Johannesbrug, South Africa – AfricaHeadline.com had the privilege of interviewing Engineer William Oliveira, CEO of TIS, a leading company in digital transformation and technological innovation in Angola. The discussion centred on critical topics such as economic diversification, technological development, social impact, and TIS’s strategic vision for the future—both in the domestic market and on the international stage. With an innovative approach and a commitment to sustainable development, William Oliveira shared valuable insights into the role of technology in strengthening Angola’s economy.
In this interview, we explored how TIS is leveraging emerging technologies to drive key economic sectors, the impact of its initiatives in developing local talent, and its contribution to building a robust technological ecosystem in Angola and Africa. William Oliveira also addressed the challenges and opportunities faced by TIS, highlighting his vision to position Angola as a hub for technological innovation on the continent.
AfricaHeadline.com: How does TIS’s work in digital transformation and technological innovation contribute to Angola’s economic diversification and growth strategy, and what specific impact do you hope to achieve in the next five years?
William Oliveira: TIS is aligned with Angola’s goals for economic diversification by introducing technologies that increase efficiency and reduce dependence on traditional sectors like oil. Our projects, such as the modernization of the tax system for AGT, demonstrate the transformative impact of digital tools. Over the next five years, we aim to expand our presence in the African market and strengthen our participation in sectors such as banking, agriculture, health, industry, and oil & gas. Leveraging artificial intelligence, data analysis, and digital infrastructures, we strive to promote sustainable growth.
AfricaHeadline.com: What role should the private sector play in driving Angola’s technological development and innovation, and how can TIS collaborate with other stakeholders to achieve this goal?
William Oliveira: The private sector should lead by investing in research and development (R&D), fostering innovation, and building strategic partnerships, particularly with educational institutions. TIS works with global technology leaders and local institutions to create tailored solutions, contributing to Angola’s tech ecosystem. Collaborating with universities and policymakers, we aim to establish a fertile environment for innovation and economic development.
AfricaHeadline.com: How can TIS’s expertise in digital transformation support the Angolan government’s efforts to improve public services and governance? Can you share success stories from similar projects?
William Oliveira: TIS provides scalable and secure digital solutions for public services across economic sectors. For instance, our fiscal modernization project with AGT and the PDAC project funded by the World Bank demonstrate how technology enhances transparency and efficiency. Looking forward, we plan to implement intelligent systems to improve service delivery and foster citizen participation.
AfricaHeadline.com: How does TIS’s international expansion strategy align with Angola’s economic development goals, and what opportunities exist for TIS to contribute to the growth of Angola’s tech industry?
William Oliveira: Our international expansion into markets like Brazil, Portugal, Congo, Ghana, Mozambique, and Senegal reflects a commitment to positioning Angola as a hub for technological innovation. These efforts enable us to export expertise and attract investments. We are also focused on building bridges with other African nations to enhance collective competitiveness, showcasing Africa’s capability to work for Africa.
AfricaHeadline.com: What initiatives has TIS undertaken to promote local talent development and address the skills gap in Angola’s tech industry? How does TIS’s in-house academy contribute to these efforts?
William Oliveira: Through our academy, we have trained over 1,000 professionals in software development, cybersecurity, and data management, directly addressing skills development needs. Our ADN TIS internship programs integrate young talent annually, strengthening the local talent pool and contributing to economic growth. These initiatives empower youth with employable skills while enhancing TIS’s workforce.
AfricaHeadline.com: What role does corporate social responsibility (CSR) play in TIS’s business strategy, particularly in education, employment, and economic growth?
William Oliveira: CSR is deeply integrated into our strategy, focusing on education, employment, and technological innovation. Initiatives like internships, technology competitions, community training programs, and tech incubators address systemic economic challenges. These efforts create opportunities for economic mobility and promote sustainable development.
AfricaHeadline.com: How do you think geopolitical risks, such as elections, polarization, and conflicts, will impact the global economy and Angola’s economic development in the next five years? How does TIS mitigate these risks and capitalize on opportunities?
William Oliveira: We mitigate risks by diversifying our project portfolio, promoting regional partnerships, and operating in international markets. By remaining agile and investing in technical expertise, we are well-positioned to tackle challenges and leverage growth opportunities through innovation and sustainability.
AfricaHeadline.com: What cutting-edge technologies is TIS exploring to drive innovation and growth in Angola and beyond? How does TIS’s integrated model support digital transformation in key sectors and contribute to economic growth?
William Oliveira: We are exploring artificial intelligence, IoT, cloud computing, and blockchain to drive innovation and modernization. TIS’s integrated model, combining software development, technological infrastructure, data management, consultancy, and cybersecurity, enables seamless digital transformation across sectors like banking, agriculture, health, industry, and oil & gas, driving tangible economic growth.
AfricaHeadline.com: What role does TIS play in supporting the development of Africa’s tech ecosystem? What opportunities excite you most in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in the tech sector?
William Oliveira: TIS is pivotal in promoting Africa’s tech ecosystem through expertise sharing, job creation, and fostering innovation. We collaborate with universities, startups, governments, and the private sector to catalyze entrepreneurship and position Africa as a global technology leader. Opportunities in artificial intelligence, IoT, blockchain, and digital education excite us for their transformative potential.
In closing, William Oliveira reinforced TIS’s unwavering commitment to driving technological innovation and fostering sustainable development in Angola and across Africa. By prioritising talent development, strategic partnerships, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, TIS continues to position itself as a key player in the continent’s digital transformation.
With a clear vision for the future, Oliveira emphasised the importance of collaboration between the private sector, government, and educational institutions to create an ecosystem that not only promotes economic growth but also empowers local communities, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous Africa.
Nthabi NEO Lesufi
Journalist, AfricaHeadline.com
