During our field trip, we visited Monkey and River, a software development and design consultancy with a global reach and offices in both South Africa and the Netherlands. They're not a typical software company; they're a passionate group dedicated to creating software experiences that are not just functional, but truly meaningful.

Their approach, as they explained, is all about putting the user first – a concept they call "human-centered design". This isn't just lip service. We learned about their meticulous process, which involves in-depth research to understand user needs, followed by prototyping and rigorous testing to ensure the final product is not only effective but also a pleasure to use. Their commitment to accessibility was particularly impressive – they clearly believe that great software should be usable by everyone.

Monkey and River's diverse portfolio showcases their expertise across industries. We saw examples of their work, including a custom ERP system that streamlined operations for We Buy Cars, the user interface design for the MoyaPay Mobile Wallet, and even an enhanced online booking system for South Africa's National Parks (SANParks). Seeing these complex projects transformed into user-friendly solutions was truly inspiring.

The entire visit left a lasting impression. The team at Monkey and River clearly goes above and beyond to create software that not only works well but also makes a positive impact. Their passion for technology combined with their human-centered approach is a winning combination, and it's exciting to see what future projects they'll tackle.

https://monkeyandriver.com/

Today, we explored the fascinating company based in Pretoria called Direct Transact. Established in 2002, this fintech pioneer was the first to offer Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) in the country's financial sector. They play a massive role in the banking and payments ecosystem, handling over ZAR 40 billion monthly and supporting 70% of South Africa’s clearing and settlement banks. Direct Transact has been a leader in automation within the banking sector, pioneering back-office process automation in 2004 and moving to secure, cloud-based solutions by 2010. Direct Transact provides a robust suite of services, from regulatory compliance and digital identity verification to global payment processing. Their reputation is built on deep regulatory expertise and strategic partnerships with key financial institutions, ensuring their services meet stringent compliance standards. A significant recent milestone is their partnership with Visa, making them the first comprehensive Visa Ready partner in South Africa. This collaboration is set to enhance their multi-currency solutions and payment services, particularly benefiting the Central Europe, Middle East, and African region. Moreover, they have teamed up with FutureBank to drive the embedded finance market in Sub-Saharan Africa. This partnership aims to seamlessly integrate financial services into various non-financial platforms, boosting the fintech landscape in the region. Exploring Direct Transact’s journey and impact today has been incredibly insightful. They truly stand out as a leader in financial services and fostering innovation in the fintech industry.

https://www.directtransact.co.za/

On the secondlast day of the trip we visited Moyo. Moyo is a consultancy focusing on digital transformation, delivering services to a diverse range of industries. The company was established in 2007 and is located in Gauteng and the Western Cape. Their key services offered include:

·       Digital consulting: Helping clients optimizing their data usage, streamlining their operations, and implementing innovative technologies in order to maintain or achieve competitive advantages. Examples include analytics and business intelligence, software development, artificial intelligence and machine learning, business and systems analysis, data engineering, and enterprise architecture.

·       Managed services: Developing, monitoring, and maintaining specific services or applications

·       Engineering solutions: Moyo Engineering provides specialized engineering services that encompass digital transformation, technical audits, energy and water recovery solutions, mining and mineral processing engineering, and nuclear energy solutions.

·       Technology solutions: The company offers tailored enterprise technology solutions by partnering with leading global technology companies. This includes solutions utilizing platforms like Microsoft, Tableau, and various other specialized software​

·       Talent solutions: Moyo's Talent Solutions division focuses on recruitment services, training and development, mentoring and coaching, and providing C-Suite advisory services.

At Moyo, we were welcomed by Pierre Le Roux, Yandri Pienaar and Doné Britz Nel. After an introduction to the company and their services, we had the chance to enjoy some food with the employees of Moyo, offering us the possibility to get to know locals and discuss with them about things we learnt and heard during the past few days of the field trip.

https://moyoafrica.com/

During our Field Trip, we had the privilege of visiting MTN Business South Africa, a key division of MTN Group, one of the largest telecommunications companies in Africa and the Middle East. MTN Group operates in over 20 countries, serving more than 289 million customers globally, with MTN South Africa contributing significantly to this vast network. The company holds a market share of approximately 30% in the South African mobile sector, with a network infrastructure that covers over 99% of the population, with more than 25 million subscribers.

MTN Business South Africa is a leader in providing business communication and digital solutions, catering to a wide range of industries. The division supports over 2 million enterprise users, and its robust network and digital infrastructure include 15 data centers across South Africa. These data centers are instrumental in delivering reliable cloud services and supporting the company's growing portfolio of digital and cybersecurity solutions.

Our visit provided a comprehensive overview of the company's operations and offerings. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by their knowledgeable team. We were impressed by their state-of-the-art infrastructure, which includes data centers, network operations centers, and customer support facilities.

One of the standout aspects of our visit was the company's unwavering commitment to innovation. MTN Business invests heavily in research and development, with over 5% of its annual revenue dedicated to technological advancements. We witnessed firsthand how they are leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to develop innovative solutions for their clients. 

MTN Business offers a wide range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses. Their portfolio includes:

• Data and Connectivity Solutions: High-speed internet, mobile data, and fixed-line services, with a network capacity capable of handling up to 15 terabits per second.

• Cloud Solutions: Flexible and scalable cloud infrastructure, which currently supports over 10,000 businesses across the country.

• Cybersecurity Services: Advanced security measures to protect businesses from cyber threats, including a dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC) that monitors threats 24/7.

• Managed IT Services: Expert IT support and management, helping businesses optimize their IT infrastructure and reduce operational costs.

Beyond their impressive service offerings, MTN Business also prioritizes customer satisfaction. The team we interacted with demonstrated a genuine passion for providing exceptional service and ensuring that their customers are equipped with the right solutions.

Overall, our visit to MTN Business South Africa left a positive impression. Their dedication to innovation, comprehensive range of services, and strong focus on customer satisfaction make them a compelling choice for businesses seeking to enhance their operations and stay ahead in the competitive market.

https://www.mtn.co.za/home/