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Abdul Kader Baba

Abdul Kader Baba

Chief Technology & Information Officer, Infrastructure South Africa

Abdul Kader Baba is a seasoned technology executive and digital transformation leader with nearly two decades of cross-sector experience spanning government, telecommunications, finance, media, logistics, and infrastructure. He currently serves as the Chief Technology & Information Officer at Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) — an agency within the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). In this role, Abdul leads the strategic application of data, AI, cloud platforms, and digital governance to advance South Africa’s infrastructure priorities under the National Development Plan for ISA.

Over the course of his career, Abdul has held executive technology roles at some of the continent’s most influential institutions, including Standard Bank, Santam, SAP, TBWA South Africa, Skynet, and Econet. He has been recognised both regionally and globally as a transformative CIO, having been nominated for the 2023 South African CIO Awards, named a Global CIO 100 finalist, and honoured as a World CIO 200 Champion. He as also appointed he was appointed as a South Africa Ambassador for the World CIO 200 – a global platform recognising and connecting top CIOs driving innovation, resilience, and transformation worldwide.

Abdul is deeply passionate about the intersection of innovation and impact. He champions resilient infrastructure powered by secure digital ecosystems, intelligent service delivery through AI, and inclusive technology approaches that are contextually rooted in Africa’s unique landscape.

As a regular keynote speaker and contributor to both local and international conferences, Abdul offers a wealth of real-world insights, strategic foresight, and a commitment to sustainable development. His leadership continues to shape and influence South Africa’s infrastructure and technology agenda.

6:00 pm - 6:10 pm

World CIO 200 Country Ambassador Speech

Opening remarks by the event's Country Ambassador
Abdul Kader Baba | Chief Technology and Information Officer | Infrastructure South Africa

6:40 pm - 7:10 pm

Panel discussion 1 : The next decade of IT leadership

Discussion points:
What will define bold and unstoppable CIOs in the future?
The balance between innovation, risk management, and business outcomes
Moderator:
Abdul Kader Baba | Chief Technology and Information Officer | Infrastructure South Africa
Panelist:
Omeshnee Naidoo | CIO Programmed Leader | Deloitte
Mohammed Dawood | Chief Information Officer | Bayport Financial Services
Muhammad Bhikhan | Chief Information Officer | Absa Group
Peter Robb | CIO | Omnia Holdings
Dr. Tom Tshitangano | Chief Information Officer | The National Consumer Commission