Pioneering Tech Leadership: A conversation with Idris Lawal, expert in ERP solutions and digital transformation

Idris Lawal is a seasoned technology consultant and ERP solutions specialist, he shares his journey into the tech industry, his leadership insights, and the future of ERP systems in Africa. With over a decade of experience in implementing SAP and Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions, Lawal discusses his vision for digital transformation and his efforts to address the skills gap in the tech industry.

You have a significant presence in technology consulting and ERP software solutions. How did you first enter this industry, and what drew you to it?
My entry into the ERP world began back in 2011 during my first role as a software developer. The company I worked for had a flagship product called Power Enterprise, a web-based ERP solution tailored for the local market. I was deeply involved in developing and improving the solution, which gave me my first exposure to ERP systems. Later, in 2015, I joined Accenture and was part of an SAP ERP project for one of the largest conglomerates in Africa. This experience showed me the potential of ERP systems to transform business operations and cemented my passion for this field.

Over the course of 10 years, what would you say is your most significant achievement in the industry?
I’d say the most significant achievement in my career was managing the rollout of Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP for a Tier 1 bank across six countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. It was a challenging, multi-year project that involved complex regional and regulatory requirements. The diverse range of stakeholders meant that we had to tailor solutions to meet specific needs while ensuring the overall program remained cohesive. The successful execution of this project, despite the challenges, gave the bank a platform to streamline its operations across multiple regions efficiently.

You’ve been described as having a “tech-agnostic” approach. Can you explain what that means and how it informs your work?
Being tech-agnostic means that I don’t limit myself or my solutions to any specific technology or platform. I focus on understanding the client’s unique challenges and then choose the most suitable technology to address those needs. This approach allows for flexibility and ensures that the technology doesn’t dictate the solution—rather, the client’s needs do. Steve Jobs’ philosophy of starting with the customer experience and then working backwards to the technology is something I hold closely. It’s all about adapting technology to meet goals, not the other way around.

The tech industry is evolving rapidly. What trends are you currently seeing that are shaping the future of ERP and consulting?
Several trends stand out. First, Cloud ERP Adoption is at the forefront, with many organizations moving towards cloud-based solutions like SAP S/4HANA and Microsoft Dynamics 365. These systems offer scalability, flexibility, and a lower total cost of ownership, which are all crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Another important trend is the rise of data-driven decision making. Organizations are leveraging advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning within their ERP systems to drive real-time insights. This shift allows businesses to be proactive, optimize operations, and create a competitive edge.

Lastly, digital transformation is not just about improving transactional efficiency. Many companies are using ERP systems as part of broader digital strategies to modernize legacy systems and create new business models. These are exciting times for ERP solutions.

What challenges do professionals face in navigating these transformations, and how can they overcome them?
Digital transformation projects are incredibly complex, particularly when they involve ERP systems. These projects are often resource-intensive and come with high expectations for a quick return on investment. To navigate these challenges, professionals should adopt an agile methodology, which allows for breaking down projects into smaller, manageable pieces. This helps ensure that the transformation is aligned with the business’s broader goals.

Another major challenge is cloud migration, especially for organizations moving from on-premise systems to cloud-based ERP solutions. Ensuring data integrity and managing hybrid environments is no small feat. I recommend organizations start with a thorough cloud readiness assessment to minimize risk and choose the right deployment model, whether it’s public, private, or hybrid.

Lastly, talent acquisition and retention is an ongoing issue. The industry lacks professionals who possess deep expertise in both traditional ERP systems and emerging technologies like AI. Building a strong employer brand, offering flexible work options, and investing in employee development are key strategies for retaining top talent.

Could you tell us about any innovative initiatives you’re involved in that are shaping the future of the industry?
One project I’m especially proud of is the Digital Talent Hub, which I’m pioneering to address the tech skills gap in Nigeria and across Africa. The Hub is more than just a training program—it’s a strategic investment in our region’s future. We provide hands-on training and practical experience to young professionals, preparing them for the digital economy. By bridging the gap between education and employment, we’re not only helping individuals but also contributing to the growth of the tech ecosystem in Africa.

Can you provide a specific example where your strategies made a significant impact?
Absolutely. One example that stands out is when a petrochemical company approached my firm for an SAP implementation across multiple modules during the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) phase of building their facilities. After assessing their situation, we advised the company to focus on implementing the core modules relevant to their current operations, instead of rushing into a full-scale implementation. The project was delivered ahead of schedule, significantly under budget, and mitigated the risk of reimplementation for future phases. This phased approach helped streamline their processes and saved them considerable costs in the long run.

Looking to the future, what excites you most about the ERP and technology consulting industry? Where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth?
The most exciting development is the emergence of intelligent ERP systems. These systems, powered by AI and machine learning, have the potential to revolutionize business operations by enabling real-time, predictive decision-making. They are transforming ERP from a transactional platform to a strategic business enabler. Consulting firms that develop expertise in AI-powered ERP solutions will have an enormous opportunity to deliver transformative insights to their clients.

Outside of your work in consulting, you’re also passionate about mentoring young talent in software engineering. How has that shaped your career?
Mentoring young software engineers in Nigeria has been a deeply rewarding experience. I’ve encountered many self-taught programmers who are highly motivated, but often lack formal training in key areas like software architecture, testing, and design patterns. Through mentorship programs, I’ve been able to guide these individuals and help them build stronger, more scalable solutions. Seeing them succeed has been incredibly fulfilling and reinforces my belief in the power of knowledge-sharing. It’s important for us as industry leaders to invest in the next generation of talent.

Before we wrap up, are there any educational achievements or awards you’d like to share?
I hold both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Software Engineering, from the American University of Nigeria and Queen Mary University of London, respectively. These educational experiences provided me with a solid foundation, both technically and strategically, that has been instrumental throughout my career.

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