NTT DATA’s Smart AI Agent aims to drive productivity and transform workflows across industries globally by leveraging Generative AI capabilities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and IT services, has unveiled its next-generation Smart AI Agent, marking a key step in the company's strategy to promote the widespread use of Generative AI

The company is targeting US$2bn in revenue from Smart AI Agent-related business by 2027.

This advanced AI tool is designed to autonomously extract, organise, and execute tasks based on user instructions, complementing existing workforces and simplifying complex processes. It enhances operational efficiency across multiple sectors, allowing businesses to quickly assess and deploy Generative AI applications, thereby optimising workflows and boosting productivity.

Yutaka Sasaki, president and CEO of NTT DATA, remarked, “The launch of our Smart AI Agent is a direct response to the growing demand for tools that unlock the full potential of Generative AI. At NTT DATA, we’re committed to pioneering innovation that drives enterprise success. Smart AI Agent is designed to ease operational burdens, drive adoption, and help businesses realise the true value of AI technology.”

The Smart AI Agent is already delivering notable improvements across various industries. In the automotive sector, it is enhancing DevOps data analysis, while in banking, it is streamlining regulatory reporting processes. It is also optimising marketing cycles for a major gas manufacturer.

The Smart AI Agent offers several advanced capabilities from launch. It automates task planning by breaking down complex workflows into manageable processes. Additionally, multiple AI agents can collaborate on tasks, improving efficiency and effectiveness. It incorporates advanced Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to conduct contextual searches of internal data, providing high-quality results. The tool also generates validation data from business documents to optimise operational workflows. A future feature, User-in-the-Loop (UITL), will launch in March 2025, allowing the AI to continuously refine its processes based on user feedback, creating a cycle of autonomous optimization.

NTT DATA's end-to-end solution includes consulting, implementation, and ongoing support, ensuring a smooth integration for businesses. Recognising the security concerns of many enterprises, NTT DATA offers both public and private cloud solutions to ensure confidentiality and compliance.

Beyond enhancing business performance, Smart AI Agent also helps address the global talent shortage by automating routine tasks and enabling employees to focus on more strategic and value-added activities.

The Smart AI Agent will initially be rolled out in the US, China, and several European countries, with plans for a global expansion.

Andre Froneman, operational technology (OT) solutions specialist at Datacentrix. (Image source: Datacentrix)

Datacentrix, a leading hybrid ICT systems integrator and managed services provider, has achieved a significant milestone by earning the Cisco Internet of Things (IoT) Specialisation

This certification highlights the company’s deep expertise in deploying Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions, aimed at accelerating digital transformation across industries such as manufacturing, automotive, energy, oil and gas, and critical infrastructure.

The African IIoT market is expected to grow rapidly, with Statistica predicting an annual growth rate of 15.33% between 2024 and 2029, ultimately reaching a market value of US$8.14 bn by 2029. However, this growth also brings an increased risk of cyber threats, which pose a major concern as industries adopt smarter technologies.

“As the industrial sector increasingly adopts IIoT technologies, cybersecurity and seamless connectivity have become critical concerns,” said Andre Froneman, operational technology (OT) solutions specialist at Datacentrix.

Cisco’s 2024 State of Industrial Networking Report underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges, with cybersecurity being the top reported issue in the industrial sector. The report highlights cybersecurity risks as the leading internal barrier to growth, and reveals that 89% of respondents view cybersecurity compliance as essential for the functioning of their operational networks.

Froneman further emphasises Cisco’s leadership in the space, noted, "Cisco's leadership was further reinforced in the Forrester Wave: Operational Technology Security Solutions, Q2 2024 report, where it was recognised for its 'reliable and comprehensive OT security platform' and 'strong networking capabilities,' including a rugged line of hardware designed for challenging environments."

“Industrial organisations are eager to harness IoT data to improve efficiency and productivity, but need to do so without compromising security or operational reliability. With our expanded Cisco IoT capabilities, which encompass best-in-class OT visibility, zero trust security, PLC automation and industrial networking solutions, Datacentrix is well positioned to help clients achieve these objectives,” remarked Froneman. 

Datacentrix’s new Cisco IoT capabilities complement its existing expertise in OT and automation, enhancing its ability to deliver innovative solutions that address the cybersecurity and operational reliability challenges faced by industries undergoing digital transformation.

"We look forward to leveraging these new capabilities to deliver even greater value to our clients as they undertake their workspace digital transformation initiatives," concluded Froneman. 

