[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fTJ-6ipgjsLKeGF7cUnFk8aYCQfcepb9E3TcMatBublA":3,"_apollo:default":12},{"id":4,"title":5,"featuredImage":6,"date":9,"content":10,"excerpt":11},"cG9zdDo4ODY=","Transforming African Businesses: Embracing a Digital-First Company Culture",{"node":7},{"sourceUrl":8},"https:\u002F\u002Fblog.qhala.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F01\u002F9-1024x1024.png","2024-01-09T16:42:21","\u003Cfigure class=\"xa xb xc xd xe xf ja jb paragraph-image\">\n\u003Cdiv class=\"xg xh dl xi bg xj\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">\n\u003Cdiv class=\"ja jb wz\">\u003Cpicture>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" class=\"bg wk xk c alignnone\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:875\u002F1*nMpvGzXjddDjTC2yHlLvqw.png\" alt=\"digital-first company culture, qhala\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Fpicture>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cp class=\"pw-post-body-paragraph xl xm td kp b xn xo xp xq xr xs xt xu jz xv xw xx ke xy xz ya kj yb yc yd ye er bj\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">The business landscape is rapidly evolving and being in a fast-paced industry means having to keep up with the evolution to \u003Cstrong class=\"kp jo\">maintain a competitive advantage.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Adopting a digital first approach has long changed from being a \u003Cem class=\"aib\">should-have\u003C\u002Fem> to a \u003Cem class=\"aib\">must-have\u003C\u002Fem> for companies all around the world. \u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Africa has rich and untapped potential and markets that present unique opportunities for businesses to transform their operations by leveraging \u003C\u002Fspan>tech for sustainable change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp id=\"5111\" class=\"pw-post-body-paragraph xl xm td kp b xn xo xp xq xr xs xt xu jz xv xw xx ke xy xz ya kj yb yc yd ye er bj\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Regardless of the industry you are in, it is crucial to embrace the digital revolution and to ensure that your company is fully experiencing and enjoying its benefits. To attain this, \u003Cstrong class=\"kp jo\">your organization must embrace a company culture that prioritizes\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>impactful technology solutions such as \u003C\u002Fb>innovation, agility and digitalization.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp id=\"3628\" class=\"pw-post-body-paragraph xl xm td kp b xn xo xp xq xr xs xt xu jz xv xw xx ke xy xz ya kj yb yc yd ye er bj\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">So what are some of the practices and strategies that businesses in Africa can use to change their company culture to become digital first?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp id=\"5318\" class=\"pw-post-body-paragraph xl xm td kp b xn xo xp xq xr xs xt xu jz xv xw xx ke xy xz ya kj yb yc yd ye er bj\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">\u003Cstrong>It all starts with leadership.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Business leaders and management should advocate for a digital-first mindset and inspire employees to adapt to new sustainable development tech. Additionally, they should articulate the benefits of digitalization, demonstrate a clear vision for the company’s future and allocate resources accordingly to enable this change. All these can help reduce resistance to change from employees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp id=\"df25\" class=\"pw-post-body-paragraph xl xm td kp b xn xo xp xq xr xs xt xu jz xv xw xx ke xy xz ya kj yb yc yd ye er bj\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">\u003Cstrong class=\"kp jo\">Businesses should focus on being customer-centric\u003C\u002Fstrong>; understanding the customer’s preferences, needs and behaviors to help create and deliver personalized experiences. When businesses focus on customers’ perspectives and then align their processes to address the various pain points throughout a customer’s cycle, it \u003Cstrong class=\"kp jo\">fosters loyalty, builds trust and drives sustainable growth.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cfigure class=\"yg yh yi yj yk xf ja jb paragraph-image\">\n\u003Cdiv class=\"xg xh dl xi bg xj\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">\n\u003Cdiv class=\"ja jb aig\">\u003Cpicture>\u003Csource srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:640\u002Fformat:webp\u002F1*HRUkhHCRdOXPebVu77cJRQ.png 640w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:720\u002Fformat:webp\u002F1*HRUkhHCRdOXPebVu77cJRQ.png 720w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:750\u002Fformat:webp\u002F1*HRUkhHCRdOXPebVu77cJRQ.png 750w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:786\u002Fformat:webp\u002F1*HRUkhHCRdOXPebVu77cJRQ.png 786w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:828\u002Fformat:webp\u002F1*HRUkhHCRdOXPebVu77cJRQ.png 828w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:1100\u002Fformat:webp\u002F1*HRUkhHCRdOXPebVu77cJRQ.png 1100w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:1400\u002Fformat:webp\u002F1*HRUkhHCRdOXPebVu77cJRQ.png 1400w\" type=\"image\u002Fwebp\" sizes=\"(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \u002F>\u003Csource srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:640\u002F1*HRUkhHCRdOXPebVu77cJRQ.png 640w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:720\u002F1*HRUkhHCRdOXPebVu77cJRQ.png 720w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:750\u002F1*HRUkhHCRdOXPebVu77cJRQ.png 