Nisheel Shah, Chief Executive Officer of Osho Chemical Industries Ltd, has been named a finalist for the prestigious CXO of the Year Award at the CIO100 Symposium & Awards 2025, positioning him among an elite group of technology leaders reshaping Africa’s digital transformation landscape.
Shah leads one of East and Central Africa’s largest agrochemical manufacturing operations, with Osho Chemical Industries boasting over 500 distributors, 6,000 stockists, and operations spanning Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Burundi. The company impacts approximately 10 million farmers across the region.
His recognition comes as 162 organisations across Africa compete for honors at the 17th edition of the CIO100 Awards, selected from a record 1,200 applications spanning Mauritius, East, West, and South Africa.
Digital transformation in manufacturing
Under Shah’s leadership, Osho Chemical Industries has grown from a small collective of six employees in 1993 to a workforce of 506 staff members , establishing itself as a benchmark for operational excellence in the manufacturing sector. The company’s ICT leadership, driven by CIO Stanislaus Banda Otieno, has championed enterprise-wide digital transformation, optimizing ERP/CRM systems and elevating customer experience through strategic technology integration CIO Africa Events.
Osho Chemical’s digital transformation through adoption of Microsoft Dynamics NAV ERP, which streamlined operations and saved staff significant time—reducing reporting work by 10 days per month, allowing employees more work-life balance. The solution is customized in-house, easy to use, and continuously evolving with support from Microsoft and Akiliafrica. Shah emphasized that real-time data empowers smarter work and faster decisions, enabling Osho Chemicals to double in size since adoption began in 2007.
The company was recognized as the 3rd Best Workplace in Kenya by Great Place to Work (GPTW) organization a remarkable achievement for a family-owned manufacturing business and a testament to its commitment to innovation and employee excellence.
Commitment to sustainable innovation
Founded by Manoj Shah, Osho Chemical Industries started by providing chemical inputs for the textile industry before identifying a gap in the agricultural sector. The company now operates the largest manufacturing facility in East and Central Africa , demonstrating a sustained commitment to local manufacturing and technological advancement.
The company has pioneered skills development initiatives, including an indentured learners’ program that trained 66 machine operators and an apprenticeship program equipping professionals with practical skills, with 90% of graduate apprentices receiving permanent employment
Sustainability and CSR Initiatives
Osho Chemical demonstrates strong commitment to sustainability through active CSR work, such as tree planting at Kinale Forest to support conservation and biodiversity. The company aims to reduce its carbon footprint, promote eco-friendly production, and foster community collaboration for climate change mitigation. This initiative reflects its broader ecological responsibility and dedication to a greener future.
Africa’s Digital Transformation Momentum
The CIO100 Awards reflect Africa’s accelerating digital transformation, with the continent’s digital transformation market projected to reach $30 billion in 2025 and exceed $63 billion by 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence allAfrica.comCapitalfm.
This year’s symposium will feature inspiring keynotes, roundtables, panels, and presentations focused on emerging technologies such as generative AI and Edge Computing, providing invaluable insights for IT leaders seeking to drive business growth through innovative leadership.
Join the Celebration
The CIO100 Symposium & Awards 2025 will take place from November 19-21, 2025, at Enashipai Resort & Spa in Naivasha, Kenya , bringing together technology leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from across Africa to celebrate excellence in digital leadership and transformation.
The event recognizes 100 outstanding IT leaders and their organizations that are reshaping industries through cloud computing, artificial intelligence, fintech innovation, e-government solutions, and sustainability initiatives.
About Osho Chemical Industries Ltd
Osho Chemical Industries Ltd is a leader in manufacturing, distributing, and marketing quality and affordable agrochemicals, industrial chemicals, public health products, and animal health products, committed to offering innovative and sustainable solutions to customers in Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa