2025: A Year of Digital Transformation… ANOTHER ONE. (February 2025)

Next, I could, and therefore will mention the Composable Business concept. (Think of it like building with LEGO blocks, but for businesses.) Many businesses are still stuck with very outdated systems, but in 2025, they’ll respond to market demands by becoming more versatile. This strategy allows the willing and agile to utilize existing resources effectively while building customer loyalty at lightning speeds. Do we have any of these companies in South Africa? Maybe some of our banks and retailers? Can I name any? Maybe Woolworths, MTN, Shoprite, and Standard Bank? I hope this new buzzword or trend works for SMMEs. The five cornerstones in my opinion of such a company are Modularity, Agility, Flexibility, Interfaces, and Customer Centricity. All good things!

Next, there’s Everything as a Service, or XaaS for short. With cloud technology at the heart of this trend, businesses are meant to be shifting to subscription-based services. Not many companies in South Africa are doing this—even if their products allow. It requires a new way of thinking. The fact is, in the future, people are going to want to own far fewer things. Imagine being able to collaborate seamlessly without worrying about the physical hardware lagging your progress, or a car, or a washing machine. No repairs, no replacements—if it breaks or needs a service, it’s all included in the leasing agreement.

Of course, with all this digital excitement comes the need for robust Cyber Security. Now, I cannot emphasize this enough, but as my partner in e-crime, or rather e-safety will tell you, people tend to wait for a disaster before they do anything. (By the way, I am referring to my partner at Cyberdefenders.co.za, named Shalen.) A new tech, and I do mean a proper new one with massive advances, is quantum computing. This really is groundbreaking technology that offers innovative ways to safeguard our digital lives, making it crucial for businesses to adopt advanced encryption methods to thwart cyber threats. Most people have no idea what quantum computing is, and that’s also a subject for another article or post, but know that it’s a major influence when it comes to digital safety and our lives online.

Customer experience is another pivotal theme for 2025. Now, this really should not be a new trend, but the fact of the matter is, some businesses in South Africa really do not display any attention at all in training or employing staff who actually care. They need to go back to basics. Some (just a few) South African companies are doing this now, but on the tech front, there are now Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) which are set to become the backbone of personalized interaction, helping companies make sense of vast amounts of customer data effortlessly. This means better, tailored experiences for everyone. We are some time away from this in South Africa, and I am still waiting for normal human beings to simply smile and greet at a checkout till in a mall.

Of course, there is AI and Machine Learning. I write about these all the time! These technologies will become commonplace, and once they have, they will not only enhance workplace efficiency but also revolutionize how we interact with information. Imagine AI working tirelessly alongside you, or from your pocket (assuming that is where your smartphone is), anticipating your needs before you even ask! That would be nice. Now imagine it helping us fight corruption or ensure that Rand Water has enough water for us all.

The Hybrid Workforce Model is replacing the work-from-home model. It is said by some managers to be the winning strategy, blending remote work and office environments seamlessly. But is it really seamless? For many, this flexible work model is now a preferred way to maintain productivity while enjoying the comforts of home. I think it will be a few years before this is perfected, but it is best for both business and employee.

Environmental sustainability will continue to take center stage. But will it really be or will there be more greenwashing and other shenanigans continuing? There are some companies who are not just driven by profit anymore; they’re committed to greener practices, leveraging technology to reduce their carbon footprints. Your business can be a catalyst not only for environmental protection, but to help improve social ills and all sorts of other important things. Is it doing its bit yet?

Worldwide, education is evolving with AR and VR, offering immersive learning experiences that make complex subjects more engaging and accessible. Students can explore ancient civilizations without leaving the classroom, but here in South Africa, we still need to sort out our actual classrooms, teachers, and even eradicate the bucket system. Does anyone know where those iPads from the Department of Education are?

In agriculture, Edge Computing is meant to help farmers make real-time decisions to increase yields while being environmentally responsible. Think of sensors monitoring crops and weather conditions, ensuring optimal farming practices. It can even be used to help send produce to market or order materials as needed only.

Finally, 5G technology is paving the way for smarter cities, enabling real-time data collection and analysis for improved infrastructure and public services. Imagine traffic management systems adjusting signals in real-time to cut congestion. Again, in South Africa, specifically Johannesburg, I am still waiting to see traffic robots that are operational or not lying on their sides on a pavement.

As South Africans look toward 2025, it’s clear that the future of business is undeniably digital, but we have a few organic and basic items to address first. The key to thriving will be to prioritize the basics first, and when technology is adopted, it must serve a true purpose and not just be adopted for the sake of it.

The END.