NTT DATA and Cisco Drive AI Expansion in Middle East and Africa

NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and IT services, has partnered with Cisco to release a new IDC InfoBrief titled Wired for Intelligence: A CIO Guide to Enterprise Networking for AI. This report offers strategic guidance for businesses in the Middle East and Africa aiming to adopt artificial intelligence through network modernization. (NTT DATA press release, August 27 2025)

The Role of Networking in AI Adoption

Artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, demands vast volumes of data to be transmitted quickly and securely. Traditional networks often fall short in terms of scalability and responsiveness. According to the IDC report, over 78 percent of enterprises consider advanced networking capabilities crucial when choosing providers for AI infrastructure. Modern, AI-ready networks must support features such as predictive maintenance, self-healing, anomaly detection, and secure edge-to-cloud connectivity. (NTT DATA press release)

Leadership Perspectives

• Hani Nofal, SVP of Technology Solutions at NTT DATA for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized the regional importance:
  “Across the Middle East, governments and enterprises are embracing AI to drive national visions and digital transformation agendas. But without modern, secure, and intelligent networks, these ambitions risk being constrained.” (TechAfrica News report)

• Dilip Kumar, Global Head of Technology Solutions at NTT DATA, added:
  “As two market leaders, NTT DATA and Cisco are well positioned to help clients modernize their digital infrastructure foundations for the AI era.” (NTT DATA press release)

• Brink Sanders, SVP of Global Networking Sales at Cisco, stated:
  “Our partnership with NTT DATA equips clients with the technology and expertise needed to build secure and connected networks.” (NTT DATA press release)

• Chris Barnard, VP of European Infrastructure at IDC, observed:
  “Your network will make or break your AI transformation. Overcoming the challenges of legacy networking technologies is essential.” (NTT DATA press release)

• TT 

Key Takeaways from the IDC InfoBrief

The InfoBrief offers a clear framework for achieving AI readiness through:

1. Assessing infrastructure readiness against AI workload demands

2. Integrating security and governance measures

3. Transforming networks into software‑defined, automated, cloud-connected systems

4. Utilizing analytics and machine learning within the network for optimization and cost efficiency

The report also provides benchmarking tools for organizations in the MEA region, enabling them to assess their infrastructure maturity relative to global standards.

A Decades-Long Partnership Accelerates Digital Transformation

NTT DATA and Cisco have collaborated for over thirty years on infrastructure projects worldwide. In June 2025, they launched AI‑powered Software‑Defined Infrastructure (SDI) services tailored for Cisco environments. These services deliver intelligent automation, real-time insights, infrastructure optimization, and cost efficiency. (NTT DATA press release June 10 2025)

NTT DATA’s Full-Service Modernization Offering

Under the network modernization initiative, NTT DATA provides:

• Strategic advisory services

• Technology sourcing for AI‑ready infrastructure

• Implementation via professional services

• Software-Defined Infrastructure and SASE deployment

• Managed network services across edge, cloud, and on‑prem environments

• Adoption support to ensure effective use of infrastructure investments

Why the Middle East and Africa Matter

Governments in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa are heavily investing in AI and smart infrastructure. However, IDC research indicates that network infrastructure often lags, creating bottlenecks in AI deployment (TechAfrica News report). Aligning with Global Trends

Globally, AI adoption is rapidly accelerating. A 2024 Deloitte global survey showed that while 65 percent of enterprises are piloting or implementing AI, over half face delays due to infrastructure limitations. Modern networks that support AI across cloud, edge, and on‑prem environments are becoming a crucial competitive advantage.

Conclusion

The NTT DATA and Cisco collaboration, exemplified by the IDC InfoBrief and intelligent infrastructure services, marks a significant milestone for AI transformation in the Middle East and Africa. By enabling modern, secure, and scalable networks, organizations in the region gain a vital foundation for delivering enterprise-grade AI capabilities positioning them for long-term innovation and progress.