SAP has promoted Zakaria Haltout to head the global channel and general business for MENA. According to the newly appointed channel head, SMBs will drive the region’s USD 12 billion business intelligence market.
SAP’s MENA channel program grew by 61%, with channel coverage increasing by 25% from 2015-2016, making it one of the fastest-growing regions in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for the SAP PartnerEdge Program. SAP has over 120 regional partners.
“Small and Medium businesses in this region need the right channel partner to succeed in the Internet of Things. Partners should have specialized training in new digital business models, especially across artificial intelligence, blockchain and machine learning innovations,” said Zakaria Haltout, Head of Global Channels and General Business for MENA at SAP.
While SMEs comprise the majority of Middle East enterprises, they lag in digital technology adoption. Among SMEs in the region, only 18% in the UAE are digital, and only 15% in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to a recent report by Digital McKinsey.
“Zakaria Haltout is a proven leader, with the local knowledge and expertise that will drive the Middle East and North Africa as a strategic global market. We will work closely in upskilling our partners to enable the digital transformation of small and medium enterprises,” said Nick Malone, Vice President of EMEA South, Global Channels and General Business unit at SAP.
