Salesforce, the global leader in AI CRM (Customer Relationship Management), recently unveiled its latest AI and cloud-based solutions at Salesforce World Tour Essentials Johannesburg. The event, held at the Kyalami Convention Centre in Midrand, attracted over 2200 global and local leaders, showcasing the growing interest in AI and digital transformation in South Africa across various sectors. According to the IDC InfoBrief sponsored by Salesforce, The Salesforce Economy: South Africa, the company and its partner ecosystem are predicted to generate $5.8 billion in net new business between 2022 and 2028 through AI-powered cloud solutions, with an estimated creation of 33,000 jobs by 2028.
The Salesforce ecosystem of partners has seen significant growth in the South African region, with a 34% year-over-year increase. Particularly noteworthy is the 43% rise in certifications, indicating a commitment to helping organizations enhance employee productivity and customer experience through real-time insights. During the event, key speakers highlighted the importance of leveraging AI, data, and CRM tools to overcome challenges, build trust, enhance efficiency, and drive business growth.
The event focused on the unveiling of Data Cloud, a platform that integrates disparate data points into a unified data model on Salesforce’s Einstein 1 Platform. This platform provides a comprehensive 360-degree view of customers, enabling automation, analytics, personalized engagements, and the power of trusted AI. Conversational AI interactions through Einstein Copilot and the integration of Salesforce’s suite of applications were also discussed, demonstrating the capabilities and potential of these advanced technologies.
Marketers in South Africa are increasingly adopting AI, with 85% already incorporating AI into their workflows. The most popular AI use cases include content generation, customer interaction automation, programmatic advertising, and loyalty programs for data collection. The digital skills gap and job creation in South Africa are being addressed through initiatives like the partnership between Salesforce and ALX, creating job-ready professionals through training programs. Additionally, Collective X, a private sector-led initiative, is focused on developing future-fit skills for the local economy and addressing the unemployment crisis in the country.
