Nihka Technology Group names Francois Van Der Merwe as CEO of AI Business Unit

This appointment forms part of Nihka’s broader strategy to embed artificial intelligence at the heart of South Africa’s digital transformation agenda

Nihka Technology Group has appointed Francois Van Der Merwe as Chief Executive Officer of Nihka Artificial Intelligence, a business unit focused on artificial intelligence and data-driven solutions. The information was reported by IT Web Africa.

The appointment is part of Nihka’s broader efforts to expand its activities in artificial intelligence across multiple sectors, including cybersecurity, data governance, financial intelligence, public sector technology and industrial automation.

Nihka Technology Group is a South African-based technology services company that provides digital solutions spanning data platforms, cloud services, cybersecurity, analytics and automation. The group operates across public and private sector environments, supporting organisations with technology implementation and managed services.

Van Der Merwe has experience in technology strategy, solution architecture and applied artificial intelligence, with a background that includes machine learning, automation initiatives, cloud-based systems and enterprise technology projects. He is also associated with corporate governance practices through certification with the Institute of Directors.

In his role as CEO of Nihka Artificial Intelligence, Van Der Merwe will be responsible for the development of AI-related strategies and services for enterprise clients. His remit includes data engineering initiatives, automation projects, the implementation of AI-driven workflows and the development of internal frameworks aligned with South African regulatory requirements such as POPIA and PAIA.

According to IT Web Africa, the AI division will also focus on building proprietary platforms and AI-based products, as well as developing predictive and autonomous systems intended for deployment across African markets.

Yashmita Bhana, founder and Global Chief Executive Officer of Nihka Technology Group, said the appointment supports the company’s long-term plans to integrate artificial intelligence more deeply into its service portfolio.

Commenting on his appointment, Van Der Merwe stated that AI solutions developed for African organisations should take into account local economic, regulatory and operational contexts, rather than replicating models created for other regions.

The establishment of a dedicated AI business unit positions artificial intelligence as a defined area within Nihka Technology Group’s organisational structure, as the company continues to expand its technology offerings in South Africa and other African markets.