The new facility will provide reliable digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, economic growth, and business competitiveness in the region. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

PAIX Data Centres, a premier provider of digital infrastructure in Africa, is set to establish a cutting-edge data centre in Dakar, Senegal

This new development represents a significant step in the company’s strategy to expand its presence in West Africa, addressing the region’s increasing demand for advanced digital solutions.

Currently, PAIX Data Centres operates facilities in Accra, Ghana; Nairobi, Kenya; and Djibouti.

Empowering regional connectivity and innovation

Dakar’s strategic position is bolstered by its access to four existing submarine cables—ACE, MainOne, SAT3, and SHARE—with additional cables like 2Africa under installation. This connectivity makes the upcoming data centre a pivotal hub for businesses seeking to penetrate West Africa’s emerging markets.

The new facility will provide reliable digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, economic growth, and business competitiveness in the region.

A state-of-the-art facility

PAIX Data Centres has secured land for the construction of this advanced facility, designed to deliver approximately 918 m² of usable space and a critical power capacity of up to 1.2 megawatts. Scheduled for operational readiness in 2026, the data centre is tailored to the needs of local and global businesses.

Key features include:

• 1.2 MW power capacity for reliable IT operations.
• 900 m² colocation space offering scalable hosting solutions.
• 330 equipment bays in a secure, temperature-controlled environment.

Sustainability at the core

PAIX Data Centres is committed to environmental stewardship, implementing strategies that maximize resource efficiency and minimize water usage in areas with limited supply. By 2030, the company aims to use 100% renewable energy for its data centres.

Economic growth and job creation

In collaboration with its investor Africa50, established by 32 African governments including Senegal, PAIX Data Centres is dedicated to fostering economic growth in West Africa.

The project will generate substantial employment, with nearly 200 jobs during construction and around 20 permanent roles for data centre operations. It will also create opportunities for local suppliers, architects, contractors, and maintenance firms.

A Digital Gateway for Africa

As a member of the European Union’s Global Gateway Business Advisory Group, PAIX Data Centres actively supports the development of secure, resilient digital infrastructure across Africa. This initiative aligns with the EU’s goals to boost economic development, attract investment, and safeguard digital sovereignty, democracy, and fundamental rights on the continent.

With its robust infrastructure and strategic partnerships, PAIX Data Centres is poised to transform Senegal into a key digital hub for West Africa, driving innovation and sustainable growth.

Vodacom and Orange collaborate to build solar-powered towers in DRC, expanding telecom services to 19 million underserved people. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Orange and Vodacom have announced a partnership to create Africa's first rural towerco collaboration

Together, they will build, own, and operate solar-powered mobile base stations in underserved regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aimed at extending network coverage and providing access to telecommunications and mobile financial services for up to 19 million people in rural areas. This initiative reflects their shared goal of bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth across the continent.

Expanding networks, especially in remote rural areas, has been a major challenge in the DRC. To address this, the companies have committed to constructing up to 2,000 solar-powered base stations over six years, utilising 2G and 4G technologies. The partnership begins with a plan for 1,000 towers, with the option to expand by an additional 1,000. The project is subject to approval from regulatory, administrative, and competition authorities.

This partnership will not only improve coverage but will also provide local consumers with access to voice, data, and mobile money services. The first base station is expected to be operational by 2025, with both Orange and Vodacom sharing the active and passive infrastructure for an initial term of 20 years. Additionally, the venture will offer its passive infrastructure to any interested MNOs, further expanding its reach.

“We have the opportunity to make a significant impact on Africa's socio-economic development by building a digital society,”commented  Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group. “Our partnership with Orange is a crucial step towards providing mobile coverage in previously underserved areas in the DRC.”

Orange Middle East and Africa CEO, Jérôme Hénique, added, “Our deep market knowledge and collaboration with Vodacom will enable us to accelerate connectivity access, especially in rural areas, while reducing our environmental impact.”

With mobile internet penetration in the DRC at 32.3%, the announcement aligns with the country’s National Digital Plan Horizon 2025, which aims to enhance public services, economic growth, and digital access. This initiative is expected to promote e-citizenship, e-government, and e-commerce, fostering job creation and increasing GDP.

Orange RDC, a subsidiary of the Orange Group, has been a key player in the DRC's digital landscape for over 12 years. The company has been instrumental in expanding connectivity, offering fiber and launching new technologies. Through initiatives like the Orange Digital Center & Clubs, which offer free digital training, Orange RDC continues to support the economic and social development of the DRC.