The Pan African Chamber of Commerce, today, announced the appointment of Phumza Dyani as Chief Innovation Officer and leader for the Africa Innovation Centre.
Dyani’s appointment is effective today.
Currently, the chief marketing & sales officer for Broadband Infraco, Dyani will be part of the digital economy and digital inclusion committee which seeks to bring together innovators, leading thinkers and actors from industry, Government, Academia and Non-Governmental Organisations, to advise African Governments through the AU and other regional economic communities on how to best meet their objectives to build the digital economy and eliminate digital divides.
As Chief Innovation Officer for the Pan African Chamber of Commerce, Phumza will amongst other key responsibilities chair and lead the committee and will appoint a vice-chair and a secretary.
“We are delighted to announce Phumza as the Pan African Chamber of Commerce’s Chief Innovation Officer and leader of the Africa Innovation Centre. Phumza is a seasoned executive with vast experience spanning across blue-chip companies in Financial and Professional Services (FMCG), accompanied by over 15 years spent in the ICT industry, working for Telecoms companies, including Vodacom and MTN,” said CEO for the Pan African Chamber, Johnny Muteba.
“She brings to the organisation a range of industry experience that will be beneficial to the organization and its stakeholders.”
Dyani was previously the managing executive for Vodacom Business and was responsible for strategy, revenue retention and growth for the Public Enterprise. Whilst her foundation experience was in Finance, Dyani later found her passion in sales, driving sales growth and acquisition strategies in both private and public sector sales. She has built relationships across the industries and has an absolute passion for sales.
“I look forward to taking up the position at such an exciting time where the continent is on an industrial transformation journey. I believe that Africa is set to be at the forefront of world innovation,” said Dyani.
“We have the unique Third World countries’ problems which require the resourcefulness of our people. Our people are resourceful, we need to cultivate that and build it at scale through exposure to the world.
“I am aware of a number of innovations taking place in South Africa and Africa at large. We need to support these with funding, protection of IP and commercialization capabilities which will provide them with access to markets.”
Dyani graduated with a Bcom (Acc) degree, followed by a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 2009 and a myriad of other qualifications. She is an ardent reader and a Thought Leadership speaker on Telecoms Industry issues, as well as an Advocate for the inclusion of Women in the STEM. Also a member of the Civil Society in the STI (Science, Technology and Innovation) Working Group and currently a participant in the South African Digital Economy Masterplan Group.
