For over a decade, the DataIQ 100 series has been the premier curated index of influential data and AI leaders across Europe—and Accenture has been a proud, consistent supporter of the initiative. Accenture deeply understands the importance of recognizing those who are moving the needle in the industry and bringing visibility to the leaders shaping what’s next—especially as data and AI become central to the success of every modern business.
The DataIQ Africa 30 recognises the top 30 most influential data and AI leaders across the continent — individuals who are turning strategy into scale, insights into impact, and innovation into opportunity.
“Data and AI are at the heart of reinvention for organisations, industries, and societies,” said Willie Schoeman, Managing Director and Data & AI lead for Accenture in South Africa. “They are not simply tools of efficiency but enablers of transformation and help unlock new ways of working by creating value and driving inclusive growth.”
“Bringing the DataIQ Africa 30 to the continent emphasises our growing influence in shaping the global data and AI landscape, and its capacity to innovate solutions that address uniquely African challenges. At Accenture, we believe that recognising these leaders is essential to accelerating adoption, inspiring innovation, and ensuring Africa plays a defining role in the digital economy of the future, said Schoeman.”
Recognising Excellence, Influence, and Impact
The Africa 30 list celebrates both organisational and individual achievements that have moved the industry forward. Selection is based on a peer-reviewed process that evaluates:
- Strategic impact
- Industry influence
- Team and culture leadership
- Peer recognition
- DataIQ platform engagement
Being included in the DataIQ 30 opens doors to exclusive content, benchmarking reports, and invite-only events designed to foster collaboration among data leaders from across sectors and regions.
“Being named in the DataIQ Africa 30 means you become a part of an exclusive global community shaping the global data and AI agenda at all levels,” said Richard Pope, CEO, DataIQ. “A huge thank you to Accenture for their support in making this event possible and for understanding why the people behind the data and AI success stories need to be celebrated.”
Top 5 Honourees from the 2025 DataIQ Africa 30
1. Mark Nasila, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, FNB Risk, First National Bank
2. Ryan James, Chief Data Officer, Vitality
3. Ashina Buddu, Global Head of Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, Anglo American
4. Brett McDougall, Chief Information Officer, The SPAR Group
5. Nokuthula Marjorie Ngonyama, Group Chief Information Officer, PRASA
Full list available here.
About the Event
The Johannesburg reveal brought together leading voices from across Africa’s tech, business, and academic sectors. The event featured keynote insights from industry trailblazers, closed-door roundtables, and high-impact networking — all centred around the theme of empowering Africa’s AI economy.
A Growing Global Network
Since 2014, the DataIQ 100 series has been the go-to index for identifying the people behind data-driven success stories in Europe and North America. The launch of the Africa 30 marks the next phase of expansion, amplifying voices from a region known for innovation, resilience, and social impact.
Call for 2026 Nominations
Nominations for the 2026 edition of the DataIQ Africa 30 are now open. Data leaders, practitioners, and changemakers are encouraged to nominate themselves or a peer for consideration.
Nominate here.