750w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:786\u002F1*HRUkhHCRdOXPebVu77cJRQ.png 786w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:828\u002F1*HRUkhHCRdOXPebVu77cJRQ.png 828w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:1100\u002F1*HRUkhHCRdOXPebVu77cJRQ.png 1100w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:1400\u002F1*HRUkhHCRdOXPebVu77cJRQ.png 1400w\" sizes=\"(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" data-testid=\"og\" \u002F>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" class=\"bg wk xk c alignnone\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:875\u002F1*HRUkhHCRdOXPebVu77cJRQ.png\" alt=\"digital-first company culture, qhala\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Fpicture>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cp id=\"7828\" class=\"pw-post-body-paragraph xl xm td kp b xn xo xp xq xr xs xt xu jz xv xw xx ke xy xz ya kj yb yc yd ye er bj\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Businesses need to \u003Cstrong class=\"kp jo\">promote a culture of upskilling and continuous learning among its employees\u003C\u002Fstrong>. They should invest in workshops, seminars, training programs that equip their employees with digital skills. Businesses can also ensure employees take advantage of the many online courses and certifications to stay informed and updated with the latest technology trends and advancements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp id=\"ba5d\" class=\"pw-post-body-paragraph xl xm td kp b xn xo xp xq xr xs xt xu jz xv xw xx ke xy xz ya kj yb yc yd ye er bj\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">A good strategy to ensure a digital-first organization is \u003Cstrong class=\"kp jo\">promoting collaborations and partnerships. \u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Businesses should \u003Cstrong>encourage cross-functional collaborations and advocate for transparency among departments to optimize processes and increase efficiency in\u003C\u002Fstrong> \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cb>sustainable technologies\u003C\u002Fb>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fstrong>Additionally, ensuring transparency helps employees to share their opinions and criticisms freely without fear of the reaction of their superiors and other team members. Collaborating and partnering with institutions and other businesses in research, technology providers or even start-ups can help businesses drive innovation because of sharing resources, ideas, knowledge and expertise. Not to mention that collaborations can open doors to \u003Cstrong class=\"kp jo\">exploring new markets.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp id=\"eabc\" class=\"pw-post-body-paragraph xl xm td kp b xn xo xp xq xr xs xt xu jz xv xw xx ke xy xz ya kj yb yc yd ye er bj\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Businesses in Africa need to encourage their employees and advocate for embracing digital tools and technologies. Businesses need to train and support their employees on how to use these tools and technologies such as cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence and automation. Educating their employees will help demystify the assumptions that emerging technologies, especially automation and AI, are here to take over their jobs. Leaders should take time to explain to their employees how simplified their work becomes with the help of these digital tools, to avoid resistance. Embracing digital tools and \u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">technologies, including \u003C\u002Fspan>AI for business specialization, will also help businesses \u003Cstrong class=\"kp jo\">optimize their operations, deliver enhanced customer service and make better and insightful decisions — \u003C\u002Fstrong>reach out to \u003Ca class=\"af yf\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fqhala.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener ugc nofollow\">Qhala\u003C\u002Fa> if you need help formulating your digitization strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp id=\"888a\" class=\"pw-post-body-paragraph xl xm td kp b xn xo xp xq xr xs xt xu jz xv xw xx ke xy xz ya kj yb yc yd ye er bj\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">To embrace a digital-first company culture, businesses in Africa should create an \u003Cstrong class=\"kp jo\">environment that encourages innovation,\u003C\u002Fstrong> where employees feel empowered to propose new ideas and think creatively. Organizations should promote a culture of experimentation and rapid iterations through implementations of frameworks like agile methodologies like Scrum and also HCD (Human centered designs). Leveraging different perspectives will help foster innovation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cfigure class=\"yg yh yi yj yk xf ja jb paragraph-image\">\n\u003Cdiv class=\"xg xh dl xi bg xj\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">\n\u003Cdiv class=\"ja jb wz\">\u003Cpicture>\u003Csource srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:640\u002Fformat:webp\u002F1*zFhnVzqNt5ZNz7sfCCZpMw.png 640w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:720\u002Fformat:webp\u002F1*zFhnVzqNt5ZNz7sfCCZpMw.png 720w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:750\u002Fformat:webp\u002F1*zFhnVzqNt5ZNz7sfCCZpMw.png 750w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:786\u002Fformat:webp\u002F1*zFhnVzqNt5ZNz7sfCCZpMw.png 786w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:828\u002Fformat:webp\u002F1*zFhnVzqNt5ZNz7sfCCZpMw.png 828w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:1100\u002Fformat:webp\u002F1*zFhnVzqNt5ZNz7sfCCZpMw.png 