Geopolitical Concerns Now Top Priority for African IT Leaders
Digital sovereignty is rapidly moving from niche tech discussions to mainstream strategic priorities across industries. Growing global tensions, concerns about supply chain resilience, and escalating cyber threats are driving this shift, with company boards now demanding greater visibility into technology dependencies.
“Sovereignty as it relates to technology is consolidating as a top strategic priority,” says Manel Barahona, partner of enterprise technology at Deloitte. “Where the tech is built and operated is becoming as relevant as what it can do.” This perspective aligns with Forrester’s projections showing IT investment in AI, cloud, and data sovereignty technologies across Europe will reach €1.5 trillion by year-end—a 6.3% increase.
The Changing Decision Landscape
The impact extends beyond mere vendor selection. CIOs are now tasked with evaluating geopolitical risks alongside traditional factors like performance and cost. A recent Deloitte study found that 77% of companies consider the country of origin when choosing tech providers—a clear indicator of this evolving mindset.
“CIOs must balance addressing immediate needs with making decisions that don’t create future vulnerabilities,” explains Barahona. The most forward-thinking organizations are diversifying suppliers, exploring regional capabilities, and designing hybrid architectures to maintain flexibility in an uncertain world.
Practical Implications for African Markets
The shift toward digital sovereignty presents both challenges and opportunities for the continent:
- Local providers could gain a competitive edge as companies seek alternatives to dominant global players
- Organizations may prioritize solutions with data centers located within Africa, enhancing control and compliance
- CIOs will need to develop frameworks that assess geopolitical risks alongside technical merits
- Investment in cybersecurity and resilience capabilities will likely accelerate across industries
“We don’t view these issues as theoretical debates but rather from their impact on the business,” says David Marimón, CIO and VP of Coca-Cola European Partners, Iberia. “Our approach is very pragmatic—we invest in technology to make better decisions, react quicker, and operate with greater stability.”
The rise of geopolitical considerations marks a fundamental shift in how IT leaders evaluate technology investments—one that requires a broader perspective encompassing business continuity, risk mitigation, and alignment with evolving regulatory landscapes.