Africa's CIOs name 2011's big five

CIOs from large African companies and international businesses operating in Africa yesterday mapped out the challenges and opportunities facing IT decision-makers on the continent.

However, Coward added that even though the right innovation is in place afterwards leapfrogging the learning curve, it's the skills shortage and change management that need to be addressed.

Ambler expects that competing demands for business in terms of limited budgets and sustained growth targets will see the transformation of infrastructure in the coming years.

“The technologies at front-of-mind for CIOs today are cloud computing, virtualisation and mobile technologies, when just a few years ago they prioritised business intelligence and enterprise applications. There is a real possibility for Africa to leapfrog technologies by embracing these new developments and drive a digital revolution across the continent.”

CIO's budget is after all in running the business

He added that 70% of a CIO's budget is after all in running the business and keeping the lights on. This leaves only 30% for technology and the cloud can make a difference here.

Ambler explained that employees nevertheless want these devices to be connected to the network now it's difficult and security is an issue.