ASHER BOHBOT
The structure of the economies in Africa lends itself to a demand for the company’s work, but the numbers and margins of its new division are exciting
Photo by: Duane Daws
South Africa-based information and communications technology firm EOH has announced the establishment of a new division, currently known as EOH International, which will offer its software and services in the 19 countries outside its African operations, says EOH information services director Brian Gubbins.
The new division will entail the development of three hubs in North America, the UAE and Australia to serve clients in the Americas, Europe and continental Asia, and the Pacific Rim countries.
EOH CEO Asher Bohbot emphasises that EOH is selling its services internationally and this will be supported with further resources as the strategy of the new division develops.
EOH has consistently posted robust financial results from its work in South Africa and Africa, and has gained significant traction throughout Africa, especially with its smart government and information management services. It also has financial reserves of more than R1.4-billion to support organic growth and acquisitions.
At the firm’s full-year financial results presentation in March, an investor enquired about the firm’s international expansion strategy. Bohbot indicated that the firm would continue to focus on the African continent, as its services are in demand and making a difference to societies and governments.
Most of the company’s divisions derive significant work from the 32 African countries EOH operates in, especially its Industrial Technologies, in the areas of urbanisation, energy and infrastructure, Public Sector, providing ICT systems and smart government and smart city services, Local Municipalities, providing civil administration tools, and Knowledge Process Outsourcing divisions.
“Africa is our bread and butter, and the structure of the economies in Africa lends itself to a demand for our work, especially to help reduce government inefficiencies to enable the private sector to flourish and to support small, medium- sized and microenterprises,” he says.
Bohbot adds that, as EOH already has an international presence through its services and products, the company will harness its worldwide network of partners and skills in this division. “The numbers and margins are exciting, but we will learn and adjust our tactics and the resources we deploy as we continue.”
EOH will draw on its partners, reseller network and sales people on the ground to determine demand and strategy, “rather than run it from the boardroom”, he notes, adding that the hub offices will be created through a partnership model.