The Technologist Who Follows the Voice of the Customer
For Saif, purpose is defined by one core principle: success is measured not by the value or size of the deal, but by client satisfaction.
A Journey Forged by Disruption
With over 25 years of experience, Saif's career in TMT was forged during one of the industry's most significant disruptions: the Y2K crisis. This pivotal moment set him on a path to a career in computer science and technology. As he climbed the ladder through some of the world's largest system integrators, his focus was always on execution and sales-led delivery.
His unique perspective comes from being on the ground, ensuring that strategy isn't just a plan but a tangible reality. "A leader cannot be a manager. You need to be a team player," he says, a philosophy that keeps him close to his clients and the people he works with as a team.
A New Kind of Growth Leader
Recently joining the firm as a Director in the TMT Growth Office, Saif's mission is to challenge the status quo. He aims to change how clients see the firm, not just as an auditor, advisor, or risk consultant, but as a trusted systems integration partner for Africa's IT and telco industries.
For Saif, building long-term client relationships is critical, and that starts with delivery. The true measure of a successful project is not how well it starts, but how well it finishes. This approach builds the kind of deep trust and loyalty that leads to organic growth.
He believes that this level of trust can only be achieved if every member of the team, especially those on the front lines, has deep technical knowledge. "Today's sales leaders must be equipped with the latest technology insights and expertise," he asserts. The "we will come back to you" approach won't cut it anymore - clients expect immediate, informed engagement.
Building Relationships That Last
Saif's approach to professional relationships is built on a simple but powerful foundation: he sees his clients as friends and partners on a shared journey.
Throughout his career, he has scaled greenfield transformations across network modernisation, IT engineering, data and analytics, and Infrastructure as a Service. Today, his focus is helping organisations become AI-native, building 'AI as a Service' capabilities and leveraging API-driven platforms for machine learning.
He sees immense opportunity across Africa's TMT sector, where the continued rise of fintech and AI, the uptake of technologies like 5G, fixed wireless access, and strategic investment in technology alliances are fueling unprecedented growth.
His personal interests reflect this same methodical and creative approach to problem-solving. He enjoys cooking and creating fusion foods, and finds his inner peace through painting. This hands-on, meticulous approach mirrors his professional philosophy: understand the full ecosystem, break down the problem, and build a tailored solution from scratch.
A Legacy Built on Impact
Looking back, Saif hopes to leave behind a legacy of success stories and satisfied clients, a future where new business is not chased but earned through a reputation for excellence.
He believes that a good leader leaves behind a strong framework of trust and competence, a foundation where success stories become the primary sales tool. For him, a great career is not measured by personal targets, but by the number of satisfied clients who gladly come back for more. In the TMT industry, Saif knows that this impact is the only path to true and lasting greatness.