How Africa fairs in the global tech and digital transformation landscape

South Africa's Ernst and Young (EY) has recently garnered two prestigious global awards in the realm of digital pioneering, signaling Africa's growing presence in the digital innovation arena on the global stage. This achievement sets a positive tone for Africa's transition into the fourth industrial revolution, showcasing the continent's potential to lead in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Grant Brewer, an EY Partner, joined CNBC Africa to shed light on this milestone and discuss the implications for Africa's digital future. The World Economic Forum's latest world competitiveness report has painted a mixed picture for South Africa, with the country slipping five places to 67 in overall competitiveness. While this decline can be partially attributed to changes in methodology, it underscores the pressing need for enhanced innovation and competitiveness in a global environment characterized by fierce competition. Brewer acknowledged the importance of elevating South Africa's standing on the global stage to drive economic growth, create jobs, and catalyze positive change within the country. Emphasizing the critical role of innovation in achieving these goals, he highlighted the need for increased innovative capacity across organizations, spanning from startups to established enterprises. Despite the challenges outlined in the competitiveness report, Brewer noted that South Africa boasts highly innovative organizations such as Discovery and Sure, showcasing the country's potential for innovation-driven growth. He stressed the importance of fostering a culture of innovation not only within the private sector but also in the public domain, underscoring the pivotal role of government in promoting innovation ecosystem. Discussing EY's success in the domain of cybersecurity resilience, Brewer detailed the firm's efforts to assist organizations in fortifying their defenses against digital threats. With cybersecurity concerns mounting globally, EY's Resilience Team plays a critical role in safeguarding sensitive data and mitigating cyber risks. Brewer underscored the growing regulatory pressures that compel organizations to prioritize data security and customer privacy, positioning cybersecurity as a key facet of EY's comprehensive digital innovation strategy. Beyond cybersecurity, EY's recognition as a market leader in innovation consulting, as evidenced by a recent accolade from Forrester Group, testifies to the firm's expertise in driving end-to-end innovation initiatives for clients worldwide. Brewer highlighted EY's commitment to bringing innovative solutions to the African market, leveraging its extensive presence across the continent to support clients in both the private and public sectors. By addressing diverse challenges ranging from market expansion to service delivery improvement, EY aims to unlock value and drive positive outcomes for customers and citizens across Africa. Looking ahead, EY's cybersecurity team is poised to participate in global awards in London, underscoring the firm's global integration and commitment to excellence on the international stage. With a strong track record of success and a dedication to driving innovation across Africa, EY's prospects for continued success look promising. As EY prepares to showcase its prowess in cybersecurity resilience on a global platform, the firm stands as a beacon of Africa's growing influence in the digital innovation landscape, setting the stage for a transformative journey into the fourth industrial revolution.