‘Knowledge of disruptive technology can help SMEs grow into conglomerates’

David Alozie is the convener, Disruptive Africa Expo/ Master Class. In this interview with ODINAKA ANUDU, the 29-year-old electronic engineer and founder of Wiretooth Technologies says SMEs and startups must innovate if they do not want their businesses to be disrupted by emerging technologies.
What motivated you to go into technology? 

I wanted to do something different that would affect my world positively. I was also very curious about knowing how electronic circuits in televisions and telephones were able to transmit sounds and visuals. I have always wanted to be a technology expert, teaching people and government technology strategies for development.

I have often heard you talk about disruptive technologies. What are they? 

Disruptive technologies are technologies that help you achieve more by doing less. They help you cut cost, increase efficiency, maximise profit, and build incredible customers experiences.

People get worried with the word ‘disruptive’. But its use here is relative. Disruptive technologies change the normal ways things are done, such that if you ignore them, you could be disrupted by even smaller competitors that are exploring.

Though these technologies haven’t become popular, organisations need to trail, support, and work with indigenous platforms and ecosystems with knowledge base that will protect their interests when these technology revolutions hit us. The technologies will help them to innovate solutions at the cheapest cost. These are technologies already changing the business value chains, which will hugely spur the digital disruption or technology revolutions in Africa fewer than four years from now.

Unfortunately, Nigeria and Africa are not strategically positioned to protect their interests both socio-politically and economically in these areas, which include Internet-of-Things (IoT), BigData, Telecom Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and 3D Printing.

How relevant are disruptive technologies for SMEs and startups? 

The word disruptive means there is opportunity for SMEs and startups. People are already using artificial intelligence and technology innovations to act as their office receptionists, and for directing calls and responding to emails.

These technologies mean SMEs and startups can pull the kind of weights big organisation pull in terms of output without breaking the banks. They can also make huge profit.

SMEs might even have the opportunity of disrupting industries that do not innovate.

A very relevant example is the Over The Tops (OTTs) based in the United States, which cut down revenues of telecom companies. That is why our telecoms need to re-innovate and play in the OTT field, offering better value because even some of OTTs  build their open source telecom solutions/infrastructure, which are faces of disruption.

We are looking for ways to work with telecoms to create efficiency and avoid job losses arising from reduced revenues. Across the world there are technologies that help manufacturers, including small-scale players, to churn out products from the factory at the cheapest cost and highest speed. This is why China is leading the pack of competitive countries. We need to be ready for these technologies here.

Do you think disruptive technologies can help tech startups? 

A very big and emphatic yes, because they are the future. They are not yet caught up in the bureaucratic maze, which inhibits true innovations. They have the freedom to explore these technologies as they have nothing to lose but to gain. They will be disruptors and enhancers for the big organisations.

In Nigeria there is need for what is called reverse mentorship, where the older and established people or companies work with the younger innovative ecosystem to exchange value in the area of experiences, innovation, and funding, among others.

Bigger organisations need to start buying into tech startups as they can remain relevant and sustainable.
This is why we are convening the Disruptive Africa Expo, the first conference and event in Nigeria, if not Africa. Registration is done via  www.disruptiveafricaexpo.com.

Understanding the implications of disruptive technologies and how they have been altering the business value chains in the developed world is important. Our event is the second edition and comes up between August 25 and 27 in Lekki, Lagos. It is designed to get individuals, businesses and government involved in this discussion.

We are bringing in experts from around the world to help attendees understand the importance of these technologies.

ODINAKA ANUDU