A
record 162 organisations from across Africa have been shortlisted for the 2025
CIO100 Awards, marking one of the most competitive editions of the annual
event.
The
awards, now in their 17th year, recognise technology leaders and organisations
driving digital transformation across the continent.
The
shortlist was drawn from 1,200 applications submitted by enterprises,
government agencies, NGOs, and start-ups across East, West, South Africa, and
Mauritius.
Among
the notable names in this year’s line-up are Dangote Group (Nigeria), Safaricom
PLC, Kenya Airways, RwandAir, FirstBank of Nigeria, and Equity Bank.
Winners
will be unveiled during the CIO100 Symposium & Awards scheduled for
November 19–21, 2025, at the Enashipai Resort & Spa in Naivasha, Kenya.
Organisers
say the record number of entries reflects Africa’s fast-paced digital
transformation journey.
According
to research by Mordor Intelligence, Africa’s digital transformation market is
projected to hit $30 billion in 2025 and more than double to $63 billion by
2030.
This growth, experts argue, underscores the
fact that technology has shifted from being a support function to a driver of
strategy and competitiveness.
Harry
Hare, Chairman of CIO Africa by dx⁵, which organises the awards, noted that the
2025 shortlist proves African companies are no longer just adopting technology
but leading global conversations on digital innovation.
“From
Rwanda’s tax digitalisation to Nigeria’s fintech revolution to Kenya’s
renewable energy innovations, these leaders are proving that Africa isn’t just
participating in the global digital economy, we’re defining its future,” Hare
said.
The
finalists represent a wide range of critical sectors. In financial services,
shortlisted organisations include Equity Bank, Amhara Bank of Ethiopia, NMB
Bank in Tanzania, and Stanbic Bank Uganda.
In
public service, the Kenya Revenue Authority, Rwanda Revenue Authority, and
South Africa’s Department of Health are among those recognised.
From
the energy sector, KenGen and Kenya Power made the cut, while in
telecommunications, Airtel Kenya and Safaricom were shortlisted. Kenya Airways
and RwandAir also stand out in the transport category.
Preliminary
findings from the CIO100 Mega Trends Report show African organisations are
prioritising investments in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cloud
technologies.
These
investments are aimed at improving efficiency, enhancing resilience, and
fostering sustainable growth.
The
three-day CIO100 Symposium will not only celebrate winners but also host
high-level discussions.
The
programme includes executive strategy sessions, live technology demonstrations
in areas such as cybersecurity and AI, and policy forums on Africa’s digital
future.
Attendees
will include leaders from banking, healthcare, agriculture, education,
manufacturing, and energy sectors.
“CIO100
has become more than an awards programme. It’s where Africa’s digital future is
debated, designed, and accelerated,” Hare added.
Since
its inception in 2009, the CIO100 Awards have honoured more than 1,700
technology projects across 15 African countries.
Organisers
say this year’s edition will be the most impactful yet, as African organisations
increasingly harness innovation to drive both business value and social impact.
