Utande sets up in Botswana
BOTSWANA GUARDIAN: Kindly introduce Dandemutande Investments.
NEVER NCUBE: Dandemutande Investments is a leading ICT solutions provider in southern Africa. Originally founded in 1997 as an Internet Service Provider, the company has grown into a full-stack technology solutions provider, offering services which include internet connectivity, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, unified communications, tracking and ICT hardware services. Recently Dandemutande, through its subsidiary, Utande Internet Services has expanded to the region and operates in three other countries, Botswana, Namibia, and Malawi.
GUARDIAN: What informed your decision to set up Botswana?
NCUBE: We chose to establish our subsidiary in Botswana because we trust and believe in the stability of the market. Botswana serves as our springboard into the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, given its strategic location, stable economy, and its strong alignment with our business values. The country also offers a robust infrastructure and a conducive environment for ICT-driven growth, making it an ideal location to expand our presence and introduce cutting-edge technologies.
GUARDIAN: What is your long-term vision for Utande Botswana, and how do you see the company evolving over the next five years?
NCUBE: Our vision is to become the most admired technology solutions partner not only in Botswana but in Africa. Over the next five years, we will be evolving into a key player across the SADC region, providing innovative, flexible and scalable solutions to help businesses thrive. We are focused on growing our cloud services, cybersecurity offerings, and expanding our footprint while deepening partnerships to drive regional transformation.
GUARDIAN: How do you assess your current position in the market compared to competitors, and what steps are you taking to enhance your competitive edge?
NCUBE: In Zimbabwe, we are the 3rd largest technology service provider and the largest satellite service provider with 36% market share. In Botswana, we are making strategic inroads by leveraging our strong relationships with major local and regional businesses. Our competitive edge lies in our ability to offer a diverse range of flexible and innovative services, including cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and managed IT services, positioning us as a trusted partner for businesses looking to grow and innovate. We also pride ourselves on customer centricity, ensuring our solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients, which enhances their overall experience and satisfaction.
GUARDIAN: In what ways is the company leveraging new technologies to drive growth and improve operational efficiency?
NCUBE: Through partnerships with global technology giants, we are giving African businesses access to global platforms. Our cybersecurity solutions leverage AI-driven threat detection and machine learning to ensure proactive protection, while our cloud services optimize performance using AI, automation, and real-time analytics. We are also enhancing connectivity with emerging satellite technologies, expanding access to underserved areas.
GUARDIAN: What are the biggest risks you foresee in the current economic climate, and how is the company preparing to mitigate them?
NCUBE: The economic climate poses several risks that includes currency fluctuations, regional instability, and cyber threats. To mitigate these risks, we are focusing on building resilient infrastructure, expanding our cybersecurity solutions, with a 24/7 regional Security Operations Center to provide constant protection. We are also establishing partnerships that strengthen our ability to adapt to market changes. By being responsive and accountable to our customers, we are ensuring that we can navigate potential challenges effectively.
GUARDIAN: What role do strategic partnerships play in the group’s growth strategy, and how do you identify potential collaborators?
NCUBE: Partnerships are integral to our growth strategy. We collaborate with both local and global partners like Bofinet, Paratus and Liquid to enhance our offerings. We look for partners that align with our vision of innovation, flexibility, and customer care and who can help us deliver cutting-edge solutions across the SADC region. Through these partnerships, we can expand our service portfolio and offer tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of our customers.
GUARDIAN: Can you share your insights on the financial health of the company and how you plan to drive revenue growth in the coming years?
NCUBE: Utande is in a strong financial position, driven by our diversified portfolio of services and strategic regional expansion. We plan to drive revenue growth by focusing on high-demand sectors such as cloud services, cybersecurity, and managed IT solutions, while deepening our presence in key markets like Botswana and expanding further into Zambia, Malawi, and Namibia. Our focus on innovation and strong partnerships will also play a critical role in sustaining our growth trajectory.
GUARDIAN: How is Utande adapting to the digital landscape, and what are the key areas of focus for your digital transformation efforts?
NCUBE: We are adapting to the digital landscape by expanding our cloud offerings, enhancing our cybersecurity portfolio, and integrating emerging technologies and managed IT services into our solutions. Our focus is on providing businesses with flexible, scalable, and secure digital infrastructure that allows them to grow confidently. Our presence in Teraco's Johannesburg Data Centre further supports our ability to deliver state-of-the-art digital solutions across the SADC region.