UJ Hosts Book Launch on Africa’s Digital Transformation Journey

The University of Johannesburg (UJ)  Department of Applied Information Systems, the UJ Library, and Ascension Book Publishers co-hosted a book launch titled “Africa Lead with Digital: Unlocking the Continent’s Leapfrogging Potential” by Veronica Mmakoma Motloutsi. The event, held on April 9, 2024, at the prestigious UJ Library, represented a pivotal moment in Africa’s digital transformation journey.

Veronica Motloutsi, a prominent figure in the digital landscape, serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SmartDigital Solution. Renowned as a Digital Expert, Author, Technology Entrepreneur, and Investor, she has garnered acclaim as an Award-Winning Businesswoman and is recognised among the Leading Women in ICT.

With a strong academic background, she also holds influence as an Influencer and is the visionary behind both SmartDigital Solution and AfricaLead initiatives.

Attendees at the event included esteemed business and government leaders, academics, and industry experts.

Notable speakers such as Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Dr. Chana Pilane-Majake, Former Statistician General Dr. Pali Lehotla, leading businesswomen Ms Ipeleng Mkhari Dr. Sibongile Vilakazi and Dr. Letlhogonolo Majake-Mokgoba, as well as esteemed academics Dr. Lucky Mathebula and Prof. Masike Matjila, graced the occasion with their presence.

Dr. Stella Bvuma, the Director of the School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems (SCiiS), expressed the University of Johannesburg’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies for societal transformation. Under the Vice Chancellor’s guiding principle of inclusivity, she highlighted the university’s role as a key contributor to addressing broad societal challenges.

Ronny Mabokela, Head of Technopreneurship Centre, commented on the event: “As Head of a Technopreneurship Centre, I found ‘Africa Lead with Digital’ to offer a profound analysis and forward-thinking approach. Veronica Motloutsi’s insights deeply resonate with our mission to equip entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge essential for success in the digital economy. Her emphasis on collaboration and innovation perfectly aligns with our objectives. The book launch event acted as a catalyst for forging new partnerships and advancing technopreneurship in Africa.”