Thorsten Freitag, Cisco Systems` new MD for sub-Saharan Africa, has arrived in SA with some fresh ideas on boosting investment in this country.
[VIDEO]Freitag, whose arrival in SA was marked by the unexpected early arrival of his first son, says he has high hopes for the future of the local IT market.
"I think the local IT companies could work together to create a strategy to fuel foreign investment and boost the local market. If the right government and private sector players get together, they could build an infrastructure and incentives to attract foreign investment." Freitag is keen to begin talks with local IT players on these strategies.
[VIDEO]Freitag doesn`t envisage his appointment bringing about major changes in Cisco`s operations, but expects that Cisco`s expansion programme in the sub-Saharan region will enjoy greater focus in future. "Cisco has identified the African continent as a potential growth market, and with the South African telecommunications market deregulating in 2002, it will present unprecedented growth opportunities for Cisco," says Freitag.
Freitag is optimistic about the growth potential in sub-Saharan Africa, saying he feels the worldwide IT economic slowdown has not negatively impacted on SA. "I think SA was not as badly affected, because major investment had not yet been made in the Internet industry. This means the market was not `overheated`, leaving room for growth in the wake of deregulation."
[VIDEO]Freitag has over 12 years experience in the IT and telecommunications sector, and has been with Cisco Systems since 1995, holding senior positions in Korea and Germany. In his previous role as operations director for Cisco Systems Korea, he was responsible for restructuring the Korean business for future growth.
Share