BAT Nigeria Wins Africa CIO Award For Innovation, Digital Transformation

BAT Nigeria has been honoured with a Special Recognition Award for its outstanding contributions to innovation, digital transformation, and enterprise leadership across Africa at the 2025 CIO & C-Suite Awards Africa.

This award, held in Lagos, underscores BATN’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology, data-driven insights, and strategic partnerships to enhance operational excellence, foster sustainable growth, and strengthen its role as a forward-thinking enterprise in Africa’s evolving digital economy.

The managing director, BAT Nigeria, Yarub Al-Bahrani, said that “being recognised with the Africa CIO Award is truly an honour. This award is proof of our people’s dedication and the strength of our vision. At BATN, we believe that digital transformation is not just about technology, but also about creating sustainable value, empowering our workforce, and building resilience for the future.

From our smart manufacturing systems to AI-powered trade platforms, we are embedding innovation across every facet of our operations. We are honoured to be recognized among Africa’s leading enterprises, and we remain committed to driving innovation that positively shapes industries, communities, and the continent at large.”

He mentioned that at BATN, operations are increasingly driven by digital innovation.

The company, he added, has implemented the Global Manufacturing System and integrated factory data into the Enterprise Data Platform, enabling real-time insights and smarter decision-making.

“Through initiatives such as the Utility Monitoring System and Smart Boiler project, BATN is optimising energy consumption, reducing downtime, and enhancing overall equipment effectiveness. These efforts have translated into measurable improvements in performance, sustainability, and energy efficiency across its manufacturing footprint.

“Commercially, BATN has taken bold steps in digitisation. Its trade and marketing operations are powered by an AI-enabled digital trade platform, which streamlines execution and provides real-time data on brand performance and market dynamics.

“This platform not only improves efficiency but also sharpens the company’s ability to track KPIs and respond quickly to changing consumer needs. Combined with deep consumer insights across Nigeria, BATN can tailor activities to local market realities, support the successful launch of new products, and strengthen brand penetration.”

According to Al-Bahrani, these digital initiatives ensure that BATN is building a more efficient, consumer-focused, and future-ready business; one that can continue to compete effectively and grow sustainably in Nigeria.

The CIO & C-Suite Awards Africa is a premier platform that celebrates visionary leaders and organisations shaping Africa’s digital and enterprise landscape. BATN’s recognition reflects its leadership in adopting transformative strategies that balance business growth with sustainability, innovation, and stakeholder engagement.