plan to help us focus on the right geographies, product segments and expansion areas, to get to a consistent turnover every month.” continues Brand.

According to Brand the businesses in Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria have been working exceptionally well over the past year. These include John Deere Construction and Agriculture, Tata Motors, Daewoo Trucks and Tata Truck and Bus. On the continent as a whole, getting the product mix right has been critical, supported by a strong network and relationship approach.

“We provide products and solutions that address the specific needs of each customer, and we understand their needs because we have good relationships in place. We also make a considerable effort to understand the markets and environments in which they operate. Trust has been built and we are now reaping the benefits,” says Brand. 

The company’s success can also be attributed to a focus on supplying niche customers and helping them to be profitable. Building and maintaining partnerships based on trust and mutual respect, and applying the TATA ethos of touching communities in a sustainable manner have had a significant impact on the business.

“We expanded our after sales business to enable independent parts retailers and roadside technicians to play a major role. This innovative development programme was implemented in a two-pronged approach, both with the goal of uplifting communities and creating entrepreneurs.

“The first was to identify small business owners with entrepreneurial flair, and equipping them with the skills they needed to implement business processes and operating efficiencies to take their businesses to the next level. We strategically chose operations already up and running in prime locations, and offered to sell them genuine spare parts at a discounted rate, with a one-year buy-back guarantee.

“The second approach was to offer free training for roadside mechanics, whereby we brought these mechanics into one of our TATA facilities for three or four days, and trained them on how to fix our vehicles. The result of this has been that when one of our customers’ trucks or buses breaks down, these TATA-trained roadside mechanics go to their nearest facility, buy the genuine parts, and fix the vehicle as quickly as possible, ensuring the vehicle is back on the road and operating with maximum uptime for product owners.

“Our customers’ success has been critical to our success, and at the same time, we are extremely proud to have helped others to develop sustainable businesses,” says Brand 

The online availability and sale of parts has contributed significantly to growth, with customers across Africa now comfortably using the company’s online parts portal, demonstrating the potential that the Fourth Industrial Revolution can deliver in Africa.

“Notwithstanding all that is happening in the world right now, I believe we are in a strong position. Every year will bring its moments of joy and grief; we need to stick to our core values and we will hopefully come out the other side better for it.

“At the heart of every interaction, our team undertakes we are committed to building a prosperous Africa for all. Whether it is adopting advances in technology, supporting communities through outreach programmes, upskilling mechanics or providing vehicles that are made to last under trying and tough African conditions, we remain committed to Africa,” concludes Brand. 

The impact of technology and mobile phones in Africa has been profound and transformative across various sectors, including communication, finance, healthcare, agriculture, and education. Here are some key areas where technology and mobile phones have made a significant impact:

1. Communication: Mobile phones have revolutionized communication in Africa, especially in regions where traditional landline infrastructure is limited. Mobile phones have enabled people to stay connected with family and friends, facilitated business communications, and empowered communities to organize and mobilize for social and political causes.
2. Financial Inclusion: Mobile banking and digital payment platforms have expanded financial inclusion in Africa, allowing people in remote areas to access banking services, make transactions, and save money securely. Mobile money services like M-Pesa in Kenya have become particularly popular, enabling millions of Africans to participate in the formal economy.
3. Healthcare: Mobile technology has been instrumental in improving healthcare delivery in Africa. Mobile health (mHealth) initiatives leverage mobile phones to provide healthcare information, support telemedicine services, track disease outbreaks, and facilitate remote patient monitoring, especially in rural areas with limited access to healthcare facilities.
4. Agriculture: Technology and mobile applications have transformed agricultural practices in Africa, helping farmers access market information, weather forecasts, and agricultural extension services. Mobile apps provide farmers with advice on crop management, pest control, and best farming practices, ultimately increasing productivity and incomes.
5. Education: Mobile technology has the potential to improve education access and quality in Africa. Mobile phones and tablets are used for e-learning initiatives, providing educational content, online courses, and interactive learning materials to students, even in remote areas with limited access to traditional educational resources.
6. Entrepreneurship and Employment: Technology has facilitated the growth of entrepreneurship and job opportunities in Africa. Mobile apps and digital platforms enable individuals to start businesses, offer services, and access freelance opportunities, driving economic growth and reducing unemployment rates.
7. Infrastructure Development: The expansion of mobile networks and internet connectivity has spurred infrastructure development in Africa. Telecommunication companies invest in building and upgrading network infrastructure, increasing connectivity and access to digital services across the continent.
8. Social Impact: Technology and mobile phones have also had a significant social impact in Africa, empowering marginalized communities, promoting gender equality, and fostering civic engagement and political participation through social media platforms and online activism.

