Digital
NTT Data boosts Salesforce strength with Exah acquisition in MEA region
MUMBAI: NTT Data has snapped up Exah, a Salesforce consulting partner and AI implementation specialist, to supercharge its customer engagement game across the Middle East and Africa (MEA).
The Johannesburg-based acquisition strengthens NTT Data’s in-region Salesforce capabilities, blending its global scale with Exah’s proven local expertise. The result? Smarter, faster and more personalised Salesforce solutions for clients navigating today’s customer-first economy.
Salesforce is already a cornerstone of NTT Data’s growth strategy, offering unified customer data, streamlined workflows and AI-powered insights. By bringing Exah on board, NTT Data adds an extra layer of technical depth and on-the-ground support.
NTT Data MEA CEO Alan Turnley-Jones, said the acquisition was about “combining Exah’s expertise with NTT Data’s global capabilities to deliver innovative solutions that drive customer engagement and business growth.”
For Exah, it’s a chance to plug into a global network while staying true to its roots. “Delivering exceptional customer value through innovation is our founding principle,” said Exah managing director Tiaan le Roux. “Joining NTT Data lets us amplify that mission across Africa and beyond.”
This move follows NTT Data’s 2023 purchase of MuleSoft consultancy Apisero, further strengthening its integration chops across digital, voice and CRM platforms. With Exah in the fold, NTT Data can now deliver Salesforce expertise end-to-end, from integration to post-implementation support, while also building local skills through its young talent programme.
For businesses across the MEA region, it means a stronger partner to keep their customer relationships cleaner, faster and smarter, no manual refresh needed.
Digital
Maharashtra partners OpenAI, Sarvam AI to boost state’s tech ecosystem
State to set up dedicated AI department and roll out frontier technology policies
MUMBAI: Maharashtra is set to become a primary hub for artificial intelligence following the 2026–27 Budget announcement. chief minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the state has signed letters of intent with global giant OpenAI and national pioneer Sarvam AI to integrate advanced technology into the state’s economic and administrative framework.
The collaboration with OpenAI and Sarvam AI marks a shift towards adopting cutting-edge generative tools for governance. These partnerships, alongside MoUs with IIT Bombay and BharatGen, are designed to create a robust ecosystem for research and innovation. The move signals the state’s intent to bring together global technology leaders and domestic research institutions to accelerate the development and adoption of artificial intelligence across sectors.
Regarding the strategic intent of these alliances, chief minister Fadnavis stated, “With the objective of making the State’s Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence sector dynamic, letters of intent have been signed with globally and nationally reputed institutions like OpenAI and Sarvam AI to facilitate the Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence sector in the state.”
To manage these high-level partnerships and ensure effective implementation, the government is establishing an independent department of electronics, Information technology, and artificial intelligence. The new department will function with a dedicated commissionerate and specialised technical manpower, enabling faster decision-making, improved coordination, and stronger accountability in executing technology-driven initiatives.
The state also plans to introduce special policies aimed at strengthening its position in emerging technology sectors. These policies will focus on advancing Maharashtra as a global hub for frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, drones, autonomous vehicles, and deep technology.
According to the chief minister, “The state government plans to introduce special policies to develop Maharashtra as a world-class hub for frontier technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, drones, autonomous vehicles and deep technology.”
Artificial intelligence is already being integrated into the state’s governance framework. A collaboration with Microsoft has led to the development of MahaCrimeOS AI, a platform that has reportedly reduced police investigation times by 80 per cent across 23 police stations in Nagpur. The initiative demonstrates how AI-driven tools can significantly enhance law enforcement efficiency and data analysis capabilities.
The government is also working toward building a fully digitised administrative ecosystem. Plans are underway to achieve complete digitisation of land transactions and implement electronic office systems across departments, paving the way for a paperless government. In addition, a pilot project will introduce AI-powered solutions in 75 selected villages to improve infrastructure, governance efficiency, and overall quality of life in rural areas.
To strengthen digital infrastructure and data protection, the state also intends to establish an advanced data centre in Nagpur. This facility will be designed to safeguard sensitive and sovereign information while supporting large-scale digital services and government platforms.
These initiatives form part of Maharashtra’s broader cyber security and digital transformation strategy aligned with the Viksit Maharashtra 2047 vision. By partnering with global and domestic technology leaders such as OpenAI and Sarvam AI, the state aims to build a secure, future-ready digital ecosystem that enhances citizen services, supports innovation, and strengthens India’s position in emerging technologies.
