Long before data science gained its current prestige, Mark Germishuys, CEO of NGA (Ngidi Germishuys and Associates), was breaking new ground. Armed with a patent that rivaled Dow Jones and Thomas Reuters, he launched South Africa’s first data capturing machine in 1999, setting a precedent in big data and predictive analysis.
A Visionary Foundation
Mark Germishuys, a UK Chartered Certified Accountant with 20 years of expertise in data and statistical pattern recognition, saw untapped potential in the growing volumes of internet data. Without tools to analyze it, the data was inert. NGA changed that, creating the IT infrastructure to extract valuable insights with minimal human intervention.
“They’ve fully integrated multi-databases into one system, minimizing human interaction and ensuring precision analysis free of bias.”
This innovation drastically reduced the time required for tasks like fraud detection, compliance checks, and market analysis—from months to minutes—empowering businesses to make informed decisions.
Early Successes and Global Partnerships
Initially, NGA focused on fraud detection and regulatory reporting in health and finance, serving prominent clients like Mercantile Bank and Momentum Health. A pivotal partnership with Fundamo in 2006 enabled NGA to monitor mobile money systems, playing a vital role in MTN’s African rollouts and Pakistan’s Easy Paisa.
By 2011, NGA’s systems were integral to global mobile payment solutions, solidifying its reputation for delivering actionable insights across industries.
Big Data’s Competitive Edge
Today, big data enables companies to mine and analyze vast datasets, revealing patterns and trends related to human behavior. This technology allows businesses to tailor customer experiences, predict competitor actions, and maintain a competitive edge.
“Data science is the most prolific technological innovation in market research since the 19th century, returning power to clients with speed and accuracy.”
Evolving to Meet Modern Needs
Now employing a team of data engineers, actuaries, mathematicians, and domain experts, NGA continues to innovate. Its forensic science algorithms, geospatial intelligence, and proprietary scoring technology deliver customized insights at an affordable price for South African businesses.
Key areas of focus include:
- Fraud Detection and Risk Management: Enhanced anti-money laundering capabilities.
- Social Media Analytics and Adverse Media: Tracking public sentiment and competitor trends.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): Advanced unsupervised and supervised modeling for extracting patterns from text.
- Sustainable Farming Solutions: Using precision imagery and AI to optimize agricultural practices.
20 Years of Innovation
From fraud prevention to NLP and sustainable farming, NGA remains at the forefront of data science, blending cutting-edge technology with real-world applications to drive global business success.