1100w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:1400\u002Fformat:webp\u002F1*zFhnVzqNt5ZNz7sfCCZpMw.png 1400w\" type=\"image\u002Fwebp\" sizes=\"(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \u002F>\u003Csource srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:640\u002F1*zFhnVzqNt5ZNz7sfCCZpMw.png 640w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:720\u002F1*zFhnVzqNt5ZNz7sfCCZpMw.png 720w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:750\u002F1*zFhnVzqNt5ZNz7sfCCZpMw.png 750w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:786\u002F1*zFhnVzqNt5ZNz7sfCCZpMw.png 786w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:828\u002F1*zFhnVzqNt5ZNz7sfCCZpMw.png 828w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:1100\u002F1*zFhnVzqNt5ZNz7sfCCZpMw.png 1100w, https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:1400\u002F1*zFhnVzqNt5ZNz7sfCCZpMw.png 1400w\" sizes=\"(min-resolution: 4dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 4) and (max-width: 700px) 50vw, (min-resolution: 3dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 67vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3) and (max-width: 700px) 65vw, (min-resolution: 2.5dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2.5) and (max-width: 700px) 80vw, (min-resolution: 2dppx) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" data-testid=\"og\" \u002F>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" class=\"bg wk xk c alignnone\" role=\"presentation\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmiro.medium.com\u002Fv2\u002Fresize:fit:875\u002F1*zFhnVzqNt5ZNz7sfCCZpMw.png\" alt=\"digital-first company culture, qhala\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Fpicture>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cp id=\"a5dd\" class=\"pw-post-body-paragraph xl xm td kp b xn xo xp xq xr xs xt xu jz xv xw xx ke xy xz ya kj yb yc yd ye er bj\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Promoting agility, flexibility and adaptability is also a practice that businesses should use to promote a digital-first culture. Agility and adaptability will help businesses respond quickly and effectively to customer needs, emerging technologies and market changes and capitalize on opportunities. Flexibility in the organizational structure will help in decision making at all levels and also willingness to take calculated risks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp id=\"a778\" class=\"pw-post-body-paragraph xl xm td kp b xn xo xp xq xr xs xt xu jz xv xw xx ke xy xz ya kj yb yc yd ye er bj\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">Embracing a digital-first approach to company culture is an important step for businesses to thrive in this digital era. It is not an overnight shift and will require a lot of resources, determination and cooperation from management and employees as well. Though it might seem too much, starting slowly with the organization’s vision and objectives in mind will help businesses know which practices to start implementing. Successfully navigating this culture shift will unlock new opportunities, helping businesses to be well-positioned by leveraging AI driven digital transformation and contributing to the economic growth of the continent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp id=\"5a33\" class=\"pw-post-body-paragraph xl xm td kp b xn xo xp xq xr xs xt xu jz xv xw xx ke xy xz ya kj yb yc yd ye er bj\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\">#Digitalfirst #Innovationmanagement #Africa #Companyculture #Digitaltransformation #Qhala #UX #UI #CustomerCentric #DigitizingAfrica\u003C\u002Fp>\n","\u003Cp>The business landscape is rapidly evolving and being in a fast-paced industry means having to keep up with the evolution […]\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"Bizzbar:cG9zdDoxNDcw":13,"ROOT_QUERY":24},["null","__typename",14,"id",15,"status",16,"bizzbars",17],"Bizzbar","cG9zdDoxNDcw","publish",["null","__typename",18,"ctaButtonText",19,"description",20,"enabled",21,"link",22,"external",23],"Bizzbar_Bizzbars","Get it here","Gates Report: Bridging Africa’s Smartphone Divide Insights from 10 Countries",true,"\u002Freports\u002Fgates-report-bridging-africas-smartphone-divide-insights-from-10-countries",null,["null","__typename",25,"bizzbars({\"where\":{\"status\":\"PUBLISH\"}})",26,"focusAreas",31],"Query",["null","__typename",27,"nodes",28],"RootQueryToBizzbarConnection",[29],{"__ref":30},"Bizzbar:cG9zdDoxNDcw",["null","__typename",32,"nodes",33],"RootQueryToFocusAreaConnection",[34,45,52],["null","__typename",35,"title",36,"slug",37,"focusAreas",38],"FocusArea","Health Care and Life Sciences","health-care-and-life-sciences",["null","__typename",39,"banner",40],"FocusArea_Focusareas",["null","__typename",41,"bannerCenter",42],"FocusArea_Focusareas_Banner",["null","__typename",43,"sourceUrl",44],"MediaItem","https:\u002F\u002Fblog.qhala.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F12\u002Fhealth-life-sciences-focus-area-center@3x.jpg",["null","__typename",35,"title",46,"slug",47,"focusAreas",48],"Financial Services","financial-services",["null","__typename",39,"banner",49],["null","__typename",41,"bannerCenter",50],["null","__typename",43,"sourceUrl",51],"https:\u002F\u002Fblog.qhala.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F12\u002Ffinancial-services-focus-area-center@3x.jpg",["null","__typename",35,"title",53,"slug",54,"focusAreas",55],"Digital Economy","digital-economy",["null","__typename",39,"banner",56],["null","__typename",41,"bannerCenter",57],["null","__typename",43,"sourceUrl",58],"https:\u002F\u002Fblog.qhala.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F12\u002Fdigital-economy-focus-area-center@3x.jpg"]