Despite these positive impacts, challenges such as digital divide, limited access to affordable smartphones and internet connectivity, cybersecurity threats, and regulatory barriers still need to be addressed to fully harness the potential of technology and mobile phones for development in Africa.

Two Japanese Powerhouses Issue an AI Manifesto

Last week's AI manifesto from Japan's biggest newspaper, the The Yomiuri Shimbun , and its biggest telco, NTT , didn't get the attention it deserved. Sure, there were headlines focusing on its most alarming claim - that mass production of untrustworthy AI content could lead to wars and the end of democracy - but the manifesto begs a deeper dive for the following reasons.

1. It tells us how the world's most-read newspaper and Japan's biggest telecommunications company view AI regulation.
2. It explicitly contrasts NTT and Yomiuri's collaboration with the conflict between OpenAI and the New York Times.
3. It is heavily focused on societal safety.
4. It addresses the trade-offs between the needs of individuals and societies in a really interesting way.

First, let's get some background out of the way. The reason that NTT and the Yomiuri are issuing this statement is that they have teamed up with Keio University's Cyber Civilization Research Center, funding a series of "study sessions". The output of these is the manifesto, which was actually written by two Keio professors - Tatsuhiko Yamamoto and Tatsuya Kurosaka.

The Yomiuri has the largest print readership of any newspaper in the world, with circulation of more than 6 million for its morning edition alone, and 29 million unique users online. It is a centre-right institution with enormous influence in society and politics. NTT started life as a government entity but privatised in 1985 and is now a diversified technology company with significant interests in AI. Of note, NTT has its own LLM called tsuzumi (small-t intentional), trained extensively on Japanese text.

On the face of it, this would appear to put the companies into an adversarial relationship. NTT has much to gain from the widespread adoption of its new LLM, which has the potential to disrupt the Yomiuri's business. The Yomiuri will presumably want to be paid handsomely if its high-quality content is used to train LLMs, especially as they keep some of the most valuable content out of digital formats to protect their print circulation.

But the two companies are making a public point that they want to work on this issue collaboratively. In fact, they even make a virtue of it and throw shade at their US counterparts. "In the United States, generative AI developer OpenAI and The New York Times have been waging a fierce legal battle," says an article on the Yomiuri's English site, The Japan News. "NTT Corp. has been developing its own generative AI. The Yomiuri Shimbun and NTT Corp. hope to contribute to the creation of a better society by working collaboratively — not being confrontational — to establish order for a society with generative AI."

This theme of collectivism versus rampant individualism is repeated throughout the manifesto, which advances a view that there is an "out-of-control" relationship between AI and the "attention economy". The manifesto doesn't appear to define "attention economy" at any point in either the English or Japanese version, but presumably they mean the tendency of platforms to optimise for engagement to generate advertising revenue.

This is the paragraph I find the most interesting: "Any computer’s basic structure, or architecture, including that of generative AI, positions the individual as the basic unit of user. However, due to computers’ tendency to be overly conscious of individuals, there are such problems as unsound information spaces and damage to individual dignity due to the rise of the attention economy."

To unpack this - it seems they are saying the goals of computer systems with ad-driven revenue models are too heavily focused on individual needs and wants, as opposed to the needs and wants of society. Trust in society "may be damaged as people grow distrustful of one another … There is a concern that, in the worst-case scenario, democracy and social order could collapse, resulting in wars."

So what to do about it? Firstly, they call for "hard laws" on the use of generative AI in relation to elections and security, in order to maintain healthy spaces for discourse. They also call for a review of copyright law. But because regulating the changing space will be difficult, they propose flexible "soft laws" and co-governance with industry in other applications of AI.

