Smangele Nkosi on leadership, AI, and driving South Africa’s digital future

In this inspiring episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou sits down with Smangele Nkosi, General Manager and Country Leader for South Africa at Cisco, to explore her remarkable journey through the ICT industry and the leadership lessons that shaped her career. From her early ambitions in healthcare to becoming a key figure in digital transformation, Nkosi shares how purpose, people, and trust have guided her path—and how technology continues to “heal” societies by creating access, opportunity, and connection. The conversation also dives into the transformative power of AI in South Africa and across the continent. Nkosi highlights how emerging technologies can help Africa leapfrog traditional development barriers, unlock economic growth, and expand access to education, healthcare, and markets. She outlines Cisco’s vision for the future—spanning AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, and inclusive connectivity—while offering practical advice to young professionals on growth, resilience, and staying grounded in a fast-moving digital world.