The launch of the new-look end-to-end ICT solutions provider BCX, as a result of the partnership between Telkom Business and Business Connexion, represents a new chapter in Africa's digitalisation process.

So claims BCX CEO Isaac Mophatlane who described the freshly introduced entity as the "culmination of the vision my late brother and I had when we started Business Connexion over 20 years ago."

BCX was officially introduced to the market in February this year, following an eighteen-month consolidation process.

Its chief purpose will be to lead Telkom's quest for business on the continent, specifically targeting enterprise customers that are looking to invest in digital solutions in order to remain relevant and competitive within an evolving business landscape.

"Digitalisation has become a top priority for businesses throughout Africa. It's becoming clearer than ever that companies that do not invest in digital solutions will be left behind as the business landscape continues to evolve. BCX provides a clear roadmap for companies throughout Africa to embrace digitalisation and be prepared to serve both their current and future customers," reads a statement from BCX issued this week.

Sipho Maseko, Telkom Group CEO, said, "BCX will address the technology and telecommunications needs of companies operating in Africa, both within their domestic market and as they expand into the rest of- and beyond the continent. It will leverage the company's expertise to further address the technology and telecommunications requirements of companies across Africa."

Executives have pointed out the advantage of BCX's footprint in Africa, through its global subsidiaries, and this footprint includes Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana, as well as presence in Dubai and the United Kingdom.

In terms of practical operation and logistics, the carefully-moulded strategic service provider marks the final step in the integration of Telkom Business and Business Connexion.

According to the statement, BCX will continue to fall under the larger Telkom Group, "but will operate as its own business arm serving the enterprise space.

"All employees fall under the purview of the new brand and all physical office spaces will reflect the new brand name. Additionally, all existing customer contracts will be covered by the new BCX entity," the companies explain.

BCX also confirmed that there were no job losses as a result of the merger and existing Telkom Business and Business Connexion clients have had to sign new contracts with BCX.

Expectations

During the February launch of BCX, Mophatlane said he anticipated challenges in running the business in different regions on the continent.

He was quoted at the time as saying, "One of our biggest challenges is currency devaluation. The ability for us to take money out of some of these countries is also becoming quite difficult. You cannot find enough dollars in some of these countries and while others have defaulted on their bonds. Nigeria has become a nightmare with the Naira. When we started the business there back then as Business Connexion 100 Nairas were equivalent to 1 US dollar, today one dollar is about 525."