Industrial Digital Adoption Gains Momentum in Africa
Manufacturers are scaling software pilots to drive enterprise-wide efficiency and centralize operational data.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Manufacturing
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AVEVA is shifting its strategy in Africa to scale industrial digital pilot projects into enterprise-wide deployments. The company is now focusing on helping large manufacturers establish centralized data foundations after observing successful efficiency gains at major mining operators.
Why it matters
Scaling digital initiatives allows industrial firms to move beyond localized pilots to achieve measurable, enterprise-wide return on investment through automation. For operators, this transition requires shifting from disconnected data silos to centralized platforms capable of supporting complex digital twins.
Technology centralization efforts at Lonmin Mining yielded a 10% gain in operational efficiency and R300 million in cost savings. Meanwhile, Black Rock Mine Operations increased its in-shift reporting from under 50% to 90% through new control room data foundations.
The players
AVEVA
A global industrial software developer specializing in digital twin technology, data management, and operational automation platforms.
Khaled Salah
The leader of the Africa business unit who is tasked with overseeing the transition of industrial firms toward enterprise-scale digital adoption.
Lonmin Mining Company
A mining operator that realized significant efficiency gains through the centralization of its operational data.
Black Rock Mine Operations
A mining facility that utilized digital control room integration to improve reporting consistency and data visibility.
The details
Companies are scaling digital operations by building data foundations that integrate inputs from both fixed plants and mobile equipment. This process allows firms to construct digital twins that provide a real-time view of assets across the enterprise. By standardizing these data sets, industrial operators can move from limited pilot programs to full-scale automation, ensuring they have the technical infrastructure necessary to track and improve core operational metrics.
Timeline
2025: AVEVA separated its Middle East and Africa business units.
January 2026: Khaled Salah assumed leadership of the Africa business.
Coming years: Large African companies are expected to move toward enterprise-wide digital adoption.
Market Landscape
This move follows a documented industry trend where manufacturers struggle to translate limited digital pilots into scalable enterprise results. By focusing on data foundations, the company aims to move past the industry-wide plateau that often traps firms in localized testing phases.
Operators looking to scale digital technology should prioritize building a unified data foundation before attempting enterprise-wide automation. Focus on linking fixed and mobile assets to ensure that ROI can be demonstrated across the entire organization.
The takeaway
The move from pilot to enterprise-wide digital transformation hinges on data centralization and clear, repeatable use cases. Operators should audit their current data foundations to determine if they can support the integration of mobile and fixed equipment as the next step in their transformation.
Further reading
For more on the operational tools driving plant efficiency, see our Manufacturing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Africa Mining & Construction Magazine.
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