This is, of course, a document from two commercial entities, so there is some self-interest at play. The Yomiuri Shimbun seems to be sincere in its concerns for the information ecosystem of Japan and the world, but I would guess it also wants to prevent disruptive competitors rising up through generative AI technologies. NTT is not an "attention economy" business and doesn't own a major social network. But it does stand to profit handsomely from other applications of AI, and the document worries that mistrust of generative AI could spread to other, safer use cases.

While the document pulls no punches in its critique of industry developments and outlines sombre scenarios for the unchecked growth of AI, it stands as an important conversation starter for the path ahead.

Microsoft AI opens hub to access ‘enormous pool’ of talent

The investment builds upon Microsoft’s recently announced £2.5 billion pledge to upskill the Uworkforce and build AI infrastructure – including bringing 20,000 advanced GPUs to the country by 2026.

Microsoft AI London will collaborate closely with other teams across Microsoft and partners like OpenAI. The company expects to post job openings in the coming weeks and is seeking “exceptional individuals” passionate about tackling AI’s biggest challenges.

“I know – through my close work with thought leaders in the government, business community, and academia – that the country is committed to advancing AI responsibly and with a safety-first commitment to drive investment, innovation, and economic growth,” said Suleyman.

Why 'Good Enough' is sometimes "exactly perfect" for Tech Innovation

Hey everyone,

Ever noticed how often we get stuck waiting for the perfect solution in our projects? I see it all the time. People holding back because they want everything just right before making a move. But here's the thing - in the real world, especially in our fast-paced tech environment, waiting for perfection is like waiting for a bus that never comes.

I want to make it clear right from the start: striving for excellence is important, and I’m not suggesting for cutting corners. Quality matters. It’s about striking the right balance to avoid getting so caught up in perfection that we miss opportunities to move forward and learn.

Why? Because our clients and users? They want solutions yesterday. They're not looking for something that's flawless; they're looking for something that works, that solves their problem now, not in a perfect future that never arrives.

Here’s the deal - the real magic in tech doesn’t happen when everything’s 100% perfect. It happens when we roll up our sleeves, take a deep dive in, and make things happen, even if they're a little bit rough around the edges. It's about getting stuff out there, learning from feedback, and making it better on the go.

Chasing the dream of perfect software is like chasing your own tail - you might feel busy, but you're not really getting anywhere. And in the meantime, the world moves on without you. The truth? That perfect moment rarely arrives.

So, what should we do instead? Embrace the messy, wonderful world of progress. Get that project to a good place, and then push it out the door. Listen to what people say, tweak it - change it, improve it, and keep moving forward. This approach keeps our skills sharp and our solutions in tune with what people actually need.

To those who hold perfection, I know and I hear you. It's not about abandoning the chase of the best but about being smart with our efforts and knowing when good can lead to great through real-world application and customer/market feedback.

Let's focus on being effective, not perfect. Let's celebrate the launches, the updates, and even the bugs - because it means we're out there making a difference, not just dreaming about it.

Shaping the Future of HR: Advancements in Mobile Technology and Apps

In today's fast-paced world, technology plays a pivotal role in reshaping various aspects of our lives, and human resources (HR) management is no exception. With the increasing adoption of mobile devices and the rise of remote work culture, HR mobile technology and apps have become indispensable tools for modern businesses. These advancements not only streamline HR processes but also enhance employee engagement and productivity. Let's delve into some of the latest advancements in HR mobile technology and apps that are revolutionizing the workplace.

