How Mitsumi is Combining Technology and Cybersecurity to Drive Africa’s Digital Growth

As Africa continues its transition toward a dynamic digital economy, cybersecurity has become a central concern. For Mitsumi Distribution, a major player in technology distribution across the continent, innovation cannot be separated from the protection of systems and data. In this interview with Africa CyberSecurity Mag, Mitesh Shah, Co-Chairman and Managing Director of Mitsumi Distribution, unveils the company’s strategy. For him, it is a strong commitment to a digital development that is inclusive, innovative, and secure. Cloud, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity are no longer optional they are essential pillars for building Africa’s digital future.

Africa CyberSecurity Mag : With this new chapter in Mitsumi’s growth journey, what specific future- ready IT and enterprise solutions can partners and customers expect to see rolled out in the coming months?

Mitesh Shah:  Mitsumi’s growth is defined by our proactive approach to expanding and strengthening our portfolio with technologies that are relevant, future-ready, and aligned with market demand. We are consistently evaluating emerging trends and identifying global brands that bring differentiated value to our partners. Recent additions such as APC, SanDisk, PNY, NETGEAR, and Barracuda allow us to deliver a broader range of solutions spanning power management, high-performance storage, AI acceleration, enterprise networking, and cybersecurity. This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing the capabilities of our partners and ensuring they have access to world-class technologies that enable them to scale, innovate, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Africa CyberSecurity Mag : Which sectors are showing the fastest tech adoption in the region right now?

Mitesh Shah:  We are seeing strong technology adoption in key verticals such as education, healthcare, public services, retail, and financial services. The pandemic acted as a digital catalyst for sectors like education and healthcare, which are now embracing cloud enabled platforms, remote learning, telemedicine, and secure data systems. Governments are actively investing in smart cities and e- governance, while banks and fintech firms are accelerating digital transformation to stay competitive. Mitsumi supports these sectors through customized distribution models, integrated solutions from our diverse vendor base, and on ground support that enables fast deployment and scalability.

Africa CyberSecurity Mag : As a long- time leader in distribution, how is Mitsumi evolving to stay ahead in a fast- changing tech landscape?

Mitesh Shah:  Mitsumi’s evolution is rooted in strategic foresight, partner alignment, and operational agility. We are continuously expanding our brand portfolio to include future- focused vendors that complement our existing strengths. Our investment in local presence  now across 30+ countries - ensures proximity to markets and faster response times. We're also leveraging data to refine channel strategies, optimize inventory, and anticipate market trends. By embracing digital tools internally and offering value added services externally, we are not just distributing technology  we’re enabling ecosystems. This dynamic approach ensures Mitsumi remains a trusted and innovative leader in IT distribution across the MEA region.

Africa CyberSecurity Mag : What measures do you take to ensure that your technology aligns with the specific needs of different regions or industries?

Mitesh Shah: At Mitsumi, we understand that one size does not fit all, especially when it comes to technology adoption. Our approach to regional and industry-specific needs is rooted in active engagement with local markets. We work closely with partners and customers to understand their unique challenges, cultural contexts, regulatory requirements, and business goals. Whether we are developing solutions for the healthcare sector in the Middle East, offering customized educational tools in Africa, or adapting to the fast-evolving regulatory environment in Europe, we ensure that our technology is perfectly tailored to meet the needs of the region. Our localized teams are key in ensuring that our offerings align with the specific nuances of each market. This approach includes adapting support models, offering region-specific solutions, and ensuring compliance with local standards to ensure seamless integration and maximum impact. 

Africa CyberSecurity Mag : What are your company’s long-term goals regarding AI, cloud, or data sovereignty?

Mitesh Shah: Our long-term goals center on empowering businesses to leverage intelligent, secure, and compliant technology solutions. We see AI and cloud as the pillars of the future digital economy, enabling businesses to scale faster, optimize operations, and unlock new opportunities. In particular, we aim to make AI more accessible, helping businesses harness the power of machine learning, natural language processing, and automation to drive efficiency. Regarding cloud, we envision providing robust, scalable infrastructure solutions that offer flexibility while maintaining strong data sovereignty standards. Data sovereignty ensuring that businesses and nations maintain control over their own data  is central to our mission. As more enterprises in MEA and globally seek secure cloud environments, we are committed to helping our customers implement solutions that comply with local regulations and respect data privacy rights. By partnering with trusted providers and focusing on compliance, security, and innovation, we aim to be at the forefront of shaping the future of AI and cloud adoption.

Africa CyberSecurity Mag : What are your company’s long-term goals regarding AI, cloud, or data sovereignty?

Mitesh Shah:  Our long-term goals center on empowering businesses to leverage intelligent, secure, and compliant technology solutions. We see AI and cloud as the pillars of the future digital economy, enabling businesses to scale faster, optimize operations, and unlock new opportunities. In particular, we aim to make AI more accessible, helping businesses harness the power of machine learning, natural language processing, and automation to drive efficiency. Regarding cloud, we envision providing robust, scalable infrastructure solutions that offer flexibility while maintaining strong data sovereignty standards. Data sovereignty  ensuring that businesses and nations maintain control over their own data  is central to our mission. As more enterprises in MEA and globally seek secure cloud environments, we are committed to helping our customers implement solutions that comply with local regulations and respect data privacy rights. By partnering with trusted providers and focusing on compliance, security, and innovation, we aim to be at the forefront of shaping the future of AI and cloud adoption.

Africa CyberSecurity Mag: In what ways is the ongoing technology boom transforming the roles and expectations of channel partners in the MEA region?

Mitesh Shah:  The technology boom is redefining the role of channel partners across the MEA region. Traditionally, channel partners acted primarily as distributors and resellers, but now they are evolving into trusted consultants, solution architects, and customer success managers. Partners are expected to offer more than just products  they need to provide end-to-end solutions, from deployment and integration to post-sale support and ongoing innovation. With businesses looking for more personalized, tailored solutions, partners must be able to guide customers through complex digital transformations. Mitsumi supports this shift by providing partners with the necessary tools, training, and insights to help them add value throughout the customer lifecycle. We also work with partners to enhance their technical capabilities, ensuring they are equipped to handle the growing complexity of modern IT solutions and meet the evolving needs of their customers.

Africa CyberSecurity Mag: What are your views on the role of democratized technology in empowering underdeveloped regions?

Mitesh Shah: Democratized technology has the potential to revolutionize underdeveloped regions by offering access to advanced tools and resources that were previously out of reach. By making technology affordable and accessible, we can empower local communities, foster entrepreneurship, and improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure. In underdeveloped regions, where resources may be limited, democratized technology enables innovation and creates new economic opportunities. At Mitsumi, we are deeply committed to playing a role in this transformation by ensuring our technology offerings are inclusive, scalable, and accessible to diverse communities. We work closely with local governments, NGOs, and businesses to ensure that technology reaches those who need it most, helping to bridge the digital divide and foster sustainable development.