Remaining an employer of choice amongst technology talent and delivering on its corporate 2030 service strategy has spurred Old Mutual Limited’s (OML) drive to create a global tech hub. These tech headquarters will provide local IT talent with oppo

rtunities to work and build careers in a facility that is inspiring and harnesses talent. Home of the OML Tech Hub is Durban, which offers several advantages, says the company.

“In a post-pandemic world, African techies are working remotely for companies worldwide. For institutions like Old Mutual, the implications are increasing competition for talent and rising costs. Countering this trend means focusing attention locally and building staff models based on the strategic locations available locally and assessing demand and supply for skills,” says Zureida Ebrahim – Chief Operating Officer at Old Mutual Group.  

“One of the cornerstones of our 2030 strategy is to drive a new skills and talent revolution in Africa. Key to achieving what we believe is the first development of its kind on the continent, OML is focusing on attracting and retaining South Africa’s top tech talent for the benefit of the entity and Mzansi’s economy in general,” she concluded.

The advantages of establishing a hub were confirmed through OMLs partnerships and collaborations with many of its international partners in the tech industry that have gone this route already.

Attention had naturally turned to establishing an OML Tech Hub in Durban, where a team of expert techies led by a Global Technology Hub Executive can deliver on the strategic business goals. “Durban has a good pool of tech skills available for the required demand. It is also home to the country’s top technology tertiary institutions and is a chosen location for some large tech companies. Old Mutual has partnered with 4 of the leading tech institutions in KZN, two of which are ranked in the top 5 in South Africa. 

The calibre of graduates is precisely what the organisation is looking for,” says May Govender, Acting Chief Information Officer at Old Mutual Group.

The location of the tech hub provides new opportunities potential employees in a market that few major players dominate and enables local talent to harness their skills in South Africa rather than internationally.

The Old Mutual Tech Hub already has a staff complement of just over 40 composed of Software Engineers, Info sec and Data skills, among others.  It is envisaged that this staff complement will grow to over 100 in 2024, says Govender. Old Mutual’s objective for 2030 is to ensure that they create innovative, digital experiences and financial solutions for customers through an agile, bold, and efficient approach.