1. AI-powered Recruitment Platforms: AI-driven recruitment apps are transforming the hiring process by automating tasks such as resume screening, candidate sourcing, and even conducting initial interviews. These platforms utilize algorithms to analyze candidate data and predict the best fits for job roles, saving HR professionals valuable time and resources.
2. Mobile Onboarding Solutions: Traditional onboarding processes can be cumbersome and time-consuming. However, mobile onboarding apps simplify this process by providing new hires with access to essential documents, training materials, and company policies right at their fingertips. These apps facilitate a smooth transition for employees, allowing them to quickly integrate into their new roles.
3. Employee Self-Service Portals: Employee self-service portals empower staff to manage their HR-related tasks independently, such as accessing pay stubs, requesting time off, and updating personal information. Mobile apps enable employees to perform these tasks conveniently from their smartphones, eliminating the need for manual paperwork and reducing administrative burdens on HR departments.
4. Performance Management Tools: Mobile performance management apps enable continuous feedback and goal tracking, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within organizations. Employees can receive real-time feedback from managers, track their progress on goals, and identify areas for improvement, all through their mobile devices.
5. Wellness and Mental Health Apps: Employee well-being is paramount in today's workplace, especially with the increasing prevalence of remote work and the challenges it poses to maintaining work-life balance. HR mobile apps that focus on wellness and mental health provide resources such as meditation sessions, stress management techniques, and access to counseling services, promoting a healthier and more productive workforce.
6. Learning and Development Platforms: Continuous learning is essential for employee growth and skill enhancement. Mobile learning apps offer on-the-go access to training materials, courses, and educational resources, enabling employees to upskill or reskill at their own pace and convenience.
7. Attendance and Time Tracking Apps: Traditional time tracking methods are becoming obsolete, particularly with the rise of remote work and flexible schedules. Mobile attendance and time tracking apps allow employees to clock in and out, log breaks, and track billable hours directly from their smartphones, providing employers with accurate and reliable data for payroll processing.
8. Virtual HR Assistants: Virtual HR assistants powered by chatbots and natural language processing (NLP) technology are revolutionizing employee support and HR query resolution. These virtual assistants can answer common HR-related questions, provide policy information, and assist with administrative tasks, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for both employees and HR personnel.

In conclusion, HR mobile technology and apps are driving significant advancements in how organizations manage their human capital. From recruitment and onboarding to performance management and employee well-being, these innovative solutions are reshaping the HR landscape, making processes more efficient, engaging, and user-friendly. Embracing these advancements can empower businesses to attract top talent, enhance employee satisfaction, and ultimately achieve their organizational goals in the ever-evolving digital age.

Embracing Innovation: Wireless 360's Role in Advancing ICT and IoT Amidst Botswana's Evolving Political Landscape

The ICT and IoT Landscape in Botswana

In recent years, Botswana's political stability has become a beacon for progress in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. Recognizing the potential of ICT as a key driver of economic diversification, the government has nurtured an environment conducive to technological advancement and innovation. This support, paired with a surge in demand for digital connectivity, has set the stage for transformative change in both urban and rural communities across the nation.

Wireless 360: Leading Connectivity with a Purpose

Wireless 360, a visionary internet service provider, has been amongst stakeholders at the forefront of this technological renaissance, offering high-speed fibre internet and a robust Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) tailored for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. As a connectivity champion, our ethos is to deliver holistic solutions that not only provide seamless internet access but also empower consumers and businesses through enhanced IoT integration.

Adapting to Political Shifts

With the dynamic nature of Botswana's political climate, Wireless 360 remains agile, ensuring our strategies align with the nation's priorities of inclusivity and sustainable development. We closely monitor policy changes, adapting our deployment plans to extend connectivity to areas newly prioritized by government initiatives.

Enhancing Lives and Businesses

Our commitment goes beyond access to embracing the transformative potential of IoT. We understand that for Botswana to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, mere connectivity is not enough. Hence, we strive to deliver solutions that enhance everyday life and streamline business operations. From smart agriculture harnessing IoT for efficiency to urban cities leveraging data for smarter governance, Wireless 360's network is the invisible thread weaving through Botswana's digital fabric.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability is a crucial aspect of Botswana's political narrative, and our IoT solutions are designed with this in mind. We advocate for and implement green technologies, reducing carbon footprints for our clients and the country at large. By enabling devices that monitor and manage energy consumption, we are helping pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Fostering Innovation and Collaboration

Wireless 360 actively fosters a culture of innovation, inviting start-ups, developers, and entrepreneurs to exploit our network's capabilities. Collaboration with educational institutions is another avenue through which we support the growth of local talent, essential for sustaining the ICT and IoT sectors in the long term.

Looking Ahead

As Botswana's political scene evolves, so will the demands on the ICT and IoT industries. Wireless 360 is not just adjusting but leading the way, anticipating changes and preparing solutions that will continue to propel Botswana forward on the global stage. Through strategic foresight, innovative offerings, and a commitment to the communities we serve, we are setting the standard for a connected Botswana, ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

Is technology devaluing human creativity?

