For over a decade, the DataIQ 100 series has been the premier curated index of influential data and AI leaders across Europe\u2014and 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\u2019s next\u2014especially as data and AI become central to the success of every modern business.<\/p>\n
The DataIQ Africa 30 recognises the top 30 most influential data and AI leaders across the continent \u2014 individuals who are turning strategy into scale, insights into impact, and innovation into opportunity.<\/p>\n
\u201cData and AI are at the heart of reinvention for organisations, industries, and societies,\u201d said Willie Schoeman, Managing Director and Data & AI lead for Accenture in South Africa. \u201cThey are not simply tools of efficiency but enablers of transformation and help unlock new ways of working by creating value and driving inclusive growth.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cBringing 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Recognising Excellence, Influence, and Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cBeing named in the DataIQ Africa 30 means you become a part of an exclusive global community shaping the global data and\u00a0AI agenda at all levels,\u201d said Richard Pope, CEO, DataIQ. \u201cA 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Top 5 Honourees from the 2025 DataIQ Africa 30<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Mark Nasila, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, FNB Risk, First National Bank\n
\n2. Ryan James, Chief Data Officer, Vitality
\n3. Ashina Buddu, Global Head of Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, Anglo American
\n4. Brett McDougall, Chief Information Officer, The SPAR Group
\n5. Nokuthula Marjorie Ngonyama, Group Chief Information Officer, PRASA<\/p>\n