BRafr-September2017

TECHNOLOGY
enterprise software vendors.”
“Not many companies can add
the momentum that we do from our
footprint from Nigeria to Ethiopia,”
Awtaney continues. “If a start-up
wants to think about solving a Pan-
African problem, it’s going to need a
trusted confidant who can take it to
25 countries. Similarly if you’re a large
company in America or elsewhere
but do not have the know-how to
tap into Africa, then you need a
trusted advisor who is present in 25
countries and can execute for you.”
Platform of growth
This presence is what provides iSON
Group with a crucial advantage. A
pan continent footprint becomes the
unique selling point above all else as
the company has the understanding
of local regulation, local challenges
and the ability to successfully
operate in 25 different countries
with 13 new clients last fiscal year.
“The real unique thing that iSON
offers is the platform across those
countries
and the ability
to combine that
presence with these
start-ups and build and scale
from that,” Awtaney says.
Throughout its four verticals
iSON Group has made significant
investments in order to grow as a
smart technology company, but
for Awtaney, one particular area of
growth is something that is very close
to his heart – iSON Foundation.
Through iSON Foundation, which
hasn’t been officially formalised just
yet, iSON Group has partnered with
a number of non-for-profit charities
to work with and support local
communities. Spearheading this
mission jointly with the foundation is
an organisation called Girl Effect .
The Girls Connect pilot program,
launched in July 2016 through an
initial pilot phase, is a pioneering
platform that allows girls to access
information, conversations and oneto-one
mentoring that is designed
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