Benjamin Braun

I was recently interviewed by Contagious, alongside other industry leaders, for a report on The Future of Marketing. AI was, unsurprisingly, a key topic of conversation. And rightly so!

Since then, I have been reflecting on one of the biggest challenges the industry was found to be facing in 2024: Technology devaluing human creativity.

As the European CMO of one of the biggest technology companies in the world, I wanted to share my perspective on this.

What does creativity mean to you? To me, it is a way of translating data and insight into human emotion and ideas that really resonate with people.

My belief is that there are plenty of ways that AI can support marketers in being more creative, but it is the combination of the two; “technology + humans” that really makes the magic happen.

As our computing power gets stronger and stronger, technology can take on more and more of what we do. But, just because it can, does not mean it always should.

Data is super important for marketers and AI can now collect and process it at great speed to help us optimise campaigns. The killer insight that all great campaigns are built on can also be generated by AI, but we still need to layer human perspective on top to really bring it to life.

A good example of this, I learnt from a previous role, was the launching of CompareTheMarket.com. It took a huge leap of faith by Mark Vile and team to get to the place where the campaign was about meerkats rather than price comparison. It has nothing to do with car insurance, but it is the campaign that everyone remembers. If you only focus on optimising the existing, and there are no creative thinkers to do the lateral leaping, then the likelihood is your campaign will not be so memorable.

The successfully disruptive campaign made by VCCP Blue.

In my opinion, AI can also help creative minds be more creative. That might be by generating images that bring ideas to life visually, to quickly mockup storyboards, or to support me with spelling and note taking (Samsung phones have a transcript functionality that summarises what was said in meetings for you, very nifty use of AI).

Our goal is to make AI more accessible, to democratise it and to transform how we connect with each other and the world around us.

Presentation at the World of Samsung in 2024

It is no secret that we have been talking a lot about AI recently. Across our products we are integrating AI to make a difference to people’s lives. It’s about enhancing human experience. So making us more productive, more collaborative, more creative.

I recently sat next to Inma Martinez in a meeting discussing AI’s impact on society. She is an AI scientist and advises governments and corporations. I learnt that we, homo sapiens, are still evolving. From our brains to our physique thus making us do things that would be impossible in the past.

Can AI support the continuous human evolution and can it be applied to our abilities to think laterally, creatively and differently?

I speak to a lot of people who say they are not creative. It is my belief that everyone is creative – you just need to find your own way of drawing it out. Technology can help you unlock your creative potential. By making suggestions, providing support and through optimisation, people can gain the confidence to start unleashing more and better ideas on the world.

I would love to know - where do you stand when it comes to AI’s impact on creativity?

5G in Africa: realising the potential

5G in Africa is a matter of when, not if. The present-day scenario suggests that 5G mass-market readiness is some way off in the region, but there are reasons to welcome the 5G era despite these challenges, not least because there would otherwise be a risk of exacerbating the digital divide that already exists between Africa and more advanced regions. Beyond that, digital connectivity, with 5G at the core, will shape the way people live and businesses operate in a post-pandemic world.

There are now commercial 5G networks in more than 10 countries in the region, with stakeholders in many more countries expecting commercial 5G to be available in their markets by 2025. By the end of this decade, there will be more than 340 million 5G connections in Africa, equivalent to a fifth of total mobile connections. In the period to 2030, 5G is expected to contribute around $26 billion to Africa’s economy.

Beyond network deployment, customer (consumers and enterprises) adoption and usage are critical to scaling 5G in Africa and improving the business case for more widespread 5G rollout. An enabling policy environment is also essential for the success of 5G in Africa. Accordingly, governments and regulators need to foster a pro-investment and pro-innovation environment to support cost-effective network rollout and the development of innovative use cases to stimulate demand.

To understand the opportunities of 5G in Africa, in the context of the region’s connectivity and socioeconomic landscape, the GSMA, in collaboration with the ITU, conducted a survey of key stakeholders to capture on-the-ground perspectives of the 5G era in countries across the region. The insights in this report have been generated from analysis of anonymised and aggregated responses to the 5G Africa Survey, as well as GSMA Intelligence data and other related market surveys.